Week 3

Theme: "Behaviour and Interaction"

Introduction

This week our team focused on designing and conceptualising an input-output device that responds to user interaction and their associated behaviour. Our design team is required to demonstrate our final concept using an interactive model. This interactive model will be exhibited and tested in class for peer feedback and formal assessment. This task is not about the design of a product or an object, rather it is focused on the design of behaviour and human interaction.

Reading

Inmates Are Running the Asylum, The: Why High-Tech Products Drive Us Crazy and How to Restore the Sanity, by Alan Cooper, 2004.

"Interaction" Versus "Interface" Design

The theory discussed in this section of Chapter 2, analyses the consequences of isolating design at the interface level and the idea of postponing design until after programming when it becomes too late. Interface design is believed to be exploited by programmers as a means of 'dressing up' an existing behaviour. Alan Cooper goes on to state that although interfaces provide the user with rich, visual feedback and reduces visual clutter on screen, it is far from sufficient in terms of its significance and functionality with the product. Cooper uses Microsoft as a prime example of a company which invests millions of dollars in interface design, but neglects the design of their products, leaving them universally unsolved. 

Cooper builds on his argument that the term "interface" design gives the impression to programmers that only the interface can answer the user's needs by stating that, behavioural design tells how the elements of the software or interface should act and communicate. In my opinion, behavioural design tells software engineers and programmers exactly what functions and displays to apply to the interface without just 'slapping' it on after.  

The text discusses the role of an interaction designers and how they work from the outside in, starting with a user-centred approach and establishing the needs of the user. Interactive designers also consider the macro environment in terms of the business, the capabilities of the technology, and the component tasks. 

The most interesting section of this text is the statement made by Cooper about conceptual design. This theory considers what is valuable for the users and determines what their underlying goals and priorities are. The interface design is able to be customized or otherwise made specific to the user's behaviour without unnecessary functions being added.  Cooper ends his discussion by outlining the three stages interaction designers pass through. These include, conceptualisation, behavioural design, and finally interface design.

This reading enabled me to finally understand the necessity and importance of studying user interactions and how we as designers can take this knowledge and apply it. Interactive designers are able to enter the world of the user and determine how and more importantly why an interface does what it does. Furthermore, I strongly believe in the design process of starting from the outside and collecting data relevant to the market, user, technologies and competitors to best meet the user's needs and support the business's overall goals and objectives for the project. 

However, the main idea that I took away from this reading was to analyse a user's need and behaviour in order to determine the products functionality. Therefore, I will now be able to apply this new knowledge and make educated justifications.

Week 3 Task

As discussed earlier the task this week was to start initial brainstorming using sketching, photos and preliminary research to create a concept that uses an input-output function based on a user's interactions. 

Each group member brought in different electronic devices to gather extra resources and parts to help build and eventually prototype our design. In the salvage process the group focused on collecting speakers, microphones, LEDs, wires and any type of buttons as the primary interactive components. These components were selected as they provided a wide variety of different design solutions and means of user interactions. The pictures of these deconstructions are displayed below:

The team's final concept was a security system for prison guards to help control and reduce violence, damage and disruption in prisons. The device is placed inside each prison cell and it monitors noise or changes in volume/pitch and alerts the prison guards through sound and LED lights. Therefore, the input is sound and the output is sound and light. The device would alert security personal or prison guards when a certain level of volume or decibels is reached in the prison cell. 

The idea behind this concept was to instil confidence and safety for both prison guards and other inmates by offering them an alternative to cameras and motion detectors. The device also provides prison guards an added means of reducing crime and improving conditions for staff and other employees.

I decided to make a vector based map to contextualize and illustrate how the system works and the different means on input-output and human interaction.

In regards to the semesters project of 'sensing the news' i continued to look for inspiration for idea generation and to give me a better understanding of what technologies are already on the market. 

Video One: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOvQCPLkPt4

I was intrigued by this concept as it did not directly focus on a specific technology or a commercialized product, it actually analysed a foreseeable futuristic concept that could improve tablet interfaces. The video discusses how modern day touch devices allow people to interact with virtual objects and immerse themselves in new worlds. However, it has been identified that there is still a substantial delay between when a finger moves and when the display responds. As a result, Microsoft researches have built a laboratory test system that allows us to experience the impact of different latencies on the user experience. The results help us understand how far we still have to go to improve touch performance. 

