Introduction
At the end of Milestone 2, we had successfully narrowed down our scope from office workers to architecture students at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning (TCAUP) at the University of Michigan.
Using both a diary study and survey, we developed a thorough understanding of problems with the current architecture studio space, and developed 5 key insights:
Based on these insights, we came up with 3 concepts:
After considering all three of our ideas, we decided to move forward with the Work Window concept because it is both interesting and demonstrable, while strongly meeting all 4 of our design criteria: the Work Window is unobtrusive, allows for personalization, doesn't induce stress, and doesn't disrupt the collaborative nature of the studio.
Using both a diary study and survey, we developed a thorough understanding of problems with the current architecture studio space, and developed 5 key insights:
- The architecture studio is more than a space to work, but also a place to collaborate with peers.
- Students use the studio as a place to concentrate on work, or take advantage of resources (laser cutter, printers, etc.), but they are often distracted by the sounds and temperature in the studio.
- Architecture students rely heavily on tools and physical materials when working on projects, but feel that storage space and managing their desk space are challenging.
- There is a wide range of environments throughout the architecture studios, but the desk spaces students are assigned don't necessarily mesh with their preferences.
- The architecture program is very stressful and students spend an incredible amount time in studio.
Based on these insights, we came up with 3 concepts:
- Work Window, a virtual window that produces sounds and moving graphics to help create changes in the studio environment
- ULight Glasses, glasses that allow students to adjust the lightning in their environment to meet their needs without disrupting other students
- AR Model Goggles, goggles that can be used to build models virtually, removing the need for physical materials, and allowing students to work outside the studio
After considering all three of our ideas, we decided to move forward with the Work Window concept because it is both interesting and demonstrable, while strongly meeting all 4 of our design criteria: the Work Window is unobtrusive, allows for personalization, doesn't induce stress, and doesn't disrupt the collaborative nature of the studio.
Study Design
Research Questions
In thinking about the prototype and scenarios for our User Enactments (UEs), we defined several research questions:
- How much interaction do students want to have with the Work Window?
- Would they like opportunities for interaction, or would they prefer a completely ambient product?
- What size would be optimal for the Work Window?
- Do students have space to have their own Work Window on their desk?
- Would the Work Window be more engaging if it was implemented on a larger scale?
- Are there certain scenarios that require special functionality (like arriving at, or leaving the studio)?
- Should the Work Window behave differently based on how many other students are in the studio?
Pilot Test
Considering these research questions, we came up with several dimensions to use in testing the Work Window. From our previous research, we knew that architecture students disliked having too many distractions while working, so we wanted to make sure that our product would not be considered distracting. To determine this, we considered two interaction levels for the Work Window:
In addition to looking at interaction level, we chose two other dimensions to consider:
- Low: in low interaction scenarios, the virtual window conducts most tasks automatically, and there are few options for interaction
- High: in high interaction scenarios, the virtual window provides more opportunities for interaction, particularly with a virtual pet included in the window
In addition to looking at interaction level, we chose two other dimensions to consider:
- Activity Lifecycle: Has the user just arrived, been there for awhile, or are they leaving?
We chose this dimension to help us determine if there are certain scenarios in which the functionality of the Work Window should deviate from the norm. - Number of People in Studio: Is the user alone, or are there few or many people around?
In conducting our Milestone 2 research, we learned that the level of activity in the studio can fluctuate throughout the day. We chose this dimension to determine if the number of other people in the environment affects how users want to interact with the Work Window.
