💭What’s THAT in Your Balcony?: A Design Thinking Journey

🌟 Case Study: Addressing the woes of Balcony owners through a physical product solution that not only optimizes space but also enhances security, privacy, and maintenance for a pleasant balcony experience.

“View from the Balcony” by Albert Marquet

Once, on a warm summer evening, I stepped onto my small balcony and felt an instant wave of disappointment.

It looked dull compared to my neighbor’s inviting garden. Their balcony had cozy seating, lush plants, and beautiful lighting that made it feel like an extension of their home. An extension of themselves.

An illustrated depiction of a dirty and wet balcony

But there I was, standing on one toe while supporting my own weight, peering at uprooted curry Leaves, muddy water seeping down the tile floor, and half a rubber slipper from 1973 floating like lifeboats in a river.

To my surprise, this was the state of a balcony that was washed exactly an hour ago.

I saw in that moment, how much the conditions of my balcony frustrated me. It only made me wonder how bad it would be for other people with THEIR balconies. Problems they see every day when they are out enjoying their morning tea, connecting with nature and yet, struggling.

In that moment, something clicked inside me. I realized the untapped potential of my own balcony and sought to one day create something for it that other people could use as well.

That day came soon enough, and I embarked on the journey known as design thinking project and went ahead with understanding and improving the balcony experience.

⌛ Time is of the essence, so here is a glimpse of the final iteration !~

Map of the final solution

🤔 | You must be wondering how I got here, and I know that. Why is there even a need for a mat in the first place and how can a balcony mat be made to accomplish so many things might be some of the questions puzzling you. You might also wonder what led me to the mat as a solution.

Allow me to take you on this journey with me where I answer all your questions one step at a time.

👣Introduction to the process: How it all started

Sometimes, all you need is a start.

We were divided into groups of eight for this Design Thinking project,

and each member had to choose an area to work on that is commonly found in any household, such as the kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom, utility area, balcony, home-office, terrace, storage room, parking area, and so on.

The main motivation for me to take on this project was to simulate a scenario in which company employees gather to discuss their various points of view and, as a result, come up with original, inventive, and creative physical products to address issues that users are experiencing in relation to their chosen living space.

But how do we settle on which problem area to pick? The answer to this was a healthy debate. A specific household space was picked, and members of the team were encouraged to engage in a constructive debate on why they should be allotted that specific area.

Each member would then state their case in front of the other team members and a vote method amongst the team members would settle the selection of who receives the space.

💁🏻‍♂️ Getting to know the users

The first step of the process involves getting to know the users for whom I am designing the product. This is an extremely important step and can be considered the bedrock on which the whole project rests. It is simple Good user insight leads to effective problem identification which can help prioritize solutions based on what the users need more than suggesting a solution that might not be feasible.

Interview Process

Asking good questions that gave a clear picture of their balconies was one of the most crucial things to remember while going through this step. My respondents occasionally sent me photos of their balconies as well.

This was helpful in providing me with accurate responses that would help identify what the scope of the problems is, and what should be my approach towards identifying solutions that align with the user problems.

To facilitate that, I decided to interview 5 respondents face to face and asking them questions related to their balcony experience and here is how I did it:

• 📅 Scheduling Meetings: I identified and invited 5 users to a 1 on 1 call to conduct a 30 mins interview to understand their current experience with balconies.
• ✍🏻Recording Responses: I wrote down/typed the responses I recieved based on how the respondent is feeling, how comfortable they are, how specific their responses are.
• 🙌🏻 Post Interview: This was when I thanked my respondents and received any additional information like photos of their balconies or materials certain balcony products were made of.

This was one of my first ever interview processes and was unsurprisingly met with slight nervousness. But there were a few things that I kept in mind which made the process far easier and eventually successful:

• “I am not the User” helped me stay focused on the user’s perspective. The objective was to understand them, not myself. This insight was valuable in eliciting organic responses free from bias.
• I prioritized open-ended questions over closed-ended ones to encourage users to share their thoughts and answers comfortably. By reworking questions that could lead to simple “yes” or “no” answers, I incorporated additional information to prompt richer responses
• In my first interview, I made the mistake of providing solutions and using personal examples. I adjusted my questions before the next interview and reconducted the interview with a new user, resulting in more successful responses.

