Major Project Research Document

Page 1

ENVOI.

BA Product Design Major Project. Research Document.

N0737314
Adam Parrott

Target Consumers.

Elderly Citizens -

- Shiela and John

- Poor technological ability

- Have found it difficult to communicate with friends and family over lockdown.

Students -

- Tom and Aneith

- Avid mobile phone users

- Grew up learning how to hand write and enjoyed doodling and drawing in school

Families/ Children -

- Connie and Lottie

- Enjoy sentimental drawings and letters

- Have distant families they havent seen over lockdown.

002. 003.

Context.

What’s the big idea?

Adressing the focal points of the Brief and outlining the insight that led to this project.

Chapter 1. - Insight. - Context and initial brief 1

plan

- The history of modern communication - Product Inspiration

- How could my product help?

The rapid evolution of modern communications technology is a testament to the design industry, but has it made traditional messaging methods obselete and pointless?

The rise of instant messaging and social media has made conversing with friends or family easier than ever before, with 4.66 Billion people worldwide have access to the internet, with 4.2 Billion active on social media.

The accessibility of mobile technology has created a much smaller world, with the ability to connect with all areas of the globe at your fingertips. However, the effects of modern communication have no doubt created issues such as screen addiction, and a lack of traditional values.

There is a distinct lack of intimacy with instant messaging, as constantly staring at a screen to talk to friends further seperates the gap from traditional messaging methods. Have these methods been thrown to the wayside? And do they still have relevance in the emotionally difficult current climate?

The focal point of this project will be to reclaim traditional communication methods by infusing them with modern technology, creating a universal product for all ages.

Format Key.

- creative thoughts - inspiration

- developed on/ from area of research

- analysing a topic or research area

2 3 4 5 - Research
004. 005.

Creating a unique feature or service focusing on traditional methods of communication will open a market that is currently un-occupied.

Initial Brief.

Design an authentic alternative to modern digital communication with a key focus on user interaction and experience.

The interaction with the product must give the user a feeling of positivity and satisfaction, which will boost the life cycle of the device.

User Journey will be a key element to consider for the design of my product, as the experience should be as easy and enjoyable as possible.

User ExperienceNostalgia - Sentimentality

Are traditional values dying out?
006. 007.

DEFINITION. RE-BRIEF.

Design the right thing.

Insight into the Problem

- Establish the focal issue that the product will try to solve - Assess other issues the product could cater for - Collate a wide range of initial insights to research further

Scope down the Focus

- Identify and focus on the key research areas found

- Conduct in-depth secondary research into products, case studies and influencial designs

- Use Primary research to compare to Secondary and gain opinions and personal information

- Re-define the Brief to cater for research results and design approach

Design things right.

Potential Solutions

- With research and a re-defined Brief as a basis, begin ideating and designing concepts - Take inspiration from various sources to come up with final concepts

- Technical advice could prove useful at this point

React to feedback & Innovate

RESEARCH. DESIGN. Discover. Define. Develop. Deliver. PROBLEM.
SOLUTION.
Double Diamond Chart.
- Use feedback and responses to alter product - Finalise a design and display it professionally - Provide a final solution to the initial problem identified 008. 009.

A key insight to this project was the realisation that digital communication is effectively the only method I had to contact friends or family.

Despite the many benefits to modern communications like its ease of use and instant connectivity, it does not offer a lot in terms of personalisable or authentic messaging.

To add merit to this issue, modern youth are more in touch with digital communications than traditional methods, potentially leading to a generation dependent on mobile devices and traditions being made redundant.

The fax machine is a dying form of communication that combines a scanning/printing feature with a telephone.

Its ability to scan and send documents to other machines that would instantly produce a physical copy could make it a key product to analyse and potentially modernise.

As a creative type, drawing and doodling has always been a sub-conscious pleasure of mine, and its mental health benefits have been studied extensively, indicating that hand-written or drawn messages may positively impact the users mood more than a text or other digital message.

Adopting a sleek, modern design would give the fax machine a new lease of life, which may be essential in attracting a wide range of consumers.

The issue of traditional values being left behind is something that motivates me to innovate and combine the personality and handmade nature of letter writing and drawing with the speed and connectivity of modern digital communications.

Initial Insights/ Inspiration.
010. 011.

Research Planning.

Creating research areas and visualising topics with post-it notes allowed me to organise and plan my research approach with greater ease.

Key Areas.

Elderly Disconnected

Can my product connect the elderly to younger generations?

Is there a communication gap between these age groups?

Design Suitability - process must be elderly friendly.

Mobile Addiction/ Student Impact

Are traditional values being left in the dust?

Are the modern youth addicted to mobile communication?

How could my product improve mood in difficult circumstances?

User Experience

What factors make a user love a product?

How should my product be interacted with?

The effect of Branding on popularity.

Points Made.

Further ideas or thought-provoking research topics that could prove to be interesting and beneficial to the product.

Primary Research - User Surveys

- Student focused - User experience - Elderly focused

During research ideation, various ideas were collated and analysed to select the most important or most beneficial areas of research for the product.

Interactive Branding

Excellent branding will greatly improve popularity

Primary Research - User Surveys - Student focused - User experience - Elderly focused

Universal Design

Style must cater for all ages and technical ability

Case Studies/ Product Spotlights

- Polaroid - PeriPage - Snapchat

012. 013.

Brand Dominance

Companies like Apple and Samsung use their loyal user base to dominate the mobile communications market, generating billions yearly.

Ease of Use

Interface design (UI design) has become focal on making the users life as easy as possible.

Instant Connectivity

Being able to instantly connect with friends or family around the world has made mobile technology essential, for consumers and businesses alike.

Multi-functional

Todays mobile phones do a lot more than take and make phone calls. The accessibility of these products create various opportunities, with a clear example being the mobile gaming industry, which is valued at over $25 Billion.

Portability

Having a mini computer in your pocket opens up various possibilities. The portable nature of most modern communication is something that no doubt draws in many consumers as users are constantly on the go.

Screen Time

Social Media

The user experience of modern mobile communications tech is undoubtedly what has made it so popular.
Making everyday life as easy as possible is what many consumers will pay a lot of money for, with more recent developments in smart home technology further proving this point to be true.
US Adults spend an average of 2:55 Hours on their
every day. Smartphone users in Billions
smartphones
4.33 Billion active social media users, 55% of Earths population. 014. & 015.

1850 - Original Patent

Inventor Alexander Bain found out how to transfer an image though a wire, and thus the primitive beginnings of Fax were underway.

1964 - Commercial Fax

The Xerox LDX spawned a new era for office workers and administrators alike, with the ability to scan and print documents from computers.