No other people in studio |
A few other people in studio |
A lot of other people in studio |
||
Just Arrived |
Low Interaction |
WW auto loads last used scene Your WW pet wakes up and greets you with a verbal message |
WW auto loads your last used nature scene Your WW pet wakes up |
WW auto loads last used nature scene and plays nature sounds to distract from ambient noise Your WW pet wakes up |
Just Arrived |
High Interaction |
WW turns on and asks you to select a nature scene for the day WW and your pet greet you with a verbal message |
WW turns on and asks you to select a nature scene for the day |
WW prompts you to ask if you want to send your pet to let classmates know you’ve arrived in the studio |
Working in Studio |
Low Interaction |
Your chosen nature scene changes throughout the day to show changes in time/weather A bird will show up in your scene occasionally and chirp to remind you to take breaks |
Your chosen nature scene changes throughout the day to show changes in time/weather A bird will show up in your scene occasionally and chirp to remind you to take breaks |
Your chosen scene changes throughout the day to show changes in time/weather The models your classmates are working on will begin to show up in your scene as inspiration |
Working in Studio |
High Interaction |
You can play interactive games with your virtual pets |
You can play interactive games with your virtual pets |
You can send your pet to a friend’s window with a personalized message |
Leaving |
Low Interaction |
Your WW pet says goodbye and compliments you on your hard work with a verbal message |
Your WW pet goes to sleep |
Your WW pet goes to sleep |
Leaving |
High Interaction |
N/A |
N/A |
WW prompt and ask you if you want to send your pet to let classmates know you’re leaving |
After selecting 5 scenarios (highlighted in blue), we came up with a story for each one. We also created a low fidelity paper prototype (Figure 1) of our Work Window, using printed nature scenes, and sticky notes to represent changing items. Using this prototype, we conducted 2 pilot tests on students in our class, one of whom had previous background as an architecture student.
We gained several important insights from our pilot tests. First, we learned that our virtual pet would likely be too distracting. We also realized that many of the functions we had considered for our virtual pet (for example, alerting friends that you have arrived in the studio) could already be accomplished via other means, like texting. |
Figure 1. Our initial paper prototype
|
Another important discovery we made was that moving around pieces in our paper prototype was distracting to our participants, and took their focus off of the scenario. This led us to move to a digital prototype for our future UEs.
Conducting User Enactments
Based on the feedback we received from our pilot tests, we refined our scenarios, particularly focusing on making our high interaction option less distracting. As we focused on refining our scenarios, we decided to focus on two of our research questions: How much interaction do students want to have with the Work Window? and What size would be optimal for the Work Window? because we felt that the answers to these questions would be most important in designing our final product. We ended up with five updated scenarios:
- Your Work Window contains a personal scene that you can add to over time. When you spend time in the studio, the Work Window automatically records how long you are there, and converts this time into points. You can use these points to buy new items to add to your personal scene - you will get to see your scene progress over the course of the semester. There are several options that you can choose from according to your preference, for example: a virtual aquarium, or city. You've just received your Work Window and are setting it up - pick the personal scene that you would like to start building.
At this point, the user navigates through the interface to the personal scene section, and scrolls through the possible scenes to select one they're interested in.
- Now it's the next day - a typical Thursday morning. It’s 10:30 AM, and you’ve just arrived at your desk in the studio. You don’t have any major deadlines tomorrow, but you do have a project due next Tuesday that you need to make progress on. In addition to your personal scene, the Work Window also has work mode. When you select work mode, you can select a nature scene to add ambiance to your desk while you work.
At this point, the user choses one of our nature scenes, and we have them draw for 2 minutes while listening to the nature sounds included in the scene.
- Pretend that time you spent just spent drawing before was several hours of hard work, and now you want to take a short break.You decide to interact with your Work Window to see how many points you've accrued.
At this point, the user touches the Work Window, causing a message to appear on the screen: "Congrats! You just worked for 100 minutes! This time is worth 50 points towards building your personal scene.
- Now imagine that you are stressed out because you have a big deadline tomorrow. However, you've already spent many hours working on your project without taking any breaks; you're getting burned out and tired. You decide you need to take a short break before you continue working on your project. In order to relax, you decide to try one of the meditation sessions included in the Work Window.
At this point, the user navigates to the relaxation section, and watches a short meditation/mindfulness video. - Finally, imagine that you have worked 8 hours in the studio. It's 12:00 AM, and you decide to head home. As you pack up your things, you exit your Work Window, which shows you how much time you've spent in the studio today, as well as how many points you've accumulated.
At this point, the user indicates to their Work Window that they're going to "go home", which prompts the window to display a message: “Congrats! You worked for 500 minutes today! Incredible! You also accrued 100 bonus points through relaxation activities, would you like to spend these points on your personal scene? You won’t lose them if you don't spend them. See you soon!”. From here, they can choose to spend points or exit.
Figure 2. Our revised digital prototype
To recruit participants for our UEs, we reached out to 25 survey respondents who indicated they would be interested in further participating in our research. From these respondents, we conducted sessions with 5 current architecture students.
