Project 4: Good Examples of Prototype Design and Rationale phase

Double-click on image to download PDF of full submission.

Monday, 8 December

Collect Design Journals

Project 4 Prototype Design due

Discuss final project presentation requirements:

Each member of the group should submit the same designerly PDF addresses all of the elements set out in the Project 4 Brief.


Prototype Design and Rationale:
 
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: Due Monday, 15 December at noon:

The Overview addresses the aim of your user-centered design project holistically. The Background addressed the context of your work. The Conclusion sets out the success of your prototyping exercise in clarifying and meeting a specific need of your client group.

Previous project content, e.g. the Case Study and Prototype Design and Testing can be further refined in the final submission.

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. 

Concluding comments

Group work opportunity and chance to get individual questions answered 


Homework for Monday, 15 December at noon:

• Complete Project 4
• 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. 

Monday, 1 December

Important Updates:

Everyone has had three points added to their final grades

Everyone has been given 100% for your final exam score

You do not need to attend the exam period on Monday, 15 December


Remaining Grade Items:

Your Prototype is now due on Monday, 8 December at noon -- this is an extension

Your Design Journals are now due, to be turned in, on Monday, 8 December in class; they will be returned to you on Wednesday, 10 December

Your Final Project is now due on Monday, 15 December at noon -- this is an extension


Project 4 Discussion:

How are things going?

Reiterate Project Requirements:


Initial Project Proposal: Empathize and Define

Due Wednesday, 12 November at noon

Each group should do a short write up identifying:

1. The organization you plan to work on behalf of,
2. Your main contact there,
3. The issue(s) that would benefit from user-responsive design,
4. The people who would be benefiting from the design and
5. Include links to relevant background on your organization, its mission, and their outstanding needs.

If you are not 100% sure if your idea is a workable one, feel free to do two write ups to choose from.

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.

Feedback to date on this phase


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

Findings -- Based on the application of your methods create a "Composite Character Profile" for those you will serve through your design (elsewhere these are sometimes called "Personas")

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. 

Feedback to date on this phase


Prototype Design and Rationale: Prototype and Test 
Due Monday, 10 December at noon -- this is an extension

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 Monday, 15 December at noon -- this is an extension

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. 


Group Work period in class

Student groups to present progress on the Prototype Design and Testing phase to their AIs for evaluation


Homework for Wednesday, 3 December:

Work on your prototypes and test them with your client group; document the process

Be prepared to present your work to date in class