Once this was clear to me, I went ahead and asked the following questions:

Interview Questions

I reworked, reworded and even eliminated certain questions that were biased and once I had compiled all responses, it was time to-

🏫 Gather Insights from the interviews

Upon analyzing multiple interviews and understanding the user’s problem, I was able to see how different users have problems that coincide.

There were some respondents who reported facing similar problems in the past, but the current changes to their balcony setup were made specifically to cater to these needs. This was an important realization as it did not negate the problem entirely, but proved how real it was.

The fact that users actively made efforts to change things in their balcony setup proved that a market solution to their problems that is equitable would have reasonably prevented them from making drastic changes.

To assess and validate concepts further, it was important to differentiate between the types of data to generate common patterns and themes on the basis of a

• Brief description of the respondents (Where they live, What they do etc.)
• Layout of their balcony space (How big is it, a floor plan of where everything is kept, variety of products used etc)
• Observe how they engage with their balconies
• Likes: what they like about their current balcony experience
• Dislikes: What they dislike about their current balcony experience
• Identifying patterns and commonalities between responses

Pulkit’s Responses

Akanksha’s Responses

I could not help but notice how common themes were emerging between the multiple responses I was getting. As an example, 4/5 users were facing or talked about having faced discomfort as a result of a wet balcony. One user even shared an unpleasant anecdote ! So I knew now that I was ready to-

👷🏻‍♂️ Tunnel Deeper into the Core of the Problems:

I will keep digging, till I feel something- Maynard James Keenan

This was the stage where I started to understand the problems by digging deeper into the WHY aspect of them. I was able to identify over 40 problems but for the purpose of illustrating and keeping constraints in mind I started narrowing down problems into commonalities and themes. After looking at all the responses, here is a condensed list of problems that stuck out:

Clubbing user problems together

It was seen that after filtering out common problems like “Lack of space optimization” and “Maintaining cleanliness”, certain problems started being repetitive and were just worded differently. I took this into consideration as it helped filter out root problems from within them.

Root Problems

From this we gather a few things as we start removing surface level problems-

Root problems once solved can give rise to a domino effect that solves problems further. Surface level problems are usually the ones which don’t impact other congruent areas.

With this in mind, I crafted my problem statement as follows-

“Balcony owners struggle with limited space and the constant hassle of maintaining a clean, safe and enjoyable outdoor area.”

Based on deeper analysis of responses received the second part that determines the following as a solution-

They need a practical and efficient solution to optimize space utilization, tackle water and dirt accumulation, and create a comfortable and inviting balcony environment.”

Now comes the part where it was important to ideate solutions. To start, all I did was,

💭Think Fast, Think Speed, Just Think !

Bearded Man Reading by Lamplight by Johannes Weiland, 1880

Now that I had identified the problems the users were facing and was able to identify areas which could be improved on, it was time to ideate on solutions.

This process was like an hourglass ⌛

The first part of the process involved a broad creative freedom to come up with solutions and it would slowly taper down towards the middle. The same process then would be repeated going from a small approach to a larger one.

The second part of this process, was actually involving an hourglass set to 8 minutes. This process was the “Crazy 8” technique that would help ideation.

But why Crazy 8s? Why not just make anything that solves one out of all these problems?

ha! I wish life was that simple. I am glad finding solutions to problems is not that easy and heavily relies on iterations.

However, to answer the question, here’s why I rely on the crazy-8 technique in my design process journey:

• ⌚ Time efficiency: With limited time, this technique allows me to generate a large number of diverse ideas quickly, ensuring efficient idea generation within the given constraints.
• 👾 Unleashing creativity: The crazy-8 technique empowers me to think beyond the obvious and explore unconventional ideas. It encourages me to push boundaries and discover innovative solutions that can truly stand out.
• 💭 Thinking outside the box: By embracing the crazy-8 technique, I challenge myself to break free from conventional thinking. This approach helps me uncover groundbreaking ideas that have the potential to make a real difference in solving user problems.
• ✔ Selection for further development: Out of the numerous solutions generated, I carefully select three that show promise in terms of their impact on users and their problems. I also consider their feasibility and practicality, ensuring that the chosen ideas can be implemented effectively keeping the users in mind.

