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Monday, November 24, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014
Project 4, Initial Project Definition Hints
The
three main issues in some submissions that will negatively affect the quality of
your final project are:
1. Not choosing a worthwhile cause, or at least a service,
2. Not having made contact with the client or client group in advance of the submitting your interim work, and
3. Having not done 1 and/or 2 jumping to a conclusion that the organization "needs a website, or app, or whatever."
Please read the criteria for each interim submission carefully, we are working through the five modes set out in the dSchool documents.
The project focuses on human, or user-centered design -- no client? No successful project.
Yesterday's assignment was to focus on empathizing with a client and defining their needs. Look at your submission carefully. If you didn't do this then you need to do it now before moving forward.
The assignment for next Wednesday builds on this, moving on to the ideation phase, setting out the research for the Case Study. You must apply the methods from the Bootcamp Bootleg, such as those suggested, and document the what you found.
The Prototype Design and Rationale develops out of what you found in your research and should not be "a website" or "an app" in general, but instead should be a prototype in whatever form that addresses the specific issue identified through your case study research. You will test, and evolve, your prototype through interaction with your client and those to benefit from your design -- documenting this process is much more significant than the specific "design" you end up with.
Below are two good examples -- double-click on the image to have a look at them and then review your group's work. In many cases you may need to go back before you move forward. If you missed the mark in any way just re-submit the Initial Project Definition in one document with your Research for Wednesday, 19 November. As always feel free to contact me or your AIs if you have any questions.
1. Not choosing a worthwhile cause, or at least a service,
2. Not having made contact with the client or client group in advance of the submitting your interim work, and
3. Having not done 1 and/or 2 jumping to a conclusion that the organization "needs a website, or app, or whatever."
Please read the criteria for each interim submission carefully, we are working through the five modes set out in the dSchool documents.
The project focuses on human, or user-centered design -- no client? No successful project.
Yesterday's assignment was to focus on empathizing with a client and defining their needs. Look at your submission carefully. If you didn't do this then you need to do it now before moving forward.
The assignment for next Wednesday builds on this, moving on to the ideation phase, setting out the research for the Case Study. You must apply the methods from the Bootcamp Bootleg, such as those suggested, and document the what you found.
The Prototype Design and Rationale develops out of what you found in your research and should not be "a website" or "an app" in general, but instead should be a prototype in whatever form that addresses the specific issue identified through your case study research. You will test, and evolve, your prototype through interaction with your client and those to benefit from your design -- documenting this process is much more significant than the specific "design" you end up with.
Below are two good examples -- double-click on the image to have a look at them and then review your group's work. In many cases you may need to go back before you move forward. If you missed the mark in any way just re-submit the Initial Project Definition in one document with your Research for Wednesday, 19 November. As always feel free to contact me or your AIs if you have any questions.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Monday, 17 November
"I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail." Abraham H. Maslow (1962)
Summary of Areas for Possible Problem Identification Improvement
Reiterate Project 4 Research Phase Elements:
Due Wednesday, 19 November at noon
Each group will do a near-complete draft of their Case Study, including:
Process -- i.e. adopting the 7 mindsets and applying the 5 modes set out in the dSchool documents
Methods -- set out the ones you chose from the Bootleg Bootcamp document, but likely to include:
Design Brief -- What are the parameters for your prototype design project? In other words, what are you trying to accomplish through your design? You may find it useful to apply the "Impose Constraints" method (on page 32 of the Bootcamp Bootleg document to help here).
Document your project research in words, images and, if appropriate, video and present in a designerly PDF.
Introduce Project 4 Prototype Design and Rationale Phase Elements:
Due Wednesday, 3 December at noon
Starting with your Design Brief, set out the steps you followed in developing and testing your prototype with your client/group
You can use the "Prototyping for Empathy," "Prototype to Test," "Testing with Users,""User-Driven Prototyping," "Shooting Video," and "Video Editing" methods from Bootcamp Bootleg, pp. 33 - 35, 38, 42 - 43.
Show the evolution of your prototypes, the rationale for them, the response from testing with users, and the iterations as your understanding of client needs improves through the prototyping process.