Viewing this video made me realize information that is delayed can have a tremendous impact on the user's experience and uptake of the product. Users who have difficulty interacting with a device or display and receive limited or no feedback can become frustrated and annoyed. This poor experience could result in a drop in purchases, a rise in complaints and a subsequent decrease in market share. I believe it is important to consider this when designing a product that is sending and receiving information, especially when information is represented through colour and images.

Week 2

Theme: "Making Interactions"

Introduction

Each team was requested to bring in small electronic devices with different technologies, applications and context of use. These devices would later be deconstructed and critically analysed. The aim behind this session was to pull apart the internal components of each device and make an input-output behaviour whilst salvaging useful parts. The electronics which were identified as beneficial and suitable included resistors, electrical wires, speakers, push buttons, slide buttons, LED's, motion detectors and temperature sensors. The process and investigation of the deconstruction projects are well documented with images and data which is relevant to each team member. In addition, the team also decided to collaborate and deconstruct an educational learning tablet for children in order to understand the basics of Arduino, an open-source single-board micro-controller and to conceptualize some ideas for the main project. 

Leap Frog Educational Learning Tablet

The Leap Frog tablet teaches children ages 2 and up, storytelling, phonics skills and the alphabet. Children are able to engage with the tablet through tactile buttons, animations, LCD screen, voice overs, in-built speakers and musical sounds. Children are also able to connect to the internet and personalize certain features such as songs, emails and stories. 

During the deconstruction process and with the aid of various tutors, numerous interesting components were identified as useful parts including a thin touch sensitive membrane which acted as the input and a small speaker and LCD screen which acted as the output. From here the group collected the speaker, various electrical wires and started going through each of the tutorials for programming with Arduino. The team did some initial brainstorming exercises and came up with a device that is used by lifeguards or emergency personal which detects the ambient temperature and relays the data through a speaker.

Arduino Programming
I started the Arduino exercises by finding scrap parts and other broken electrical devices to use their internal components and wiring. The main parts I was looking for included buttons, switches, wires, speakers and sensors. I then began by going through each tutorial to understand the terminologies and the fundamental principles of our products work. Below are images and short videos which show the process and configuration of each tutorial.

Tutorial 1: Digital Outputs

 Tutorial 2: Digital Inputs

 Tutorial 3: Digital I/O

Tutorial 4: Analog Output

 Tutorial 5: Analog Input

I managed to attempt tutorial 6, however, I was unable to successfully get the RC Servo Motor to spin. Therefore, I decided to stop at tutorial 6 and try to figure out the correct configuration for each of the parts. 

Group Work

Due to the fact that our group successfully completed tutorials 1-3, we decided to try and incorporate the speaker into our concept design but we encountered many obstacles and subsequent failures. However, it was later discovered by Alex Garrett via a closer inspection that one of the switches on the circuit board was broken and malfunctioning. More importantly, the team also identified that all of the resistors and associated wiring was in the correct position according to the notes on Blackboard and would have worked if the switch was operational. 

This was the programming code used in the failed attempted in tutorial 4 - analog output.