For these UEs, we used a Google Slides presentation to simulate the different screens in the Work Window. This allowed our participants to interact with the Work Window by clicking on the screen, mimicking the touchscreen functionality that would be present in the final product. For 4 of our UEs, we had the user interact with the prototype on a laptop, which is similar in size to the personal desktop window we imagined (Figure 3). During these enactments, we received feedback that people might be interested in having a large version of the Work Window that was displayed on a wall, and shared between people in the studio. In order to further test this idea, for our final UE, we had our participant use one of the large computer monitors found in the Duderstadt VizHubs to seek feedback specifically about a larger, shared version of the Work Window. (Figure 4)
Study Results
During our UEs, our participants were able to shed light on our research questions, providing thoughtful feedback that will be invaluable as we move forward into designing a final prototype and demonstration of our system.
Analysis
Each UE had 2 researchers from our team - a moderator, and a note-taker. The moderator led the participant through the scenarios, while the note-taker took video, audio, or handwritten notes (depending on the preference of the participant). Following each UE, the note-taker individually reviewed and recorded their notes to share with the rest of the team. These initial findings were added to a Google Document where we matched them to our research questions. During an in-person team meeting, we discussed common themes and other interesting findings that emerged from our UEs.
Key Insights
Based on feedback from our participants, we came up with 5 key insights:
- Architecture students appreciate having nature scenes while they work
- Architecture students do not want any additional decisions added to their days
- Over long periods spent working in the studio, architecture students require strategic breaks refresh their minds
- Architecture students would be interested in reflecting on their hard work to gain a sense of satisfaction
- Architecture students want an individualized product
1. Architecture students appreciate having nature scenes while they work
In Scenario 2, we had our participants draw for a few minutes while sitting and listening to our prototype.They generally reacted positively to this, and enjoyed working with the ambient natural sounds.
In Scenario 2, we had our participants draw for a few minutes while sitting and listening to our prototype.They generally reacted positively to this, and enjoyed working with the ambient natural sounds.
[I] like the idea of nature scenes because they give me some inspiration and help reduce stress. I also use nature scenes for my screensaver.
--- Participant 1
With this nature sound in the background, I become focused and calm. Actually, I have my own nature sound playlist [to listen to while working].
--- Participant 3
However, some participants shared concerns, such as not wanting to listen to repetitive content, and wanting different scenes for different types of work, moods, and/or feelings.
I tried using a nature ambient noise app before. I liked it initially, but eventually got tired of the [limited] repetitive sounds and stopped using it. I try to go outside sometimes, but there aren’t a lot of places to do work outside, so this could be a nice way to replicate being outside.”
--- Participant 4
I have never tried [nature sounds] before, but I like them when drawing now. I think it works the best for certain types of work. For other types of work, I need something more energetic to keep me awake.
--- Participant 5
I wish that I could choose the scene by saying “Today, I feel like I need something make me feel like I was in the desert or hot."
--- Participant 1
ACTION
Have a large pool of options: this ensures users won’t get bored by repetitive and limited scenes.
Provide context-based or mood-based discovery feature: this allow users to explore the scenes or sounds based on time of day, type of work, or mood — as opposed to the selecting by landscape type, (e.g. forest, beach) or location. Spotify is a good example of a system that allows users to individulize their music choices based on categories.
Have a large pool of options: this ensures users won’t get bored by repetitive and limited scenes.
Provide context-based or mood-based discovery feature: this allow users to explore the scenes or sounds based on time of day, type of work, or mood — as opposed to the selecting by landscape type, (e.g. forest, beach) or location. Spotify is a good example of a system that allows users to individulize their music choices based on categories.
2. Architecture students do not want any additional decisions added to their days
Although they liked our nature scenes, our participants were not as interested in building personal scenes. While several participants thought they might enjoy the novelty of this type of feature initially, they thought that it would eventually get repetitive.
We also found that the workflow of building the personal scene added too many choices. Even though we designed the workflow of accumulating and spending points to be as minimal as possible, we received feedback that architecture students already have to use a lot of brain-power throughout the day, and don't want to make any additional decisions, no matter how small. Having two scene features (work mode nature scene and personal scene) also made our product more difficult to understand and operate.