By using the crazy-8 technique, I could explore a wide range of creative possibilities, select the most promising ideas, and drive forward with developing innovative solutions that were in line with the hypothesis.

If Math serves me well, there were over 40 ideas that came out of this exercise with some of the following insights that helped filter the scope of what needs to be solved and what can be solved:

1. 💁🏻‍♂️Solutions are not feasible- They work independent of the project constraints and can be as technically advanced as possible.
2. 💸Ideas are Not cost effective
3. 👻Ideas Do not solve the problem appropriately
4. 😫 Ideas Create more problems than solving them

keeping these points in mind, and after meticulously filtering through over 40 potential solutions, the Big 3 ideas that I selected were:

The top 3 ideas

Here is a little about all of them:

✨ Privacy Screens and Curtain Shields- A retractable sun shade system that provides shade and UV protection on balconies during hot and sunny days. It has a UV-resistant fabric, lightweight aluminum frame, and sturdy support mechanisms. Similar to the mat, it has a motorized or manual retractable system with adjustable angles for controlling shade coverage. The shade can be mounted on the balcony railing or ceiling and easily extended or retracted as needed.

✨Motorised Water Absorbant Mat- A weather resistant, high absorb quality mat that has the ability to soak up excess water on balconies. It is also easy to clean and reuse and comes with a mini motor which helps adjust intensity of suction and drying.

✨Smart irrigation system for potted plants- A form of Drip irrigation system that has adjustable hinges which can be placed keeping the distance between plants in mind. It has individual spouts on top of each potted plant and give out a specific amount of water. Can be connected to a nearby tap and individual pressure can be applied using mini taps.

After that, I further narrowed it down to the one idea that would be the most useful and viable for consumers. I started by making a basic drawing of the prototype while taking into mind the initial restrictions and project objectives.

✨Prototype of the final idea- Where it all comes together

Product Description: A weather resistant, high absorb quality mat that has the ability to soak up excess water on balconies. It is also easy to clean and reuse and comes with a mini motor which helps adjust intensity of suction and drying. The water resistant mat has a strong suction quality, that acts as a vaccum cleaner, but for water and dirt. It collects the water in its underlayer and empties it out into the drain nearby. On one side, it has a board to switch it on and adjust intensity of suction.

The absorption mat can be divided into 2 mechanisms that make it a holistic product- The mat and the motor.

1. Efficient Water Absorption: The mat’s ability to absorb water efficiently is a primary feature. It should have a high absorption capacity, quickly soaking up water and preventing it from pooling on the balcony surface. This prevents slip hazards, water damage, and helps maintain a clean and dry environment.

Filteration technology

2. Effective Drainage: The mat should be designed to facilitate efficient drainage of the absorbed water. It should have channels or a mechanism that allows water to flow away from the surface, preventing the formation of puddles and ensuring proper water management.

Connections for tubes attached to the mat

3. Durable and Weather-Resistant: The mat should be made from durable, weather-resistant materials to withstand exposure to outdoor elements such as sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations. This ensures the longevity of the mat and its ability to function effectively in various weather conditions.

The multi layer system of the mat

Anti slip backing diagram

4. Easy to Clean and Maintain: The is easy to clean and maintain, enabling hassle-free maintenance of the balcony space. It resists stains, dirt, and mold, allowing for simple cleaning methods such as rinsing or wiping to keep it in good condition. For this, the bottom and top layer of the mat is removable and easily washable using hose pipes and washing machine. Interestingly enough, this mat can be used again to dry the floor once it has been washed. The motor can be made to run to dry the mat and the floor effectively.

5. Versatility and Customization: The mat should be available in various sizes and customizable options to fit different balcony dimensions and aesthetic preferences. This allows users to select the appropriate size and style that suits their balcony design while still enjoying the benefits of water absorption and cleanliness.

🧪 Gathering Feedback and Realistic Validation

Image of a Lyceum where ideas were shared

Now that I was done meeting the identified user pain points in the most efficient way I could in the given time, it was time to enter the den with my peers and weigh the validity of the solution.

Since the hypothesis stated that “Balcony owners struggle with limited space and the constant hassle of maintaining a clean, safe and enjoyable outdoor area, it was seen that

They need a practical and efficient solution to optimize space utilization, tackle water and dirt accumulation, and create a comfortable and inviting balcony environment.”