1966 - Magnafax

More user friendly than the LDX, the Xerox Magnafax allowed a telephone connection. The Fax machine that we’ve known to this day was officially born.

The internal machinery of the Fax machine is complex, with numerous components forming an intricate system.

Reducing the size of the internal mechanism would limit the useable paper size, but could also open up various opportunities to make the product portable.

1990’s - Compact Fax

The 90’s brought an array of compact Fax machine models, with a stark contrast from the designs used 30 years previous.

Modern Era of Fax

The Fax machine has dropped severely in popularity since the beginning of the 20th century. Contemporary models are much more digital and resemble printers more than landlines.

Modern Scanning

Current technology allows us to perform various tasks in a matter of seconds. Scanning documents has become one of these tasks, with Adobe Capture being a simple and effective alternative of scanning documents.

Mobile technology is no doubt a pivotal reason to the downfall of fax, however there are still improvements than can be made to the user experience aspect of the user process.

Paper Useage

The excessive amounts of paper used in Fax machines creates a sustainability issue. This will be addressed during the design stage to attempt to innovate a more environmentally friendly alternative.

The
History of Fax.
016. 017.

The Decline of Fax.

While many talk about the death of the fax machine, and despite the fact it now appears in museums of technology as hardware of a bygone era, the fax machine is far from gone.

The reality is that fax popularity remains to this day, with over 43 million fax machine units still in operation across the globe.

The rise of E-mail and digital communication in the 1990’s pushed the fax machine to the side as companies began to favour a paperless approach.

Fax machines also became targets for cyber crime as hackers found a way to externally manipulate the programming and access company data, giving further reason to their demise.

It is important that the programming for my product cannot be hacked like this as it is aimed to be sold on a wide scale.

17 Billion Fax documents sent annually.

The healthcare industry is still running on fax technology as a reliable and secure communication tool to send and receive patients' sensitive data.

018. 019.

Physical Copy

Recieving a physical product from a device, much like a Polaroid camera, opens up opportunities for decorating.

There is an extensive market for bedroom decorations, with websites like Etsy , all offering handmade products from artists all around the world.

This is a concept that inspires me to provide a service for instantly sending artwork or just messages to users on a global scale.

Why Fax?

Sentimental Feeling

Recieving messages from family members, such as postcards, can often bring a feeling of sentimentality.

Many people keep collections of letters written by family members, friends or loved ones, further indicating the strong attachment between a user and something hand made.

It is this strong connection which will create an affection for my product, making it much more likely to be used on a regular basis.

020. 021.

Product Inspiration.

PeriPage

RRP - £44

The PeriPage may only be a portable printer and not a fax machine, but its compact function and friendly design caught my eye while researching.

The product prints A6 size photographs via a bluetooth connection to a mobile device, making it dependent on mobile technology to function.

This is a feature I hope to avoid with my product, as I want minimal connection with mobile devices.

PeriPage packaging is inviting and fun, seamlessly working with the product design to create an intruiging highlight on any shop shelf.

This packaging is an excellent example of the effect of inticing branding, and is something that would greatly benefit my product.

Protective Casing

The PeriPage website contains a limited selection of protective casing, with the only product being see through plastic.

There is definitely potential for this concept with my product, and I would like to develop more options for protective casing so users can further personalise their product.

022. 023.

Polaroid Lab/ Hi-Print

RRP - £89.99 - £119.99

Again, neither of these products are close to being traditional Fax machines, however their mimimal and nostalgic designs are perfect for a widespread audience, making them very marketable.

Polaroid is a brand that would be very beneficial to analyse, with various products to study that all have unique user experience features.

Internal Machinery.

The internal mechanisms of the PeriPage seems to be fairly compact and non-complex, however its only function is to print, and not also have a scanning feature.

The roll of paper is a common theme in these products, with both the PeriPage and the Star Micronics SML200 showing this.

This roll of paper seems wasteful and I aim to find a more sustainable alternative.

Star Micronics SM-L200 Mobile mPos Printer RRP -
024. 025.
£159.99

Thermal labels are unable to withstand long exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat. This could create issues for those who wish to decorate their rooms with these notes, as a bright room that recieves a lot of sunlight could cause the messages to perish.

Regular Thermal paper also contains many harmful substances and chemicals such as BPA that could deem it unethical or unsustainable to use.

Thermal Printing.

Many modern versions of reciept printers utilise thermal printing, which reduces the need for ink and having to refill the cartridges.

This printing method is done by selectively heating a coated thermochronic paper, otherwise known as Thermal paper.

By getting rid of the need for ink, Thermal printing as a process is much simpler than other printing methods. The only component that needs replaced in this process is the thermal paper, which is usually a straight forward swap for a new roll.

As they have a lower shipping weight, the carbon footprint can also be greatly reduced.

BPA-free alternatives such as Panda Paper or Okobon paper will be essential for my product, especially as BPA-free thermal paper is now required across the EU.

026. 027.

Is my product necessary?

- Do people actually miss traditional messaging?

- Would users really enjoy recieving handwritten notes?

- Can this product re-connect the Elderly generation?

These points will all be raised through primary research and secondary if possible, however first-hand feedback will be vital in justifying this product.

It should be made clear that this product is not a necessity, although it will require multiple users to function.

The lack of intimacy with current mobile messaging means that friends and family can only interact by staring at a screen, which seems to be the only thing many people are doing in the current Covid climate.

It is also important to note that this product is not trying to replace digital mobile communication, but rather offer a more personalised and intimate alternative to those who enjoy or miss the feeling of communicating through written messages, while utilising the instantaneous nature of modern digital messaging.

There has been a general trend of much lower morale amongst all age groups, to be expected amidst a global pandemic.

Many people locked indoors and can only text/ call friends.

Elderly are less proficient with modern communications tech and may have felt much more disconnected over the past year.

028.
029.

Personal Insight.

A hand-written note sent to me from my sister who lives in France, which took roughly 3 weeks to arrive.

My sister is very supportive of everything I do and we have a great relationship, however as she lives abroad it can make communicating with her more complex than necessary.

The note was sent to me this year and will hopefully stay with me for the rest of my life. Messages like these are very important to me, as it provides a great amount of sentimental value.

She has told me in the past that communicating with our grandparents is difficult for her as they do not have a good grasp on modern technology.

As very traditional elderly citizens, they mostly use telephone or occasionally postcards/ letters to communicate.

The length of time the letter took to reach me was something that further highlighted the importance of instant messaging. Although the letter is much more personal and sentimental than a text, I couldnt send her a letter if I needed urgent help.

Combining hand-written letters with instant messaging capabilities would make this process much more straight-forward.

030.
031.

The Power of Homemade.

