HCDE 210 Sprint 2 : Interaction Design
In the second lab the question we had to concern ourselves with was “what would make the a design engaging and helpful?” and “how to connect citizens of the general public to collect and contribute data to support scientists research.”
What did you do?
Our task this week was to create and design a smartphone prototype app that practices Citizen Science with “Animal census in the urban community”. Citizen Science is the practice of the general public that collects and gathers data, aiding researcher and scientists. We needed to brainstorm ideas of what types of field are within the animal census studies, the type of users that would use the app and what design incentive that would be meaningful to the users.
After brainstorming with the group, we each tackled and narrowed down ideas we would like to work with. I ended up focusing on the idea of ‘helping lost stray animals and providing resources’. The users I identified that would use the app would be any pet animal advocate, lovers, or anyone that cares about lost pets in general. The app would allow users to report to the nearest local animal shelter services of lost stray pet/animal they would happen to encounter. The user would then send useful information such as location, time, date, and other important notes. This will allow the animal services/researchers to give immediate aid for the animal and retrieve data and information about stray/lost animals in general (i.e # count, general location, date, etc…)
After the ideation process, I proceeded to design the phone app by creating an Interaction Flow of demonstrating the navigational process. With the interaction flow chart, I could clearly visualize of how I should set up the appropriate interface I needed to draw for the phone app. Using the application Marvel, I created an interactive prototype app: Paw Finder. This app that will allow users to be good Samaritans, notify local animal shelter/services of any encountered lost strays, and provide information and data. Paw Finder will not only help the animal services staff be more aware, updated and respond more efficiently with lost strays but this will also help relieve some burden and pressure of sending their own search-and-rescue teams.
The last process I had to do was to create a video demonstrating exactly how the Paw finder functions, and the targeted users.
What did you like about this project and why?
I really enjoy how we were introduced real-world approaches of tackling this assignment including the Interaction Flow and more brainstorming. It allows me to have a much more greater understanding of how the process of creating an interactive design operates. The project was a lot more hands-on compared to the last sprint charrette activity. I realized that I needed more practice on planning and writing coherently as I found myself struggling how to execute the app prototype and demo video efficiently and effectively.
How and where could you see applying this technique in the future?
I think this type of technique should be used quite heavily when dealing with any type of product interaction to receive feedback and data on improving the design and function. This technique would not only inform the product’s purpose but also shows the thought/logic process.
What kinds of projects do you think would lend themselves to this approach? What might not be appropriate for it?
This technique can be applied in any industry that focuses heavily on user interaction. For sure this technique is probably most prominent in mobile app designs, game industry, and many other product industries. The only time this approach would not be useful if the design is more focused on a single visualization piece or a project that is abstract and less on the practical physical use.