Document your design evolution in words, images and, if appropriate, video and present in a designerly PDF.
The State of Design in Silicon Valley
On the Origins of Interaction Design: Bill Moggeridge:
Tim Brown TED Talk on Design Thinking:
In-class writing assignment: listen critically and, after watching the video, write up three key implications of what he talks about for your work on Project 4.
Homework for Wednesday, 19 November at noon:
Complete Project 4 research phase
Summary of Areas for Possible Problem Identification Improvement
Reiterate Project 4 Research Phase Elements:
Due Wednesday, 19 November at noon
Each group will do a near-complete draft of their Case Study, including:
Process -- i.e. adopting the 7 mindsets and applying the 5 modes set out in the dSchool documents
Methods -- set out the ones you chose from the Bootleg Bootcamp document, but likely to include:
- Assuming a Beginner's Mindset
- User-Camera Study
- Interview with Empathy
- [Exploration of] Extreme Users
Design Brief -- What are the parameters for your prototype design project? In other words, what are you trying to accomplish through your design? You may find it useful to apply the "Impose Constraints" method (on page 32 of the Bootcamp Bootleg document to help here).
Document your project research in words, images and, if appropriate, video and present in a designerly PDF.
Introduce Project 4 Prototype Design and Rationale Phase Elements:
Due Wednesday, 3 December at noon
Starting with your Design Brief, set out the steps you followed in developing and testing your prototype with your client/group
You can use the "Prototyping for Empathy," "Prototype to Test," "Testing with Users,""User-Driven Prototyping," "Shooting Video," and "Video Editing" methods from Bootcamp Bootleg, pp. 33 - 35, 38, 42 - 43.
Show the evolution of your prototypes, the rationale for them, the response from testing with users, and the iterations as your understanding of client needs improves through the prototyping process.
Document your design evolution in words, images and, if appropriate, video and present in a designerly PDF.
The State of Design in Silicon Valley
On the Origins of Interaction Design: Bill Moggeridge:
Tim Brown TED Talk on Design Thinking:
In-class writing assignment: listen critically and, after watching the video, write up three key implications of what he talks about for your work on Project 4.
Homework for Wednesday, 19 November at noon:
Complete Project 4 research phase
Wednesday, 12 November
Project 4 Proposal due -- in class discussion of topics
Discuss reading response questions:
Discuss next steps
Homework for Monday, 17 November:
Begin Research phase of Project 4 emphasizing work on their Case Study, including:
Process -- i.e. adopting the 7 mindsets and applying the 5 modes set out in the dSchool documents
Methods -- set out the ones you chose from the Bootleg Bootcamp document, but likely to include:
Design Brief -- What are the parameters for your prototype design project? In other words, what are you trying to accomplish through your design? You may find it useful to apply the "Impose Constraints" method (on page 32 of the Bootcamp Bootleg document to help here).
Document your project research in words, images and, if appropriate, video and present in a designerly PDF.
Additionally, read Bootcamp Bootleg pp. 10 - 11, and 17 and feel free to answer the following extra credit reading response questions:
Discuss reading response questions:
- What is the benefit of assuming a beginner’s mindset? How might you adopt one on this project?
- What is the purpose of a user-camera study? What does it involve?
- Why is it necessary to prepare for interviews?
Discuss next steps
Homework for Monday, 17 November:
Begin Research phase of Project 4 emphasizing work on their Case Study, including:
Process -- i.e. adopting the 7 mindsets and applying the 5 modes set out in the dSchool documents
Methods -- set out the ones you chose from the Bootleg Bootcamp document, but likely to include:
- Assuming a Beginner's Mindset
- User-Camera Study
- Interview with Empathy
- [Exploration of] Extreme Users
Design Brief -- What are the parameters for your prototype design project? In other words, what are you trying to accomplish through your design? You may find it useful to apply the "Impose Constraints" method (on page 32 of the Bootcamp Bootleg document to help here).
Document your project research in words, images and, if appropriate, video and present in a designerly PDF.
Additionally, read Bootcamp Bootleg pp. 10 - 11, and 17 and feel free to answer the following extra credit reading response questions:
- What are the stages of an interview with empathy?
