Mobile App with user tests

Working on a project which will result in a mobile app. The design process will involve a user test - i think 3 participants will be good number to test the design. Making productions work on different browsers and computers is a workload when working with the web. Creating design for mobiles is 300 times harder. Getting an application to work on Sony Ericssons, Nokias, iPhones, Samsungs, HTC's etc. is a real puzzle. It's a challenge and I really believe it will be smoother in years to come.

Design studio of CSR Game part 2

studio idea worked well, with several in the group sketching on the design concept. Having people not only brainstorm ideas but rather develop individual ideas we were able to find the best parts from everyone and combine them in to one concept and start developing further.

The wireframes was a good way to present ideas to our client. I pointed out that these were just sketches and not finished design. Think it's important to clarify that, so it doesnt become confusing. I noticed that our client likes that the design process is open so she can get include all her ideas.

For next phase wireframes and storyboard will be created in two phases and used more in an 'orthodox' sense. The wireframes will be built on to what has been created in the storyboards.

Design studio of CSR Game

We are in the initial process of design studio i.e. an agile working method that starts with a design studio where designs are presented internally and getting feedback in the spur of the moment. From there on designs are developed based on the best part on the design studio.

Started with almost designing the interface, however changed it to wireframe sketches to keep the design open. I came up with wireframes, with some in a storyboard manner and some in shape of mock-ups. It sounds confusing.. and it is : ) Traditional readers might think the mentioned design techniques should be kept apart!? We'll see tomorrow on the design studio day what the internal group thinks about the technique and the design.

To be continued...

Computers everywhere!

Designing for interaction
Dan Saffer (2007)
Chapter 1, 3 and 9

The author emphasize that the first computers were engineered, not designed. Humans had to adapt in using them not vice versa. 1960's saw a focus change from computers to software, during the same period as ergonomics and cognitive psychology pushed forward and covered new usable findings. More consideration to the user was taken and has evolved more and more up to our time. The author predicts, as many of us, significant changes over next two, three decades in interaction design. Interaction designers will take big part in how digital devices are developed.

The author predicts that 'ubiquitos computing' (or ubicomp) will take place in the future. As microprocessors and sensors become cheaper and more powerful, computers will be embedded in all the products we buy. These ubicomp systems will be everywhere we go e.g. from the mirror in the morning to to the bus seat going to work to meeting room in office that sense the prescence of each person in the room and adjust accordingly. The author predicts that these ubicomp systems will interact with each other and know what the person needs and wants in different situations. For example the room would know your mood and play music accordingly. This future isn't at all impossible. With regard to how mankind has developed their surroundings making it more comfortable through this century this future is very possible. The question is merely about how these systems will be designed. What the author is forgetting, when predicting how these systems will be designed, is two folded - firstly peoples need for integrity. All people don't want their whole life displayed in various surroundings. Getting on the bus and receiving offers with regard to personal data can be a real intrusion on the private life. Secondly the humans mind is unpredictable, and we know mood changes, taste changes as well as peoples goals differ from one time to the other. With a unicomb system that lets the 'computers' interact with each other without the peoples input would not take the peoples true need into account and often be somewhat close to the needs but yet so far away. It's important for people to be able to interact consciously with digital devices in order to not becoming slaves to preconceived thoughts held by the ubiquitos computers about each person.

The user and design

Designing interfaces
Jenifer Tidwell (2006)
Chapter 1

The author discusses how the users think, act and especially interact with interfaces. The focus is clearly directed on the user. The focus in design has for quite some time been from the designers point of view. The design has been created mostly from what the designer finds attractive or what he/she likes to do with an interface. Nowadays when the users are participtaing more and more with the digital media and putting their input in online communities the focus on design has somewhat changed the focus to the user and his/hers preferences, behaviours and attitudes when designing interfaces. This creates a bigger challenge for the designer, and a greater result when made in tune with the users of a target group.

The Mockup and Persona assignment

Hi,
I made a mockup of an online global environmental community. Its called The Daily Environmental Contribution. The aim is that all users should write about their contribution to the environment each day - whether its just putting soda cans in the machine at the grocery store or if its something more unusual. The community lets its users post their contributions and interact with other users. The best post gets a spotlight and is put into the main content each day. Please, have a look at it - click here!

The persona I had in mind during the design process is called Frida. You can read about her here (pdf) or by clicking here (doc).