// Speaker (analog wave-form) output with Switches
// (with a complex use of Pulse-width Modulation)
// prepared by Yasu Santo July 2008
// refer to Language Reference at www.arduino.cc for
// detailed descriptions of commands
// --- part of this script was borrowed from
// http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/PlayMelody
#define pbPin1 1 // assign 2 to constant "pbPin1"
#define pbPin2 2 // assign 3 to constant "pbPin2"
// PWM can be used with pin 3, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11.
#define speakerPin 6 // assign 9 to constant "speakerPin"
#define tc 3817 // 1 / (262Hz) = 3817 milliseconds
#define tcs 3610 // 1 / (277Hz) = 3610 milliseconds
#define td 3401 // 1 / (294Hz) = 3401 milliseconds
#define tds 3215 // 1 / (311Hz) = 3215 milliseconds
#define te 3030 // 1 / (330Hz) = 3030 milliseconds
#define tf 2865 // 1 / (349Hz) = 2865 milliseconds
#define tfs 2703 // 1 / (370Hz) = 2703 milliseconds
#define tg 2551 // 1 / (392Hz) = 2551 milliseconds
#define tgs 2410 // 1 / (415Hz) = 2410 milliseconds
#define ta 2273 // 1 / (440Hz) = 2273 milliseconds
#define tas 2146 // 1 / (466Hz) = 2146 milliseconds
#define tb 2024 // 1 / (494Hz) = 2024 milliseconds
#define tcc 1912 // 1 / (523Hz) = 1912 milliseconds
int button1 = 0; // assign "0" to variable "button1"
int button2 = 0; // assign "0" to variable "button2"
void setup(){
Serial.begin(9600); // open serial port with a specified baud rate
pinMode(pbPin1, INPUT); // set the digital pin as INPUT
pinMode(pbPin2, INPUT); // set the digital pin as INPUT
pinMode(speakerPin, OUTPUT); // set the digital pin as OUTPUT
}
void playTone(int tone, long duration){ // Fundtion to play a tone for a set duration
long elapsed_time = 0;
while(elapsed_time < duration){ // while elapsed time of this function is less than the set duration
digitalWrite(speakerPin, 1); // this and next 3 lines generate wave form for a specific tone.
delayMicroseconds(tone/2);
digitalWrite(speakerPin, 0);
delayMicroseconds(tone/2);
elapsed_time += tone; // add the duration of tone just played to the elapsed time.
}
}
void loop(){
button1 = digitalRead(pbPin1);
button2 = digitalRead(pbPin2);
if(button1 == 0 && button2 == 0){ // if both buttons are "0" or ON then
Serial.println("both ON"); // send a message to debug window
playTone(te, 100000);
}else if(button1 == 0){ // if only button 1 is "0" or ON then
Serial.println("(1) ON"); // send a message to debug window
playTone(tc, 100000);
}else if(button2 == 0){ // if only button 2 is "0" or ON then
Serial.println("(2) ON"); // send a message to debug window
playTone(td, 100000);
}
}

The team was able to learn much from this exercise including ensuring all components are accurately inspected to check they are fully operational and how to make use of internal components from other devices. Overall this weeks tutorial was challenging but made me as a designer open my eyes and see the bigger picture and realise that there is more to a product then just it's aesthetics and visual appeal. 

Week 1

Theme: "Communication"

Introduction

The project brief for DNB601 focuses on the idea of ‘sensing the news’. The brief requires a product design to engage the user's ability to be aware of the news or the status of a particular news development. Emerging technologies and the proliferation of telecommunications, entertainment options and online mediums are redefining the way people share and engage with information. The client brief has stipulated that the product is required to facilitate the user’s ability to become aware of the news or the status of a particular news development. It is also important to note that information plays a critical role in numerous aspects of business and life. It drives our communication, our decision making, and our reactions to the entire environment. Therefore, the design must facilitate ease of access, provide management capabilities and fit seamlessly into people’s lives. 

The design team is known as Group 3, with 4 members including myself, Nick Kallinicos, Alex Garrett and Phillip Pappas. The group has previously worked together and is therefore an effective team who are able to meet deadlines while utilizing each other's skills, strengths and knowledge. Until such time as specific roles are determined, each member is currently conducting preliminary research.

The links to the other team member's blogs are:

Nick Kallinicos: http://nicholaskallinicos.blogspot.com.au/
Alex Garrett: http://alexgarrettdnb601.blogspot.com.au/
Phillip Pappas: http://pappasdesignblog.blogspot.com.au/

Readings

Interactive Design Sketchbook by Bill Verplank

This reading is highly relevant as it details the processes and frameworks used by industrial designers including ideation sketching, conceptualisation, iterative phases, interaction, design and the paradigm of human-computer interaction. These concepts, in particular, interaction outline how to design for people and the relevant theories to justify and support design choices. Two terminologies which are critical are mappings which refer to human input or action and modes, which refer to a human response or reaction. These terminologies provide the platform in regards to how design can effectively deliver information through justifiable innovations.

The Inmates Are Running Asylum by Alan Cooper

The main focus in this reading surrounds the debate between humans and machines. Computers are perceived as being invasive and annoying. Yet people are entirely dependent on computers and their subsequent technologies and diverse applications of use. The most important aspect of the document that relates to me as an industrial designer is finding the means of how to redefine the way people interact with computers. Our group will need to consider this dilemma and determine an innovative alternative.

Chapter 1: Riddles for the Information Age
What do you get when you cross a computer with a camera?

Modern day society has access to information at their fingertips and has the ability to produce, distribute, co-create and consume knowledge like never before. This ability to share and transfer information freely, is linked with the concept of digital revolution and the advancement in computer technology. Society has shifted from a traditional industry to an economy based society. Chapter one discusses this shift and in particular the incremental advancements in cameras and the ramifications associated with their designs.