Although they liked our nature scenes, our participants were not as interested in building personal scenes. While several participants thought they might enjoy the novelty of this type of feature initially, they thought that it would eventually get repetitive.
We also found that the workflow of building the personal scene added too many choices. Even though we designed the workflow of accumulating and spending points to be as minimal as possible, we received feedback that architecture students already have to use a lot of brain-power throughout the day, and don't want to make any additional decisions, no matter how small. Having two scene features (work mode nature scene and personal scene) also made our product more difficult to understand and operate.
I have already built something all day long in the studio. This type of game is not motivating enough for me to build another virtual scene. Even a small decision requires additional effort…. I’m also a little confused about the difference between the work time nature scenes, and the personal scene.
--- Participant 4
ACTION
Reduce the number of decisions needed: design the system so that it makes decisions for the user whenever possible. Remove the feature of building a personal scene, instead focusing on adding changes within the work mode nature scenes.
Add unknown small surprises: participants indicated that they would prefer to occasionally explore surprises over time. Automatically add changes to the nature scenes: make an animal appear, change the season, etc. This adds interest, but doesn't disrupt the serenity of the scene.
Reduce the number of decisions needed: design the system so that it makes decisions for the user whenever possible. Remove the feature of building a personal scene, instead focusing on adding changes within the work mode nature scenes.
Add unknown small surprises: participants indicated that they would prefer to occasionally explore surprises over time. Automatically add changes to the nature scenes: make an animal appear, change the season, etc. This adds interest, but doesn't disrupt the serenity of the scene.
3. Over long periods spent working in the studio, architecture students require strategic breaks refresh their minds
While participants had individual preferences for relaxing, common activities for breaks were: (1) getting up and moving around to get the blood flowing and clear the mind, such as taking a walk around the building or outside, or going to a 24-hour store; (2) socializing, such as talking to peers; or (3) working on mindfulness, such as doing meditation.
All of our participants appreciated having a feature to remind them to take short breaks periodically and reboot their cognitive energy. They also liked the idea of having meditation feature, although some were unsure if they would use this feature regularly after trying it once, or were unsure if they would feel comfortable doing in the studio with others around.
While participants had individual preferences for relaxing, common activities for breaks were: (1) getting up and moving around to get the blood flowing and clear the mind, such as taking a walk around the building or outside, or going to a 24-hour store; (2) socializing, such as talking to peers; or (3) working on mindfulness, such as doing meditation.
All of our participants appreciated having a feature to remind them to take short breaks periodically and reboot their cognitive energy. They also liked the idea of having meditation feature, although some were unsure if they would use this feature regularly after trying it once, or were unsure if they would feel comfortable doing in the studio with others around.
It can remind me to take a break or [help me to have] better time management. Sometimes, I forget that I’ve worked for a long time, or [I take a break and] can’t stop watching videos.
--- Participant 1
I like the idea of suggesting some healthy ways to relax. Sometimes, even though I know that meditation may be a better way to relax, it’s hard to think of these approaches when I'm in an extremely stressful situation. [Instead], I often take breaks that involve mindlessly eating chips while watching Youtube videos. This is actually not good for my health.
--- Participant 1
ACTION
Encourage users to take effective breaks: in addition to tracking the amount of work users are doing, remind them to relax in a healthy way.
Encourage users to take effective breaks: in addition to tracking the amount of work users are doing, remind them to relax in a healthy way.
4. Architecture students would be interested in reflecting on their hard work to gain a sense of satisfaction
In Scenario 3, we presented participants with a congratulatory message, as well as an indication of how many points they had earned by working in the studio. We displayed a similar message at the end of Scenario 5 when the user was leaving the studio. Overall, our participants didn't react strongly to this idea.
However, one of our participants liked the idea of seeing how many minutes she worked throughout the day, because she felt this would help remind her to positively embrace the hard work she did that day - instead of focusing only on the amount of work she had left to do. Another participant was interested in the idea of tracking how many hours he spent in the studio on different days.
In Scenario 3, we presented participants with a congratulatory message, as well as an indication of how many points they had earned by working in the studio. We displayed a similar message at the end of Scenario 5 when the user was leaving the studio. Overall, our participants didn't react strongly to this idea.
However, one of our participants liked the idea of seeing how many minutes she worked throughout the day, because she felt this would help remind her to positively embrace the hard work she did that day - instead of focusing only on the amount of work she had left to do. Another participant was interested in the idea of tracking how many hours he spent in the studio on different days.