- Who might be the “extreme users” in your current project situation? What might you be able to learn uniquely from them?
- What are the benefits of creating a composite character profile (aka a persona)?
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Monday, 10 November
Why, according to Don Norman, are error messages evil?
What is Good Design?:
Two for the Apple haters:
Course grade curve -- minimum 3 points
Final exam study questions
Good Project 3 examples
How do the "D.Mindsets" differ from your usual way and thinking and working?
What topics are you considering for your final project?
Methodology:
Choose one topic and develop it – engage with your client group re: #1 and # 2 define the scope of your engagement
In-class Exercise:
Meet with your group, choose the topic to focus on, determine when and how to engage with your client.
Homework for Wednesday, 12 November at noon:
What is Good Design?:
Two for the Apple haters:
Course grade curve -- minimum 3 points
Final exam study questions
Good Project 3 examples
How do the "D.Mindsets" differ from your usual way and thinking and working?
What topics are you considering for your final project?
Methodology:
- Empathize: it’s why we’re doing user-responsive design in the first place – to bring benefit
- Define: that’s what you’re doing to do now, as a group.
Choose one topic and develop it – engage with your client group re: #1 and # 2 define the scope of your engagement
In-class Exercise:
Meet with your group, choose the topic to focus on, determine when and how to engage with your client.
Homework for Wednesday, 12 November at noon:
- Do a preliminary interview, as a group, with your Project 4 client
- Complete your initial project proposal, submitting it through Oncourse
- Read Bootcamp Bootleg pp. 6, 8 – 9 and feel free to answer the following reading response questions for extra credit:
- What is the benefit of assuming a beginner’s mindset? How might you adopt one on this project?
- What is the purpose of a user-camera study? What does it involve?
- Why is it necessary to prepare for interviews?
Submission Formats for Project 4
Initial Project Proposal: Empathize and Define
Due Wednesday, 12 November at noon
Each group should do a short write up identifying:
As is now usual, lay your proposal out in a designerly way with a relevant descriptive title and subtitle, headings, and present your ideas neatly in words and images.
Project Research: Ideate
Due Wednesday, 19 November at noon
Each group will do a near-complete draft of their Case Study, including:
Process -- i.e. adopting the 7 mindsets and applying the 5 modes set out in the dSchool documents
Methods -- set out the ones you chose from the Bootleg Bootcamp document, but likely to include:
Design Brief -- What are the parameters for your prototype design project? In other words, what are you trying to accomplish through your design? You may find it useful to apply the "Impose Constraints" method (on page 32 of the Bootcamp Bootleg document to help here).
Document your project research in words, images and, if appropriate, video and present in a designerly PDF.
Prototype Design and Rationale: Prototype and Test
Due Wednesday, 3 December at noon
Starting with your Design Brief, set out the steps you followed in developing and testing your prototype with your client/group
You can use the "Prototyping for Empathy," "Prototype to Test," "Testing with Users,""User-Driven Prototyping," "Shooting Video," and "Video Editing" methods from Bootcamp Bootleg, pp. 33 - 35, 38, 42 - 43.
Show the evolution of your prototypes, the rationale for them, the response from testing with users, and the iterations as your understanding of client needs improves through the prototyping process.
Document your design evolution in words, images and, if appropriate, video and present in a designerly PDF.
Final Project Submission
Due Wednesday, 10 December at noon
Each member of the group should submit the same designerly PDF addresses all of the elements set out in the Project 4 Brief.
The Overview addresses the aim of your user-centered design project holistically. The Background section sets out the context in which your project takes place. The Conclusion sets out the success of your prototyping exercise in clarifying and meeting a specific need of your client group.
Each individual group member should also submit their evaluations of your fellow team members and a reflection paper on this project specifically, and also on what you've learned during the course of this semester. Reflect on the skills and understandings you've developed and their relevance for you in your future career.
Due Wednesday, 12 November at noon
Each group should do a short write up identifying:
- The organization you plan to work on behalf of,
- Your main contact there,
- The issue(s) that would benefit from user-responsive design,
- The people who would be benefiting from the design and
- Include links to relevant background on your organization, its mission, and their outstanding needs.
