At the end of the module, we need to present our final prototype and design process. there was a lot to do and the module was very tight so it was important to have a proper plan. From the start to the end of the design process, it took about 3 weeks. The complete process was divided into the following stages: user and contextual research, sketching, prototyping, testing, feedback and final presentation.
For the user research, she brought some walking sticks to our studio and had a conversation with us for about 20 minutes in the first meeting, which was mainly about her views on walking sticks as a user. The second meeting with the mentor was at her place. We took a bus to her house and this time we were more interested in learning about her daily life.
After finishing our engagement with the mentor, we as a group shared our notes to ensure that we were getting the same information. I spent a lot of time on organising my notes as they were not detailed enough. I organised all my notes and extracted the key information and tried to create a persona page. Once the persona was completed, I had the idea to design a transparent walking stick. To better reflect her identity, I drew some sketches with reference to objects that were meaningful to her and her personal preferences. She also told the story behind those objects which were unique to her.
During the prototype phase, I had to use rendering software at the end to help me express my final ideas. I originally wanted to make a transparent walking stick, but that didn’t work out at the mould-making stage, so I had to use wood instead. Besides, I didn’t have time to show the prototypes to my mentor because the models were finished so late, so I had to revise the prototypes according to my own experience.
I was generally happy with the design journey but disappointed that my ideas were not finally presented in full physical form. I was too worried about failing to complete the project, so I gave up on making a transparent cane from resin after only one attempt. However, I found that my classmates were very good at presenting ideas using a variety of materials and documenting the process, and I really appreciated their approach to design, which I had not been exposed to before.
The good aspect of my design journey was the fact that I completed relatively good quality work by the deadline and expressed my ideas in full through the presentation. In addition, the communication with my supervisor went very well and I gained a lot of useful information. The downside was the lack of design details and the fact that the model wasn’t made from transparent materials.
I think the reason for the successful delivery of the project was making a schedule, evaluating the workload and predicting the point at which I would finish.
It was good to work with our mentor as we both respected each other’s feelings. In terms of design research ethics, we needed to show respect, responsibility and honesty to our interviewees. We always get her permission before recording or taking photographs, as we know that this is very private information. Also, we didn’t want to bother our mentor too much and wanted to make her feel at ease. Although she said she could drive to the school, we understood that it was not wise to let an elderly person drive alone so we took a bus to get there.
The reason for the lack of design details was due to not doing in-depth identity research and design on one particular element after doing the interviews. I think it was not enough to reflect the connection of the cane to my mentor and lacked original design elements.
I didn’t end up with a transparent cane due to my unfamiliarity with the materials and making methods. I needed to understand the different materials and consider which would suit me better in terms of crafting time and appearance.
In conclusion, I learned how to conduct the user research method and how to engage with the user. However, I need to learn how to do intensive design research. Also, note-taking is the most important skill throughout the research phase. Moreover, I will improve my ability to craft things and explore different workshops. Making and testing it myself is the methodology I have learned.
When I return to work, I will apply these gains.
- Genuine understanding of the user.
- Taking notes at all times.
- Keep making and testing.
- Skilled presentations need constant practice.