Since my solution met all the criteria of optimizing space, creati ng a comfortable and inviting space along with taking the task aspect of cleaning and suffering a wet and dirty balcony, I was excited for feedback !

Feedback on the solution

There was a lot to unwrap within the discussions I had. Like a gladiator in the colosseum, I entered with my product as my sword and the feasibility of my solution as a shield…and it was a difficult yet exhilarating experience.

After patiently understanding the feedback received, I went ahead with implementing and incorporating feedback into the final product. The changes I went ahead with were:

Solution

1. Sizes should be different and mats should be customizable- When thinking of a marketable product, the solution works best in balconies that have small areas. This was an insight gathered from interviews and further analysis and made sense to me to inmprove.

2. It was suggested to eliminate the motor function as it added complexity, so I went ahead with attaching resuable and durable materials like silica into the product. This would not affect the product entirely as the absorption process is already happening. But when the motor mechanism is inactive, the silica lining will help absorb water better. in case of solid waste, like branches and leaves, the mechanism of removing the bottom layer will still be relevant and can work with the new change.

3. A solution that was also shared during this feedback session was that the Motor can be wire powered as battery operation might not be sufficient

4. The inlets where pipes get attached to the mat can be made in a way where the surface area of the inlets is congruent to the size of pipes used to attach to the drain.

5. The water absorbing mechanism that happens at the bottom layers of the mat can be mirrored in mechanism and help absorb the water and dirt that gets collected on the top surface of the mat.

I looked back at the identified problem areas for which the motorized water absorption mat was a solution and found that the setup was not feasible. Based on feedback I received, it was evident that users felt that operating the machine to begin the absorption process was an additional task that made it complicated to operate the mat. What was important to see here, was that if users have that additional option to choose how quickly the water gets absorbed, and consequently, how quickly it dries after use, it would improve its usability and save users time.

The ultimate goal of gathering feedback was to not take it as a personal reflection on myself as a designer, but to weigh out thought patterns and frameworks needed to improve the product.

Certain changes made to the design

🖇Limitations and shortcomings

Painting by Adriaen van Nieulandt

That was a long description for a very specific solution ! I am glad you stuck by me like water sticks to my mat ! It was not all that simple to come up with a solution like this. There were challenges and limitations at each and every step of the way which made the project what it is. These limitations I saw as an advantage as they only helped me in narrowing down the scope of the problem and brought me just that much closer to a solution that actually solves the intended problem.

1. One of the key limitations of this exercise was not being able to take the product beyond the proof of concept stage to verify and test its validity in the real world.
2. Key decisions like price point were not addressed and business impact/ disruption the product creates won’t be gathered.
3. Key business and market objectives were not addressed due to constraints.
4. I learnt how to prioritize needs based on user problems and got a little closer to understanding how problems that users face due to limited space in the balcony.
5. I learnt that complexity of a balcony solution is something that will be only evident once user testing is done and no matter how much consideration is given to reducing complexity whilst devising the product, that notion will change once user feedback is gathered.

🔮 Future scope and Canned Thoughts

School of Athens Fresco by Raphael

Design is a never ending process and it is not easy to acomodate and address all limitations that came to me during the making of this balcony solutions. There are a few things I believe could have made this product more scientific:

1. Time Constraints
2. Interview more respondents to understand diversity of view
3. I would like to know the technological challenges that might come whilst making the product. Business objectives and material cost were something I wanted to target more specifically.
4. The marketability of the product is something I would like to look into. How to add business based objectives to it and make them at scale excites me!
5. A way to make mats specific to floor sizes and desired specifications is one of the next steps when taking this product idea forward
6. I would want to consult engineers to see if there is a way to integrate the motor function into the mat design itself so that instead of just balconies, the product can be used in other parts of the house as well.

A note of thanks!

Thank you for delving into my thoughts! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Feel free to share your valuable thoughts and suggestions, and I’m eager to hear more! By the way, there’s more exciting content on my profile. I’ve been on a thrilling journey to master UX design, and trust me, it’s been quite an adventure. So stay tuned because I can’t wait to share it all with you!

A special thanks to my amazing mentor, UX Anudeep! This person has been my guiding light throughout this incredible case study, imparting mind-blowing UX skills and knowledge. Without his consistent guidance ad support, this would not have been possible.