As is now usual, lay your proposal out in a designerly way with a relevant descriptive title and subtitle, headings, and present your ideas neatly in words and images.
Project Research: Ideate
Due Wednesday, 19 November at noon
Each group will do a near-complete draft of their Case Study, including:
Process -- i.e. adopting the 7 mindsets and applying the 5 modes set out in the dSchool documents
Methods -- set out the ones you chose from the Bootleg Bootcamp document, but likely to include:
- Assuming a Beginner's Mindset
- User-Camera Study
- Interview with Empathy
- [Exploration of] Extreme Users
Design Brief -- What are the parameters for your prototype design project? In other words, what are you trying to accomplish through your design? You may find it useful to apply the "Impose Constraints" method (on page 32 of the Bootcamp Bootleg document to help here).
Document your project research in words, images and, if appropriate, video and present in a designerly PDF.
Prototype Design and Rationale: Prototype and Test
Due Wednesday, 3 December at noon
Starting with your Design Brief, set out the steps you followed in developing and testing your prototype with your client/group
You can use the "Prototyping for Empathy," "Prototype to Test," "Testing with Users,""User-Driven Prototyping," "Shooting Video," and "Video Editing" methods from Bootcamp Bootleg, pp. 33 - 35, 38, 42 - 43.
Show the evolution of your prototypes, the rationale for them, the response from testing with users, and the iterations as your understanding of client needs improves through the prototyping process.
Document your design evolution in words, images and, if appropriate, video and present in a designerly PDF.
Final Project Submission
Due Wednesday, 10 December at noon
Each member of the group should submit the same designerly PDF addresses all of the elements set out in the Project 4 Brief.
The Overview addresses the aim of your user-centered design project holistically. The Background section sets out the context in which your project takes place. The Conclusion sets out the success of your prototyping exercise in clarifying and meeting a specific need of your client group.
Each individual group member should also submit their evaluations of your fellow team members and a reflection paper on this project specifically, and also on what you've learned during the course of this semester. Reflect on the skills and understandings you've developed and their relevance for you in your future career.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Extra Credit Reading Response Assignments
You will be responsible for the answers to the following questions on the Final Exam. Feel free to answer them using the Reading Response Question format for extra credit by the days indicated:
Monday, 10 November at noon:
Read Bootcamp Bootleg pp. 1 – 5 and answer the following reading response questions:
Wednesday, 12 November at noon:
Read Bootcamp Bootleg pp. 6, 8 – 10 and answer the following questions:
Monday, 17 November at noon:
Read Bootcamp Bootleg pp. 10 - 11, and 17 and answer the following reading response questions:
Monday, 10 November at noon:
Read Bootcamp Bootleg pp. 1 – 5 and answer the following reading response questions:
- What are the seven D.Mindsets and what is the main conclusion you draw from them collectively? Which is the most challenging for you?
- What are the “Five Modes” identified in Bootcamp Bootleg? What is the importance of each of the five? In which of them do you see yourself as most likely to work?
Wednesday, 12 November at noon:
Read Bootcamp Bootleg pp. 6, 8 – 10 and answer the following questions:
- What is the benefit of assuming a beginner’s mindset? How might you adopt one on this project?
- What is the purpose of a user-camera study? What does it involve?
- Why is it necessary to prepare for interviews?
Monday, 17 November at noon:
Read Bootcamp Bootleg pp. 10 - 11, and 17 and answer the following reading response questions:
- What are the stages of an interview with empathy?
- Who might be the “extreme users” in your current project situation? What might you be able to learn uniquely from them?
- What are the benefits of creating a composite character profile (aka a persona)?
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Wednesday, 5 November
- Review select Project 3 examples
- Form groups
- Choose potential Project 4 topics
Homework for Monday, 10 November at noon:
- Group to finalize Project 4 topic
- Read Bootcamp Bootleg pp. 1 – 5 and feel free to answer the following reading response questions for extra credit:
- What are the seven D.Mindsets and what is the main conclusion you draw from them collectively? Which is the most challenging for you?
- What are the “Five Modes” identified in Bootcamp Bootleg? What is the importance of each of the five?
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