Video Prototype: Sleep Meditation
Overview
Embarking on the exploration of video prototyping, I created a concept video for a sleep meditation headset designed to foster relaxation and facilitate a peaceful transition into sleep. This approach allowed me to visually articulate the application of the headset, it’s intended user experience, helping showcase its potential benefits. This process not only honed my skills in conveying ideas through visual storytelling but also offered valuable insights into the effectiveness and appeal of the envisioned product.
User Testing
Through my user testing I aimed to assess weather or not users could see the product being applied into their own life. The video served to demonstrate a scenario in which the product would be utilized and one in which viewers could relate to. This specific example demonstrated someone who had trouble falling asleep and thus turned to the SleepSet meditation to help them calm down and fall asleep. One aspect of my video as a whole that could have been improved was that some viewers thought it took too long to figure out what the product was. Overall, the video would be more concise and hone in on the product more clearly and efficiently.
3D Printed Object: Custom Mount
Overview
While exploring the possibilities of 3D printing, I encountered a daily challenge—mounting my phone in the car for tasks like navigation and music. To simplify my daily carry, I adopted a wallet-phone case, accommodating my essential 5-6 cards. However, the increased thickness posed a problem, making traditional car phone mounts incompatible. Motivated by this, I set out to create a personalized solution that would effectively address my specific needs.
Compatable with any circular vent or dashboard attachments!
User Testing
In the initial iteration of my project, I aimed to assess the model's effectiveness as a secure yet easily removable holder for the phone, ensuring a snug fit during bumpy car rides. Feedback highlighted the need for adjustable sizes to cater to different phones, enhancing the product's usability and facilitating effortless phone removal while driving. The bright pink color emerged as a desirable feature, contributing to the product's appeal. Despite these positive aspects, it became evident that this preliminary stage of prototyping presents ample opportunities for refinement and improvement.
Laser Cutting: Dinosaur Phone Stand
Overview
Through an iterative process, I crafted a 3D-modeled Dinosaur Phone Stand using eco-friendly materials, offering users a less physically taxing interaction with their smartphones. Constructed from biodegradable flute cardboard through precision laser cutting, the stand seamlessly blends form and function. Iterative prototyping honed the design for visual appeal and structural integrity, resulting in a lightweight yet robust solution for securely holding smartphones. Beyond providing an ergonomic viewing angle, the stand addresses various accessibility needs. Individuals with limited upper-extremity mobility or strength can find support in holding their devices, catering to diverse users, from busy parents juggling tasks to tech enthusiasts of all ages. The playful dinosaur shape adds not just aesthetic charm but also contributes to a sustainable product design.
Second Prototype
Overall, the biodegradable nature of the phone stand not only provides a practical solution but also contributes significantly to sustaining the environment. The insights gained from user testing underscore potential enhancements for the Dinosaur phone stand, aiming to boost both its desirability and usability. All these valuable recommendations will be thoughtfully incorporated into subsequent iterations of the product, ensuring a continuous refinement process that aligns with user preferences and environmental consciousness.
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User Testing
In my initial iteration, I aimed to discover the optimal method for reinforcing the two "dinosaur-shaped" pieces to ensure a robust phone stand. The solution emerged as I devised "cross beams" configured in a triangular shape, providing the most durable and stable connection. Following this stage, I conducted user tests to gather feedback on potential enhancements for the stand. Throughout these tests, valuable insights into the stand's usability emerged. Particularly, given one of the stand's primary function of assisting users in taking selfies, a notable issue surfaced. The "tail" of the dinosaur was positioned directly in front of the camera button, creating difficulty in accessing and executing this task. In future iterations I might move the tail piece to allow for easier camera access. Additionally, participants suggested that enhancing the product's desirability could be achieved by incorporating an engraved smiley face on the dinosaur.
Soft Goods Construction: Ski Goggle Bag
Overview
I iterated through the prototyping process to develop multiple versions of protective ski-goggle bags. Each iteration incorporated innovative design features that not only enhanced functionality but also made a meaningful impact through the integration of upcycled materials. The final design features a durable yet cushioned fabric with the various pieces assembled with the help of hand and machine sewing. Furthermore, I incorporated a drawstring fastening mechanism that adds to the security and protection of the pouch. Embracing an eco-friendly approach, I utilized upcycled materials found at the Goodwill bins to not only contribute to environmental conservation but also to create a 3-layered protective fabric enhancing the bag's effectiveness in safeguarding polycarbonate lenses from scratches.
User Testing
During the user testing session, valuable insights were gathered to inform future iterations of the design. Participants highlighted the importance of considering various goggle sizes to enhance versatility. Additionally, they liked the drawstring mechanism and thought it worked really well with the desired functionality. Lastly, attendees emphasized how they liked the matching the thread color with the fabric, recognizing it as a subtle yet impactful detail that could elevate the product's desirability. These considerations will play a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the product for a more satisfying user experience.
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Low-fidelity Prototype
During the creation of my muslin prototype, I used the initial design measurements as a basis to form a pouch accommodating the goggles. Unfortunately, I overlooked the additional fabric required to fold down the top and integrate the retractable drawstring. This oversight resulted in the pouch being insufficiently long to properly house the goggles. Nonetheless, I made sure to addressed this aspect when refining the final design.
Second Prototype
For my second iteration, I chose to incorporate a three-layered fabric made from upcycled materials to create a more cushioned texture, thereby not only increasing the desirability of a protective product but also lessening the environmental impact. Another aspect of desirability that I took into consideration was utilizing a luxury name brand scarf (Kate Spade) as the primary material, while also recycling the original logo to create a distinctive tag. In future iterations, I might explore options such as offering different sizes or incorporating an adjustable pouch, aiming to accommodate goggles of different sizes or even for different activities.
Shower Control Interface Prototype
Overview
I designed a prototype for an advanced shower control system, aiming to improve user experience. The device includes a wall-mounted display with easy-to-use buttons for adjusting temperature, water volume, and choosing where the water comes from (like the tub spout, shower head, or handheld wand). The handheld wand, which you can hold, has additional features like a non-slip grip and different spray settings for a customized shower experience. The two parts of the prototype work together seamlessly, making it simple for users to control their shower preferences. Overall, this shower control interface enhances the showering experience by making it more personalized and user-friendly.
Too Small!!
Second Prototype
Following the user test, I made a couple of changes to my prototype to ensure readability as well as easy access to changing the various settings. This included not only making everything bigger but also implementing a color-coded system for the temperature display. Now, the color changes based on the 10-degree increment, with yellow indicating 80-90 degrees, orange for 91-100, and red for 100 degrees and above. These enhancements were designed to address user feedback and create a more visually intuitive and user-friendly interface.
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User Testing
Following user testing sessions, I analyzed the outcomes of my shower control interface prototype. The original small size of my wall-mounted display posed challenges, with users finding it difficult to read the temperature and press the buttons comfortably. However, positive feedback emerged regarding the anti-slip grips on the handheld wand and the relocation of the spray setting switch to the handle for one-handed convenience.
The testing shed light on areas for improvement, particularly the need for a larger and more readable wall-mounted display. Favorable responses to the anti-slip grips and redesigned spray setting switch validated their desirability and effectiveness in enhancing the user experience. Moreover, the testing provided insights into the practicality of these features under wet and soapy bathroom conditions.
Overall, user testing proved instrumental in evaluating feature effectiveness, gauging user preferences, and guiding design enhancements for a more user-friendly and practical shower control interface.
Demo testing the anti-slip grip of the handheld wand under wet and soapy conditions.