Actually, for me, that would be fantastic! Something that I struggle with personally is that... I don’t have... a sense of satisfaction. Like at the end of the day, after I do my work all I can think about is how much work I have left before the deadline, and I tend to forget to congratulate myself for the work I have done so far. [Seeing this message before I go home would] help me reflect on what I finished during these hours. And that actually would help with the relaxation and the stress.
--- Participant 3, about the final complimentary message in Scenario 5
I don't really pay attention to the length of my time in the studio. I’m curious about it. It would be interesting to have something that records how much time we spend in the studio and see the analytics on work time.
--- Participant 4
ACTION
Provide the sense of satisfaction or chance to reflect on their work: encourage users to think positively about their accomplishments.
Provide the sense of satisfaction or chance to reflect on their work: encourage users to think positively about their accomplishments.
5. Architecture students want an individualized product
While one participant did express concern that the Work Window would be adding another screen to his desk, we found that our participants were interested in being able to personalize the window, something that a larger, shared Work Window would not be able to provide. Therefore, the original personal sized window will better meet the needs of our users by allowing them to match their work scenes to their mood, helping them to build positive time management habits, and celebrate their own hard work.
While one participant did express concern that the Work Window would be adding another screen to his desk, we found that our participants were interested in being able to personalize the window, something that a larger, shared Work Window would not be able to provide. Therefore, the original personal sized window will better meet the needs of our users by allowing them to match their work scenes to their mood, helping them to build positive time management habits, and celebrate their own hard work.
ACTION
Provide an individual product: design so that each user has their own product, and can customize it to best meet their needs.
Provide an individual product: design so that each user has their own product, and can customize it to best meet their needs.
Ideation and Selection
Based on our key findings from the UEs, we worked to brainstorm features that should be included in our product. We considered adjustments to existing features, as well as new feature ideas. To compare ideas during our brainstorming process, we considered 5 design criteria, which were adjusted our Milestone 2 design criteria:
With these design criteria in mind, we created a matrix of feature ideas to determine how well each feature met each criteria. The features were ranked on a score of 1-5, with 1 indicating that the feature does not meet the design criteria, and 5 indicating that the feature does meet the design criteria.
- Supports Positive Habits
Does our design help to users balance between work and play? - Unobtrusive
Does our design keep distractions to a minimum?
When it does need to distract a user, does it do so at an appropriate time? - Relaxing
Does our design help users to feel more relaxed? - Automated
Does our design require users to make any decisions?
- Customizable
Does our design allow users to customize things to their individual needs and preferences?
With these design criteria in mind, we created a matrix of feature ideas to determine how well each feature met each criteria. The features were ranked on a score of 1-5, with 1 indicating that the feature does not meet the design criteria, and 5 indicating that the feature does meet the design criteria.
Feature Category |
Feature |
Supports Positive Habits |
Unobtrusive |
Relaxing |
Automated |
Customizable |
Total |
Display |
Individual desktop screen |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
25 |
Display |
Shared wall-mounted screen |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
21 |
Display |
Shared projection on floor |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
21 |
Visuals |
Nature scenes that changed based on geographical conditions |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
19 |
Visuals |
Nature scenes that change as the user works in the studio |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
23 |
Visuals |
Incorporating images of peers' work into your screen for inspiration |
1 |
5 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
13 |
Sounds |
Ambient natural sounds |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
25 |
Sounds |
Reminders to take breaks |
5 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
23 |
Interactions |
Having a virtual pet that you can play games with |
1 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
11 |
Interactions |
Tracking the number of hours spent in the studio |
5 |
5 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
19 |
Interactions |
Accumulating and spending points to build a personal scene |
5 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
5 |
18 |
Interactions |
Participating in a meditation session |
5 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
3 |
21 |
Based on the scores above, and additional discussion about each feature, we decided to move forward with an individual Work Window that displays nature scenes that randomly change as the user spends more time in the studio. The Work Window will also play ambient natural sounds, and remind users to take breaks (and will offer meditation sessions as a break-time option).
With our updated functionality determined, we also changed the name of our product from Work Window to NatureFrame, which better embodies our "relaxing" design criteria.
