Decision Making Criteria List
Draft a two-part list of criteria for evaluating your ideas (and assist in decision making along the course). In each list (or diagram), describe important attributes and criteria for your thesis work to date.
User needs are what you as a designer thinks the user needs, but it should also contain needs users have that you can’t avoid. Personal needs are about you and your interests and ambitions as a designer and thesis student. Keep in mind when describing these the level that will be most useful to you. For example wanting to make something “useful” or “relevant” is way too broad. What have you uncovered that describes what exactly is relevant in your particular project domain? After comparing the two lists, what areas can you identify that might not be personally interesting to develop but you admit will be necessary for the needs of your user? Start brainstorming strategies to begin work on those to avoid pushing them until the last minute.
User Needs
- ✔ Help me find someone that I’m interested
- ✔ Help me represent myself
- ✔ How am I supposed to act? What am I supposed to say?
- ✔ Help me connect with another human being
- ✘ Find my soulmate
Personal Design Criteria
- Make it meaningful (get at the heart of the issue!)
- Make it impactful (this actually will help people)
- Make something that has a strong philosophical and point of view
- Test it with real people
- Bring in collaborators