How can the gift of giving be utilised through my product?

The defining characteristic of my product will be its ability to easilly send and recieve authentic, handmade drawings, letters or postcards

For those not in direct contact with loved ones, in particular elderly relatives over lockdown, the feeling of recieving a handmade gift with recognisable handwriting may be something that has become un-obtainable.

This is highlighted by the rise of Moonpig, with sales skyrocketing by 44% over the Lockdown period. This makes me think;

Does digital text hold the same emotional feeling as handwritten messages?

Benefits of Handwriting

Handwritten notes have been proven to engage the senses, with studies in the area coined “Haptics” looking into the way our minds and bodies interact in the learning process, and how active the brain is.

Reading from handwritten notes has been proven to increase information retention, especially if it is your own writing.

This memory retention could have a greater effect on elderly, in particular those with issues like Dementia, an area of research that seems beneficial and important.

032.
033.

Lack of Traditional Values.

As digital communication continues to adapt and innovate, traditional methods of communication will only grow more and more redundant, which is something that I want my product to fight against.

Creating a written-only method of communication will promote users to pick up a pen and paper and put effort into physically writing messages, not just type them out in a matter of seconds.

Design for Elderly useage.

Products designed specifically for elderly use are often very simple and straightforward to use, which is something that must be utilised for my non-digital product.

034.
035.

Elderly Disconnected.

59% of those aged 85 and over and 38% of those aged 75 to 84 live alone.

Loneliness and social isolation put individuals at greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Half a million older people go at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all

Generation gaps are caused by increased life expectancy, rapid changes in society, and the mobility of society. Effects of the generation gap include conflict among family members over different generations and misunderstandings.

Research Aims.

Discover

Find some of the key reasons for gaps in communication and how my product could aid in connecting people of all ages.

Analyse

Conduct primary research focused on finding the opinion of elderly consumers on modern digital communication.

Assess

Compare research from different sources to further justify the need for my product and what features must be included.

- creative thoughtsinspiration

- developed on/ from area of research

- analysing a topic or research area

Chapter 2.
036.
037.

Internet Language.

Many teens and young adults have adopted the simplicity of Text language, involving various abbreviations of phrases and sayings that are easy to decipher to a fellow modern tech user, however this style of language may not transfer when speaking to an elderly citizen.

This language barrier may also apply to the elderly generation, as the English language many senior citizens were taught in school has been adapted and changed by younger generations, with certain words being made completely redundant.

Creating a product that will focus on bridging this gap will appeal to various age demographics, making it more marketable on a large, or global, scale.

038.
039.

Finding the Middleground.

Young children rely heavilly on their senses and emotions to communicate.

Mental Health Benefits

The number of people aged 75 and over has increased by 89% since 1974 and now makes up 8% of the population, yet it is estimated that 85% of older people with depression receive no help at all from the NHS.

Research has found that calligraphy therapy enhances cognitive function in older people with mild cognitive impairment, and it has been recommended that the art form should be incorporated as part of routine programmes within residential care settings in order to provide stimulation and relaxation.

This Afflictions flower gives a brief overview of the mental health challenges that may face elderly citizens, with certain aspects that could be catered for with my product.

A key element of this chart is the lack of activities elderly citizens have, which in turn further causes loneliness. By providing an interactive device, this feeling of decreasing activities may start to fall.

This point made me think of ways in which my product could make life easier, with a shopping list reminder setting or direct line to a grocery buyer could make this task much simpler for the elderly.

040.
How can my product overcome the language barrier between Elderly and Young generations?
041.
Can the power of caligraphy and written communication remove the communication barrier between generations?

Is the Gap Closing?

Komp is a communication tablet designed specifically for elderly use.

Most examples of elderly comms devices are function oriented with oversized buttons and seemingly sarcastic designs that highlight the incompetence of the elderly.

Komp combines the simplicity of a digital touchscreen and interface with traditional interactive elements like an extruding volume knob.

Despite not wanting my product to have a screen or touchscreen, I found the Komp to be a refreshing elderly catered communication device amidst a sea of un-aesthetic designs.

Digital Marketing

Marketing my product on digital platforms like social media or utilising ad space will massively expand the base of consumers that will know about the product, giving it the best possible chance to grow in popularity

The thought of using paper thin screen technilogy is intruiging, however i feel it will take some of the authenticity out of the user process, as i want users to have to physically write out their messages on paper to be scanned through.

This may be deemed as less sustainable, however the small paper size and accessibility make it ideal for my product, especially when considering my focus to create an authentic messaging device with minimal digital components

042.
043.
Offering a subscription service for communication devices is fairly common, but Komp is the only communication device for elderly that does this, indicating a higher quality of service than other products. This is something that could be implemented with my product.
Having a screen makes user interaction easier, but also defeats the objective of creating a non-digital product.

User Simplicity

Incorporating a One-touch interactive element to this design makes it very straighforward to use and pick up, making it perfect for all ages.

This may be something that is considered in the design of my product, as user process and ease of use will be key aims to consider.

Screenless Communication

The Relay+ from Republic Wireless is a product that was designed to replace the outdated walkie-talkie models we are used to seeing with a discrete, modern and simplistic communication product.

Adopting a text to speech/ speech to text feature could make my product even more accessible and easy to use for all ages, combined with a straightforward interface to ensure easy interaction.

044.
Other examples of screenless communication are mainly focused on replacing products that already exist, but make them more sleek/descrete.
045.

Elderly Inclusive Products

A wide selection of different products that all aim to make certain aspects of elderly life easier, whether it be catering for those with impaired vision, or in particular a music player designed for dementia sufferers.

Elderly Impairment.

HumanWare design products for those with mainly vision impairments to make their everyday lives easier.

An issue many elderly citizens face is their body not allowing them to perform activities they used to enjoy.

Finding things to stay entertained with may be difficult for elderly consumers with vision or touch impairment, and further motivates me to create an engaging product with a fun and satisfying user process.

046.
047.

This braille keyboard makes typing much easier for those with vision problems and is another example of HumanWare’s user centric and interactive designs.

A braille reading feature could be very beneficial for my product due to the high amount of elderly consumers with eyesight problems.

Approximately one person in three has some form of visionreducing eye disease by the age of 65. This means that reading and writing letters could be a more difficult task than intended for many elderly users.

Text to Speech.

Dictation features are included in the majority of modern mobile communication devices, however due to digital text being easier to scan and recognise than handwritten messages, there may be significant machinery needed for my product to perform this command.

Upon researching, it became clear than a product that scans handwritten letters and dictates the message does not exist, however there are applications that can recognise caligraphy and turn it into audio format.

Utilising Voice Commands would greatly benefit my product, not only for elderly users but for users of all ages.