The argument used in this particular example regards the complexity of functions installed on modern day cameras and the problems related to their usability.

I also found it quite interesting to note that, the simplicity of earlier cameras provided people with managable and purposeful products that meet a specific need. For example the introduction of power saving mechanisms that allowed users to extend their battery life proved valuable until the technology became so intricate that the camera acted on behalf of its self.

It seems as though camera's these days through the integration of miniaturized computer parts, now have a mind of their own and act on functionality alone and seem to disregard the user's intent. This argument can be supported by the 'typical scenario' example which explains how the user was unable to control the camera on account of a low battery and the fact that the camera was unable to provide feedback to guide the user and help them find a solution. The camera made an "execution decision" to switch off the LCD monitor resulting in an unwanted photograph. This would have left the user feeling powerless, disgruntled and unsatisfied.

It became evident after reading this article that technology is beginning to escape the control of human ingenuity and taking on a mind of its own. Does this mean that products of the future will need to consider how technology is integrated and to what extent will it be able to control the situation?

In regards to the week 5 presentation on human interaction and problem solving, my main aim is to design an product that facilitates the user's natural behaviour while considering both their physical and mental limitations.

Designing Kinetic Interactions for Organic User Interfaces by Amanda Parkes, Ivan Poupyrev and Hiroshi Ishii

This reading discusses the idea of motion both in regards to mechanical innovations and motion picture events. Producing artificial motion underpinned the industrial revolution, but it was not until recently that there has been a rapid climb in interest toward using kinetic motion of physical objects as a communication medium. This information is relevant to the project as it provides the opportunity to design a communication device using smart materials and organic actuators which will take the motion out of the screen and place it in the real world.

Model Workshop

In the model making workshop our group collaborated and conducted some initial brain storming and sketching exercises. The group generated various concepts for different contexts and user groups including, a Braille hub device for blind people, a Morse-code service which relays simplified messages through colour and vibration, and a dancing motion receiver which detects body language and limb movements. 

The group concluded the session with a final design proposal. The product is a small device that attaches to a lifeguard's paddle board and gathers information such as water temperature, rips, marine life, pollution and ocean swells. This information is then relayed to the lifeguard using small icons and colours. The lifeguard then proceeds with placing the appropriate coloured flag depending on the information received, red meaning danger and green meaning safe. Beaches all over Australia could use this device to collect annual data which can be useful for not only the public but marine biologists, lifeguards and wildlife conservationists. 

Ideation and Concept Research

In order to get a better understanding of this semesters project brief I went ahead and conducted some initial brainstorming and research on human-machine interaction. Firstly, I went on YouTube to analysis existing prototypes and concepts that involve the delivery of information or 'news' and have some form of interface or platform for users to communicate.

Video One:
http://youtu.be/Tw1mXjMshJE 

This concept was a 3D Multi-touch prototype that monitors hand movements and is able to recognize multiple hands simultaneously allowing several users to interact with the system at once. Images are able to be uploaded, moved and edited all through the hand movements. This concept gave me the idea of a system that allows user's to simultaneously send and receive messages through a live feed. User's would be able to communicate with online viewers through hand signals, imagery and different colour combinations.  

Video Two: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Cf7IL_eZ38 

The idea behind this concept is the application of glass and how technology can allow a Multi-purpose interface with endless possibilities. Tables become LCD displays, kitchen tops become a source of news and weather updates, international collaborations and meetings are a touch away, living rooms offer a cinematic experience, and information becomes tangible and accessible by everyone. This video demonstrated how versatile glass is and the numerous applications it can provide us with. My idea involves a product with a tangible surface that detects emotion and other psychological patterns and relays this data through colour, textures and sound.

Video Three:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX8I5wiFdLo

This is a near-future car interface system design by Mitsubishi electric which they believed will be realized within a decade from now. This concept features a newly developed curved re-projection display as the dash board, a tactile interface with pop-up buttons when needed and a safety system that uses bio-metrics. This concept stood out to me the most due to its innovation and uniqueness. More importantly, it is a technology system that considers and adapts to the user's needs which was a factor discussed in chapter one of the book, "The Inmates are Running the Asylum." The idea that I was able to come up with involves a tactile interface with sensors that detect hand  pressure. Only those sensors which detect human pressure become active so the interface can be used intuitively without looking.