Panel Report

OBA Development

The one bus away app has had a trial and error career just like any other newly designed app would have. The growth that can be seen with OBA is a great success and would not have done so well had he not implemented the necessary steps needed when designing something new. He started with paper prototyping and a lot of tests before anything could happen, he had hardships when facing the company he was proposing it to, but pushed until he saw it all the way through and now students use it a lot! I use it. What stood out to me is that he used the same process that we’re learning how to use but on a larger scale. The IDEO shopping cart video really applies here when they say that they apply the same design method for everything they make. It is a process that works so everyone is going to adopt it.

Nordstrom Usability Testing

Laura Barbosa discussed Nordstrom’s tactics on how to gain the most success for their early access anniversary sale. In order for their ideas to work they had to perform several usability tests to have immediate feedback on whether or not consumers would be able to navigate through the website and find their early access sales. I think of Nordstrom as a very successful chain, they must be doing something to stand out above the rest. Through usability testing like they were doing, that’s how you get to that point, by stepping in the customer’s shoes and finding out what works for them.

For Future Reference

I would really like to open minded for the remaining sprints. I don’t think I realize how many different factors play a role in the design process but with each passing week, I learn more about the subject. Not all design projects are going to require the same steps but it will be the same general pattern.