The simplicity of talking to a device is something that is very much associated with modern communication technology, however remains fairly authentic as the users voice is a traditional method of communication.

048.
049.

Elderly in Care.

There were over 418,000 people in care homes in 2016.

In 2019, there were 131,149 deaths of care home residents registered in England.

6 in 10 of all UK care home residents suffer from dementia.

Around 2 in 5 older people living in care homes have depression, and an estimated 4 out of 5 people in care homes live with dementia or severe memory problems.

Despite the prevalence of these conditions, the standard says that they are often not recognised, diagnosed or treated.

Living in care may make many elderly citizens much more anxious, especially with people dying all around them.

Providing a product that will stimulate and nurture the mind while allowing the user to communicate traditionally will benefit all users in more way than just one.

050. 051.

Holistic Support

Throughout the duration of my Dissertation project, I learned of the importance of holistic support.

The body and mind work together and both need be nourished to ensure a positive impact on the user that will make them want to keep using the product.

It has also been found that the treatment of Elderly citizens is often either mental or physical, despite a large percentage of care home residents suffering from physical impairments as well as mental issues, ranging in severity from anxiety and depression to alzheimers and dementia.

Supporting the Body

- Handwriting allows exercise in wrist and hand joints

- Physical process will keep the user busy while using product

- Creates a reason to get up and move to the machine

- Could become part of a daily routine

Supporting the Mind

- Recognising and reading handwriting will help stimulate the Brain and could aid those with dementia or alzheimer’s

- Connecting with friends and family could improve mood

- Traditional process may induce joy

052. 053.

Primary Research.

Setup & Aims.

Instead of relying on secondary data, it became clear that to effectively assess the factors discussed previously, primary research will have to be conducted to yield results more focused on this specific area of research.

-

Assess whether elderly citizens feel disconnected from their friends or family.

What method of communication is most popular amongst elderly consumers.

Sampling elderly consumers for primary research has proven to be difficult in the past due to their lack of technological expertise, however luckily I was able to enlist the help of my own Grandparents to distribute surveys amongst their elderly friends.

055.

Find out whether elderly users feel a lack of traditional values with modern communication methods.054.
Sampling.

Questionnaire - Digital

These survey questions were distributed amongst as many of the Elderly community in my Grandparents local area, yielding 15 responses.

How often do you communicate with your family?

How often do you communicate with your friends?

Do you find it easy to stay in touch with family and friends?

What method of communication do you use most frequently?

Do you own a mobile phone or other modern communication device, i.e, iPhone or iPad? If so do you use it regularly with ease?

If you do not own a mobile phone, how well do you communicate with friends or family? What is your main method of communication?

When was the last time you received or sent a hand wrote letter or message to someone?

Is writing messages a method of communication you would like to do more often? Especially with modern instant messaging making it much easier to have conversations.

Would voice activation be a feature that could make sending and receiving messages easier than using a mobile phone/ touchscreen?

Would you prefer to handwrite messages to friends or family rather than texting? Do you find sentimental value from receiving handwritten letters?

This

056.
Questionnaire - Physical 12345678 -
057.
Recieving responses from the digital survey proved more effective, with 26 responses.
gives a total of 41 responses from both surveys, providing a good amount of qualitative information from both.
910 -

Written responses

I collected 4 surveys myself then my Parents scanned the rest through to me from my Grandparents friends.

The results and key points were as follows -

12 -

How often do you communicate with your family?

Daily - 5 Weekly - 8 Monthly - 1

>Monthly - 1

How often do you communicate with your friends?

34 -

Do you find it easy to stay in touch with family and friends?

Yes - 9 Mostly - 5 No - 1

Daily - 6 Weekly - 8

Fortnightly - 1

56 -

Do you own a smartphone, ie, iPhone, and if so do you use it with ease?

Yes - easilly used - 8 Yes - uneasilly used - 6 No - 1

7 -

If you do not own a mobile phone, what is your main comms method and how easy is it for you?

Landline - easy - 1 Landline - difficult - 3 N/A - 11

89 -

Is letter writing a comms method you would like to do more often?

Yes - 12 Maybe - 2 No - 1

Would voice activation be a feature that could make sending and recieving messages easier?

Yes - 4 Maybe - 2 No - 9

When was the last time you recieved or sent a hand written letter?

Within a week - 2 Over a week ago - 5 Over a month ago - 8

Results analysis

What method of communication do you use most frequently?

Landine/ Telephone - 5 Mobile - 6

Letter writing - 3

058. 059.

40% of participants communicate with their friends on a daily basis.

Column2 Column2 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr

80% of participants would rather hand write messages than text or e-mail.

10Column2 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr

Do you prefer hand writing messages rather than texts or e-mails?

Yes - 12 No - 3 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr
53% of participants hadnt recieved a hand written letter in over a month.

Responses Analysis

This response was a clear indication of how my product can help those with distant relatives or family that live abroad.

This response showed the importance of designing a simple process to cater for elderly users lack in technological expertise.

“Reasonably, I dont really understand modern technlogy so have to rely on the telephone or letters”

910 -

Responses to Q9 made me doubt the use of voice activation as I realised it may take away from the main focus of letter writing. This decision was also backed up by these other responses.

Question 10 yielded mostly positive responses, with 80% claiming to prefer writing messages than e-mailing or texting.

Question 8 yielded many positive results that seemed to be in favour of my product. Responses shown suggest this.

These responses suggest a fault in the postal system which can be resolved through my product.

Evaluation

Although this research showed that the elderly aren’t necessarily any less technologically proficient than other generations, it does show the clear demand for a modern hand written commuincation method.

These responses indicate the personality and feeling that written letters can achieve.

These responses simply show the love of letter writing and also that people may miss this method of communication.

The flaws and seeming distaste for the postal system was also highlighted from responses. As my product would not require stamps, envelopes or a postal delivery sytem, the costs of sending and receiving letters would be limited to the initial cost and paper refills.

138 -
060. & 061.

Digital responses

I didnt think I’d recieve as many online responses as I did, which could further indicate the increasing tech-savviness of the elderly generation.

The digital survey results were very similar to the physical questionnairre, further strenghtening arguments.

Results analysis

Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr aa Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr
50% of participants found it difficult to
73% of participants would prefer
write messages
38% of participants
062. 063.
stay in contact with friends and family.
to hand
than text.
hadn’t recieved a letter in months, 33% in a few weeks.

This response made me think of how my product will be used, as the user will come home to letters much like a fax, and can reply at the earliest convenience.

These responses matches the physical responses with the distaste and increasing price of the postal system.

This response strengthens my product, as those with hearing problems will still be able to interact and use the product.