With our updated functionality determined, we also changed the name of our product from Work Window to NatureFrame, which better embodies our "relaxing" design criteria.
System Concept Outline
Pervasive Technology
The NatureFrame utilizes Bluetooth technology to support the ubiquitous nature of its features. In the studio, users will pair their smartphones with the NatureFrame, which remain in sleep mode until it detects a familiar Bluetooth signal, at which point it will connect to that signal and wake up (Figure 5, Panel 1). NatureFrame will also record the duration of the Bluetooth connection, to track user progress. This progress goes towards unlocking new dynamic elements and scenes for the NatureFrame.
We feel Bluetooth connectivity is the most appropriate technology for the NatureFrame, as our UE participants indicated that the device's recording system needs to be flexible enough to capture all the different kinds of work they do in the studio. Additionally, Bluetooth is most convenient for the user because the Bluetooth paradigm is heavily used in the current technological landscape. This means our product could potentially be built today with current technology.
We feel Bluetooth connectivity is the most appropriate technology for the NatureFrame, as our UE participants indicated that the device's recording system needs to be flexible enough to capture all the different kinds of work they do in the studio. Additionally, Bluetooth is most convenient for the user because the Bluetooth paradigm is heavily used in the current technological landscape. This means our product could potentially be built today with current technology.
Features
Work Mode
Work mode is quite simple - after arriving at their desk, the user simply indicates that they are ready to start working, and NatureFrame allows them to select an ambient nature scene to watch and listen to as they work (Figure 5, Panels 2-3). This mode will run until they work for long enough that NatureFrame reminds them it's time to take a break.
Work mode is quite simple - after arriving at their desk, the user simply indicates that they are ready to start working, and NatureFrame allows them to select an ambient nature scene to watch and listen to as they work (Figure 5, Panels 2-3). This mode will run until they work for long enough that NatureFrame reminds them it's time to take a break.
Break Reminders
NatureFrame allows users to customize their work-break cycle. For example, they could choose that they would like to take a 5 minute break for every 30 minutes they work. This feature will also allow users to delay their break time if they feel they are working efficiently and don't want to interrupt their flow (Figure 5, Panel 4).
NatureFrame recommends going outside for a walk for some breaks. When this happens, it is likely the Bluetooth connection will be interrupted. To combat this, users will be able to set their phone number in the NatureFrame when they first get it. This will allow the NatureFrame to send an SMS message over WiFi with a reminder when their break is over (Figure 5, Panel 6).
NatureFrame allows users to customize their work-break cycle. For example, they could choose that they would like to take a 5 minute break for every 30 minutes they work. This feature will also allow users to delay their break time if they feel they are working efficiently and don't want to interrupt their flow (Figure 5, Panel 4).
NatureFrame recommends going outside for a walk for some breaks. When this happens, it is likely the Bluetooth connection will be interrupted. To combat this, users will be able to set their phone number in the NatureFrame when they first get it. This will allow the NatureFrame to send an SMS message over WiFi with a reminder when their break is over (Figure 5, Panel 6).
Relaxation Activities
Currently, NatureFrame offers one primary relaxation activity. During their break time, users can engage in a brief, 2 minute mindfulness activity. As with other NatureFrame features, the relaxation activities are fully integrated into the device, with no reliance on cloud streaming. Additionally, to encourage users to complete mindfulness activities, doing so will add additional features to their nature scenes (Figure 5, Panel 5).
Currently, NatureFrame offers one primary relaxation activity. During their break time, users can engage in a brief, 2 minute mindfulness activity. As with other NatureFrame features, the relaxation activities are fully integrated into the device, with no reliance on cloud streaming. Additionally, to encourage users to complete mindfulness activities, doing so will add additional features to their nature scenes (Figure 5, Panel 5).
Figure 5. NatureFrame storyboard
Demo Proposal
Step 1: Supply identification and acquisition
We have begun to identify what materials we will need to create a high fidelity prototype of the NatureFrame. After consulting with Jeff to understand potential prototyping options, we have two possible plans. In both plans, a laptop will serve as the Bluetooth connection hub, and host the product interface, and a monitor will display the "front end" of the device. We would be able to make a fully interactive display by creating a server to host the product, and allowing interactions on the display to update the interface on the server end. Alternatively, the monitor could simply display the user interface, with a Wizard simulating interactivity. In either case, we will use a Bluetooth Beacon in place of a Bluetooth connection with the user's phone. We can acquire most of these parts through the DoIIIT studio, online, or through 3D printing (possibly building a frame to house the monitor).