This response shows that users like keeping a physical copy to collect as it holds senimental value.

This response showed further indication of elderly citizens becoming more technologically capable.

This response indicated the need for a clear and simple interface so that even those with impaired vision should be able to use it, however their ability to actually write letters may be sacrificed if so, indicating that this isnt a product for the blind.

This response generally indicates the pleasure of sending and recieving letters.

Evaluation

These responses indicate that worldwide connectivity could improve communication for distant families. It’s function could be simply viewed as a fax answering machine.

Both surveys found mixed results for the voice activation feature. I realised that adding this feature would take away much of the authenticity of my product, especially as it is aiming to be a purely handwritten method of communication.

10 - Question 10 recieved a good amount of positive responses, agreeing with the results from the physical questionnairre.

This response made me happy as it verified a key aim of my product, to connect elderly citizens to their grandchildren and younger generations in a more interactive way.

Conclusion

Although senior citizens are showing clear indication of having an improving grasp on modern technology, there was still a clear demand shown for handwritten communication.

Flaws in the postal system could make my product more popular amongst elderly communities, which is given futher evidence from the positive responses gained regarding handwriting letters.

Responses Analysis 1456 -
064. & 065.

Design Sensitivity/ Suitability.

Designing with elderly user in mind

Inclusive Design

Good inclusive design shouldn’t just cater the needs for disabled or impaired users, but should consider the needs of all users.

Examples of inclusive designs are often targetted at elderly users, with examples as follows.

Memo is sensory therapy for people with Alzheimer's disease. The set includes a speaker and various instruments for music therapy, a fragrant diffuser that can be adjusted for different functions eg. to stimulate appetite, to calm before going to bed.

Despite research indicating that elderly citizens are becomeing more tech savvy and inviting digital communication methods into their lives, primary research showed a clear demand for a more traditionally valued modern communication method.

066. 067.

Eyra utensils are aimed specifically at making cooking easier for older generations, who the brand say "demand better design" without compromising on a contemporary aesthetic.

Each utensil's handle is shaped and angled to cater for different grip positions, preventing its user from twisting their arms and wrists, and has a soft rubber finish that ensures the tool does not slip out of their hand.

Melo is a music sharing device that connects seniors to their loved ones. Instead of public radio stations, the elderly can tune into the music that their family members are listening to, bringing them together across time and space with one shared tune.

The Filotea range by Elena Tamburini isn’t necesarilly an example of all inclusive design, however it takes an interesting view on elderly centric products.

Comprised of a mirror, a brush, a table and a walker, each of the objects in the Filotea collection refers to an affectionate daily gesture, such as a caress, a touch, or looking at yourself or your partner.

It is unlikely that an element of stimulation will be encorporated into my product, however I found the Filotea range to be a wholesome and personal example of designing for elderly users.

068.
069.

ElliQ Robot by Yves Béhar

Yves Béhar's Fuseproject studio has designed an "emotionally intelligent robotic companion", which is intended to help the ageing population connect with technology and continue learning in later life.

The product was developed to address the problem of loneliness and lack of social activity among ageing adults.

The design team questioned how technology can appear less complex and intimidating to this specific population.

They also considered the ways artificial intelligence could help this demographic a maintain a healthy level of cognitive activity.

The product is complex yet simple to use, with various educational features for the elderly to use and gain a grasp on communications technology.

The colours and form of the design is something that could definitely influence my product, with the off-white and cream tones creating a soothing yet sleek gadget.

070.
071.

Punkt designs a range of communication and electrical products with a focus on simplicity and minimalism.

Punkt’s minimal and straight-forward designs make them perfect for Elderly users. The soft designs and original takes on existing communications and electrical products would be ideal additions to any Elderly consumers.

Focus is at a premium in the digital age. The MP02 4G mobile phone makes it easier to be where you are, whether that’s a family weekend away or an important business meeting. It gives you freedom from a constant onslaught of designed-for-addiction notifications and other distractions.

072.
073.

Easy to use Products is a U.S based company that designs products specifically for elderly useage, with a greater focus on making everyday life easier for elderly citizens.

Pill Popper

The Pill Popper is a medication tracking system built into a tag. The super elastic ring stretches to fit nearly any container. Medication is tracked by popping the corresponding bubble as a reminder.

Mobility Hooks

A range of adjustable hooks and clamps that attach to a zimmerframe or walking aid to create carrying possibilities.

Sock Ox

Helps

Mobility Walker Coasters

Replace tennis balls, wheels, and rubber tips on walker legs. Smoothly glides over doorways, sidewalks, and carpets. Fits standard 1” tubing.

your
your
you put on
socks and shoes and take
socks off as well, perfect for those with back or mobility issues.
074. 075.

Genderless Design

Genderless Design is becoming more important and in demand in the 20th century, with various designers and companies providing their takes on types of gender-fluid design.

The use of colour, in particular pastel colours, is a key trend amongst these uni-sex products, along with smooth and soothing forms that can be enjoyed by users of all ages and sex.

The All Plastic Chair is another peice of work from Jasper Morrison, and showcases the use of soothing pastel colours to create a genderless product.

The colours used in this furniture collection could definitely provide inspiration for my design process.

Alternatively, other designers utilise a combination of various bold colours to create interesting and eye catching products, while maintaining a genderless and un-restrictive form.

Although these examples of inclusive, genderless design are eyecatching and expressive, I feel that the use of soft pastel colours would suit my product better, especially as I want it to have a friendly, welcoming prescence. 076. & 077.

All Apple products are designed with a focus on the user and how they will interact with the product.

The Airpod Pro’s are a great example of this, as they combine the sleek and minimal design style with simple interactive elements that satisfy and engage the user.

The Airpods magnetically fall into place and the lid closes revealing the compact and lightweight shell, providing a simple and satisfying process for users of all ages.

The new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip smartphone is another example of a product with a satisfying process, as the bendable nature of the technology allows various ways to use the phone.

The snapping mechanism is satisfying and also nostalgic of flip-phone technology from the 2000’s.

The Tamed Digital Product Project has four parts – a smart door lock, a bluetooth speaker that can be switched on simply by being turned on its side, and two different radios.

Each has a grey, geometric body, with single elements like buttons and handles coloured in eyecatching shades of highlighter orange and green to create an intuitive understanding of its basic function.

Satisfying
Easy/
User Process
078. 079.

There is a large market for keyboard customisation, in particular the key switches.

People that use a keyboard on a daily basis often feel the desire to enhance their working or gaming experience. This has become an area where design focused on user satisfaction has flourished.

The Kailh Cream Switches are renown amongst working and leisure oriented PC enthusiasts for their soothing sound while typing, which is all down to a compact but complex switch underneath each key cap.

Creating a satisfying interface for my product will engage the user more and make them more likely to keep wanting to use it.

Ergonomic keyboards may look slightly peculiar, but they are specifically designed to make the users life easier, especially for those who work at a computer for extensive periods.

Other, more unique keyboard designs such as the Honeycomb Keyboard from Alexandre Touguet create a more dynamic and engaging experience for the user.

Adopting a unique interface and not conforming to a uniform keypad could give my product more character and could make it more enjoyable to use.

080. 081.

Elderly Connectivity.

Catering for an elderly consumers network connection source.

More than 3 million adults in the UK have never used the internet before.

Roughly 2 million over-75’s in the UK dont use computers and have no internet access.

Elderly people may lack internet access, therefore potentially making landline connectivity better suit these consumers.

A combination/ option to have landline or internet connectivity will provide all ages with the ability to use this product.

Landline connection is how most Fax machines used to connect to a network, although this has been proven to be suceptible to cyber crime.

It will be important to have an element of encryption or a fire wall encorporated into my product’s network connecivity method, especially if it will be predominantly connected via landline.

082.
083.

During a Covid-friendly visit to my Grandparents house, my Grandad showed me the way in which my product would be connected to a network via landline.

Using an ADSL Filter will allow my product to be connected to the network while not distupting the function of a landline telephone.

This could be something that comes with my product, or could potentially be built into the machinery, however this would add unnecessary complexity to the internal system.

Combining built in Wi-fi connectivity and a port for landline connection could easilly be done and would greatly benefit users of all ages.

084.
085.
The filter will plug into the landline mains, splitting the line between the home phone and a Modem, which would be the connection to my product.

The option to connect my product via either wireless adapter or landline would ensure no possibility of connecting via both, which could create network issues.

Standard adapters are easilly accessable and would work with a standard USB port.

There are now much smaller dongle alternatives, such as the StarTech network adapter seen right, which do not extrude far out of the port and remain compact.

The majority of digital technology today will wirelessly connect to a network via Wi-fi, with most recent Apple iOS updates allowing users to share the network password, instead of having to write out the lengthy pass-phrase.

Password entry must be considered during the design process.

An alternative to a wireless connection would be via Ethernet cable, which could potentially be seen as a more traditional part of the user process, as almost all digital products connect to Wi-fi wirelessly now.

Including an Ethernet cable and a port in the design could allow users further choice in how they will connect, being either wireless via Wi-fi, wired via Ethernet or wired via Landline.

086. & 087.

A Programmable Circuit Board acts as the brain for many electronic products, and would serve as a network connector for mine.

Much of this information was provided by an NTU electrical technician, who aided by showing which internal components would be needed for all processes.

Adopting a serial code based network connectivity link, much like MMSI numbers for ships, could provide an on-product connection method that doesnt require any exterior devices.

This concept was approved, along with various other aspects of my design process which will be shown in the development document.

088. 089.
Programmable cirucuit boards such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi or ESP boards would all make viable options.

Design Inspiration

Drawing inspiration from products used in generations gone by.

Although some of these products are very dated, it still shows the immense development in communications technology since the beginning of the 19th century.

Drawing inspiration from products such as these could create a feeling of nostalgia for many elderly users, and may also provide a method of younger generations to learn more about communication in generations before them.

Trying to encorporate elements of these designs could prove to be difficult, as, especially with telegraph machines, the amount of components in each assembily makes these models very complex.

The Rustic style would be unique amidst a sea of contemporary, sleek communications devices, however going against the grain may not appeal to a mass market.

090. 091.

Many traditional radio designs have a retro-authentic aesthetic that is very popular in the modern day, with examples such as polaroid cameras and vinyl players both growing in popularity over the past 2 decades.

As I want my product to have an authentic user process, analysing the interfaces of these products could be greatly beneficial. I particularly like the idea of encorporating a dial or knob to navigate through options.

Most of these traditional radios encorporate a sleek, bespoke handle to allow easier portability. This feature could add to the nostalgic effect of my product, as well as making it look more clean and useable.

Robert’s Radio’s offer a wide range of colours to chose from, with their authentic aesthetic maintaining the vintage style, which could make the product more nostalgic and loved by elderly users.

092. & 093.

The Power of Nostalgia

Research has shown nostalgia can help us feel more optimistic about our futures when we're going through tough times. Nostalgia can also raise our self-esteem, encourage inspiration, and combat loneliness, depression and anxiety.

“Human beings are meaning-makers, and nostalgia provides us with an automatic mechanism to reflect on the past and draw meaning from our experiences”

Nostalgic Design

Elements of traditional design mixed with modern technology seems to be the blueprint for nostalgic design, with material choice playing a large part.

“When we experience the ‘good’ kind of nostalgia, we are reminded of meaning and purpose in our lives—the sort of stuff that shores us up for the journey ahead.”

Words from Shannon Curry, licensed psychologist.

The feeling of nostalgia will bring a positive effect into any users life. Its mental health benefits and enhanced user experience could make my product much more popular.
094. & 095.

Elderly Disconnected.

Research Evaluation.

Elderly citizens may be less disconnected than initially believed, with most modern communication products focusing on user process and accessibility for all ages. However, the demand for a more traditional instant messaging service was indicated throughout primary research, with further secondary research highlighting the holistic benefits of handwriting, nostalgia and a friendly and satisfying user experience.

Design Inspiration

One button may be something that is considered in the design of my product, as user process and ease of use will be key aims to consider.

Providing a product that will stimulate and nurture the mind while allowing the user to communicate traditionally will benefit all users in more way than just one.

The colours and form of the ElliQ Robot is something that could definitely influence my product, with the off-white and cream tones creating a soothing yet sleek gadget.

The colours used in Jasper Morrison’s All Plastic Furniture collection could definitely provide inspiration for my design process.

The snapping mechanism of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip is satisfying and also nostalgic of flipphone technology from the 2000’s.

Adopting a unique interface and not conforming to a uniform keypad could give my product more character and could make it more enjoyable to use.

A combination of or option to have landline or internet connectivity will provide all ages with the ability to use this product.

Drawing inspiration from traditional communications could create a feeling of nostalgia for many elderly users, and may also provide a method of younger generations to learn more about communication in generations before them.

Analysing the interfaces of Roberts Radio’s could be greatly beneficial. I particularly like the idea of encorporating a dial or knob to navigate through options.

Most of these traditional radios encorporate a sleek, bespoke handle to allow easier portability. This feature could add to the nostalgic effect of my product, as well as making it look more clean and useable.

Elements of traditional design mixed with modern technology seems to be the blueprint for nostalgic design, with material choice playing a large part.