We have begun to identify what materials we will need to create a high fidelity prototype of the NatureFrame. After consulting with Jeff to understand potential prototyping options, we have two possible plans. In both plans, a laptop will serve as the Bluetooth connection hub, and host the product interface, and a monitor will display the "front end" of the device. We would be able to make a fully interactive display by creating a server to host the product, and allowing interactions on the display to update the interface on the server end. Alternatively, the monitor could simply display the user interface, with a Wizard simulating interactivity. In either case, we will use a Bluetooth Beacon in place of a Bluetooth connection with the user's phone. We can acquire most of these parts through the DoIIIT studio, online, or through 3D printing (possibly building a frame to house the monitor).
Step 2: Interface and Feature Design
The first step in creating our prototype is building the digital interface that will house the main features; this will be done using a visual design software like Adobe Illustrator or Sketch. Next, we will acquire the digital content that will make up our features - for example, looping nature scenes (with and without animals), to demonstrate our main feature, Work Mode. Although a final version of our product would contain fully integrated meditation sessions, for the sake of time we will likely end up streaming videos for our demo. Break intervals will be fairly easy to implement into the system by coding notifications to appear at certain intervals, however linking these to SMS messaging will take more exploration before we can determine how best to simulate this feature in our demo.
One of our main challenges will be demonstrating the NatureFrame's ability to reward presence in the studio over time. Because we will only have a few minutes to simulate our experience, we will have to demonstrate progress that would normally take days or weeks within seconds. Demo users will be able to unlock new items in their dynamic scene as a result of their progress - they will just unlock these items much more quickly than would happen in the real world. We will demonstrate this feature by timing the duration of the Bluetooth connection and visualizing the connection time.
The first step in creating our prototype is building the digital interface that will house the main features; this will be done using a visual design software like Adobe Illustrator or Sketch. Next, we will acquire the digital content that will make up our features - for example, looping nature scenes (with and without animals), to demonstrate our main feature, Work Mode. Although a final version of our product would contain fully integrated meditation sessions, for the sake of time we will likely end up streaming videos for our demo. Break intervals will be fairly easy to implement into the system by coding notifications to appear at certain intervals, however linking these to SMS messaging will take more exploration before we can determine how best to simulate this feature in our demo.
One of our main challenges will be demonstrating the NatureFrame's ability to reward presence in the studio over time. Because we will only have a few minutes to simulate our experience, we will have to demonstrate progress that would normally take days or weeks within seconds. Demo users will be able to unlock new items in their dynamic scene as a result of their progress - they will just unlock these items much more quickly than would happen in the real world. We will demonstrate this feature by timing the duration of the Bluetooth connection and visualizing the connection time.
Step 3: Building the Prototype
Because our concept is relatively shallow, we should be capable of successfully building a high fidelity prototype. As described previously, we will build a polished interface to support our features. We plan to build a frame for this display to simulate how the NatureFrame would actually look. Once the digital interface has been completed, we will work on setting up our Bluetooth connection hub (and potentially, the server to host the product). Finally, we will configure and test our demo paths to ensure that we can accurately simulate the interactions and functionality of the NatureFrame, as well as the Bluetooth connectivity.
Because our concept is relatively shallow, we should be capable of successfully building a high fidelity prototype. As described previously, we will build a polished interface to support our features. We plan to build a frame for this display to simulate how the NatureFrame would actually look. Once the digital interface has been completed, we will work on setting up our Bluetooth connection hub (and potentially, the server to host the product). Finally, we will configure and test our demo paths to ensure that we can accurately simulate the interactions and functionality of the NatureFrame, as well as the Bluetooth connectivity.
Figure 6. Demo storyboard
Conclusion
Our User Enactments allowed us to build on the research we conducted during Milestone 2. Based on participant reactions to our low fidelity prototype, we were able to learn more about our population, TCAUP students, and their needs. This helped us to refine our design criteria and determine what features to include in our product. Moving forward, we will focus on ways that we can create a high fidelity prototype of the NatureFrame to best demonstrate these features.