Chapter 2.
096. 097.

Development Areas

Adopting a text to speech/ speech to text feature could make my product even more accessible and easy to use for all ages, combined with a straightforward interface to ensure easy interaction.

A subscription service is something that could be implemented with my product.

Finding things to stay entertained with may be difficult for elderly consumers with vision or touch impairment, and further motivates me to create an engaging product with a fun and satisfying user process.

A braille reading feature could be very beneficial for my product due to the high amount of elderly consumers with eyesight problems.

It will be important to have an element of encryption or a fire wall encorporated into my product’s network connecivity method, especially if it will be predominantly connected via landline.

Combining built in Wi-fi connectivity and a port for landline connection could easilly be done and would greatly benefit users of all ages.

Wi-fi Password entry must be considered during the design process.

Including an Ethernet cable and a port in the design could allow users further choice in how they will connect, being either wireless via Wi-fi, wired via Ethernet or wired via Landline.

The feeling of nostalgia will bring a positive effect into any users life. Its mental health benefits and enhanced user experience could make my product much more popular.

Research Analysis

Research has found that calligraphy therapy enhances cognitive function in older people with mild cognitive impairment, and it has been recommended that the art form should be incorporated as part of routine programmes within residential care settings in order to provide stimulation and relaxation.

Marketing my product on digital platforms like social media or utilising ad space will massively expand the base of consumers that will know about the product, giving it the best possible chance to grow in popularity.

Although bold and colourful examples of inclusive, genderless design are eye-catching and expressive, I feel that the use of soft pastel colours would suit my product better, especially as I want it to have a friendly, welcoming prescence.

Creating a satisfying interface for my product will engage the user more and make them more likely to keep wanting to use it.

An ADSL filter will be needed to plug into the landline mains, splitting the line between the home phone and a Modem, which would be the manual network connection to my product.

Research has shown nostalgia can help us feel more optimistic about our futures when we’re going through tough times. Nostalgia can also raise our self-esteem, encourage inspiration, and combat loneliness, depression and anxiety.

The flaws and seeming distaste for the postal system was also highlighted from responses. As my product would not require stamps, envelopes or a postal delivery sytem, the costs of sending and receiving letters would be limited to the initial cost and paper refills.

Worldwide connectivity could improve communication for distant families. It’s function could be simply viewed as a fax answering machine.

098. 099.

Mobile Addiction/ Student Impact.

The average US adult checks their phone 47 times a day, and spends over 5 hours on their phone every day.

Excessive smartphone use can reduce memory retention and cognitive function, increasing the risk of mental illnesses.

With so many mobile communication products available, it is clear that addiction is a focal point of the design process.

Students and young adults are arguably the most heavilly influenced by digital communications, with social media being the catalyst for the immense demand.

A recent survey by Common Sense Media found that 50% of students said they “feel addicted” to their phones.

Research Aims.

Discover

Conduct research into areas in which my product could provide students and young adults a release from their screens.

Analyse

Gather primary research into students opinions and experiences with mobile addiction.

Assess

Compare research from different sources to further justify the need for my product and what features must be included.

- creative thoughtsinspiration

- developed on/ from area of research

- analysing a topic or research area

Chapter
3.
100. 101.

What is mobile addiction?

Who is most affected?

To avoid mis-interpretation of an actual mental illness, I must first fully define my approach.

Smartphone addiction, or sometimes known as nomophoibia, is a growing issue that is beginning to be registered as a mental illness.

Research has found that tweens, teenagers and young adults are most suceptible to screen addiction due to the immense social pressures at this age. Modern social media apps play a large role in this, with Youtube and TikTok leading the charge when it comes to users spending time on their apps.

Side effects of excessive mobile useage can vary in severity, from inability to focus to social anxiety and depression.

My product is not aiming to treat those with severe smartphone addictions, but rather those who feel they spend too much time on their phone or need to ‘screen detox’.

The screen time feature included in Apple and most major smartphones often gives users a grim reality check of the amount of time people spend looking at their phone each day.

102. 103.

Why are people addicted?

It is impossible to avoid screens in the modern day. Mobile phones have become increasingly user friendly since their emergence, with touchscreen technology blazing the trail in user interaction and satisfaction.

It is no suprise that more people feel addicted to their mobiles with the endless streams of entertainment available at their fingertips. People often wont admit to being ‘addicted’ to their mobile phone, as it gives off a negative connotation that they ‘arent in the real world’, but with the average user spending a total of 50 days a year staring at their mobile phone, it is clear that the real world is now in our pockets.

Communication is undoubtedly a key source of screen addiciton, as more and more ways to talk and share things with friends and family just add to the hours you could spend staring at a screen.

Popular social media platforms like Twitter, Snapchat and Facebook allow users to connect instantaneously, which was one of the major factors in the switch from manual to digital communication.

No one wants to wait to recieve a message, which has forced the traditional methods of communication to the wayside.

This leads to the question, how can modern communication be made non-addictive and authentic.

104. 105.

Covid-19 is un-escapable and has put a lot of stress and strain on everyones lives.

The research below indicates that many young adults have been affected by this, which makes me wonder if social media and increased mobile useage has a part to play in this statistic.

Common side effects of mobile over-usage are depression and social anxiety, and as lockdown forced us indoors, many resorted to their mobiles for entertainment.

Addictive design has been around for a long time, and the flashing lights of gambling machines can be compared to the bold, vibrant data that is being forced into our minds every day by social media advertisements.

Not only this, but the internet culture of promotion and influencers which constantly tells you what to wear and how to look is flooding consumers brains with toxic information without them even realising.

The feeling of un-worth or self depreciation can often be attributed to these factors, as we are constantly viewing people who are deemed to be ‘better’ than the average human being.

This is what deters me from social media platforms, in particular Instagram, as the money-for-nothing lifestyle we are used to seeing has sinister undertones of camera trickery and false idols of body image.

A 2018 study tied social media use to decreased, disrupted, and delayed sleep, which is associated with depression, memory loss, and poor academic performance, further highlighting the effect of social media on mental health.

However, Einstein once said that ‘in the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity’, and with that being said the next step is to analyse current products that aim to cater for and combat smartphone addiction.

Current Climate.
106. 107.

There seemed to be a surprising lack of products that are aimed to treat mobile or screen addictions, which may suggest that consumers are happy knowing they’re attached to their mobile.

Substitute phoneKlemens Schillinger

The shape of the Substitute Phone replicates an average mobile, however it’s functions are reduced to the movements we make hundreds of times on a daily basis. The stone beads which are incorporated in the body let you scroll, zoom and swipe. there are no digital functions.

The Light Phone is a smartphone alternative offering the user the capabilities of a 2000’s mobile with the sleek design of a modern smartphone.

This may be seen as fighting fire with fire, but much like the Punkt mobile phones, the light phone only allows the user to text and call with a handfull of other features, stripping back the smartphone of its toxicity and focusing on the key objective of communication, while maintaining the modern design.

Light Phone 2Joe Hollier
108. & 109.
Kaiwei Tang

Bagby Social is a hanging multi-pocket phone holder mindfully designed for family moments and social gatherings to help you reduce your screen time.

Bagby promotes phone free bedrooms, which is a key factor in screen addiction as many users will stay up all night scrolling through their feeds.

Yondr uses a patented system to create phone-free spaces for artists, educators, organizations and individuals. It has been used for various live performances to engage the crowd more.

Yondr
110. & 111.
Bagby - Juan Sanchez & Jess Davis

When a phone is placed on its upper platform, a magnetometer detects the device’s electromagnetic field and turns on the light.

Arianna Huffington's Phone Bed Charging Station makes putting your smartphone to bed a regular part of your nightly ritual. By giving your phones and tablets their own bed - outside your bedroom - you can say goodnight to your day and get the sleep you need to wake up fully recharged.

Socialight - Kevin Cook
Huffington 112. & 113.
Phone Bed Charging Station - Arianna

My own distaste for social media, along with research from various sources shown indicating its negative effects on mental health, led me to the decision of making my product completely independent from smartphone compatibility, meaning that it shouldn’t require the use of a smartphone for any element of the process.

Despite digital marketing being a massive and unavoidable element of all products, I would also like my product to be predominantly sold in stores, promoting the traditional process of going to a shop to buy something, rather than mobile buying. This may alter the popularity of my productand could prove difficult through covid, but the ethos and mission of my product is to provide a traditional and authentic experience, and would be counter-intuitive to widespread sell it on digital marketplaces.

This means that retailers such as John Lewis, Currys PC World or Argos would be ideal and pivotal in the success of my product.

High street shopping is slowly returning, and most major retail parks and shopping complex’s are open for business under covid guidelines.

This increased amount of social activity in urban areas could make physical advertising and marketing more effective than ever.

Creating a marketing scheme behind my products launch would no doubt increase its popularity.

Advertising physically, via billboard, ad board or any form of marketing space would also tie in more with the products ethos of bringing traditional values back and getting people away from screens.

114. & 115.

There is plenty of evidence that stringent social distancing measures have led to a surge in overall demand for telecoms services, especially on fixed networks. For example, Telecom

Italia CEO Luigi Gubitosi has said there has been a 70% increase in internet traffic over its fixed network, partly thanks to video streaming and gaming applications.

Similarly, Vodafone has reported an increase in fixed broadband traffic of over 50% in Spain and Italy, alongside a 30% rise in mobile data traffic.

There are several companies that have seen a boosted market income since the beginning of the covid period, with the key companies involved being no surprise.

This list was produced by the financial times.

Of the top 10, 7 companies were in the technological sector, clearly indicating that over lockdown, a wide range of consumers introduced new devices or screen based products into their lives.

Screen addiction and Mental health.
116. 117.

A survey carried out by Young Minds with 2,438 young people aged 13-25, between 26th January and 12th February 2021 shows:

75% of respondents agreed that they have found the current lockdown harder to cope with than the previous ones

67% believed that the pandemic will have a long-term negative effect on their mental health.

66% agreed that they have been able to stay in touch with friends and family during the current lockdown. 14% neither agreed nor disagreed. 20% disagreed.

It’s estimated that kids and teens between the ages of 8 to 28 spend about 44.5 hours each week in front of digital screens. About 23% of kids and teens have reported that they actually feel as if they have addictions to video games.

The US population is much larger than the UK, which may indicate why their statistics are much higher.

The Netflix series ‘the social dilemma’ was very interesting and relevant to this project, giving a morbid view towards social media over-useage and its impact on the brain. Some of the statistics from this show were very troubling as they are affecting so many people, further motivating me to provide a screenless product.

118. & 119.

Primary Research.

Setup & Aims.

Despite the wide range of data and ststistics available from online sources regarding screen addiction and its mental health impacts, I decided to conduct primary research to gather my own information that related more to my product.

-

Assess whether students feel addicted or depend on their mobile phones.

-

How many students still write or recieve letters from their friends or family.

120. 121.

Assess some of the design options and features that could be implemented into my design. -
Questionnaire - Digital
This survey recieved a total of 37 responses, a respectable number considering my lack of social media prescence.

There seemed to be a lot of discrepancy in some questions, while others had almost none, especially the first answer result.

Results Analysis

92% of participants said they depend on their mobile phone to contact family or friends.

of participants think they are either somewhat or extremely addicted to their mobile phones.

of participants felt they could not express their personality over texts.

claimed to either somewhat or extremely rarely send or recieve written letters.

said they enjoy drawing and doodling and would appreciate sending them to friends or family.

agreed that a wide choice of colours would intice them to buy more.

A 38% majority claimed that sustainable manufacturing wouldnt make an impact on their decision. 33% said it would definitely affect their willing to buy a product, with the remaining 29% being a mixture of yes and no.

As the main sustainable aspect of my product will be its re-usability and ability to give the user a physical copy of a message they can collect, the sustainability of manufacturing seems less important, which was also backed up by this result.

Survey Results -
Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr
84%
Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 91%
Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 89%
89%
57%
122. 123.

Responses Analysis

4

- These responses indicated that students or young adults often live in households with traditional forms of communication, but have no need to use them.

There were less text fields for this questionnairre as I was conscious of how long it would take to complete, as I didnt want to take up any students’ time unnecassarily.

7

- The responses to question 7 indicated a few points, like lack of time to post mail and the wasteful nature of birthday cards etc.

Evaluation

The results from this survey give clear indication of how younger people feel about their own mobile useage, and was hopefully an eye opener for some people.

My motivation to design a screenless method of communication has become much stronger after seeing these results.

Conclusion

This primary research has reflected on the secondary data already found in that students feel they are more addicted to their phones than ever.

I was also able to gain valuable information regarding my product, such as the popularity of providing a range of colours to chose from and the seemingly less important sustainability aspects that were highlighted in question 9.

124. & 125.

As students and elderly citizens grew upin different era’s, it is obvious that certain products will not envoke nostalgia to certain demographics, i,e a telegram to a teenager.

Modern nostalgic products often come from the 1990’s or early 2000’s with mp3’s, portable CD players and early generation games consoles all providing a nostalgic effect for those born around the year 2000.

Encorporating elements of modern nostalgic design into my product may make it more popular amongst people born in recent generations.

However, as my product is aiming to cater for a number of different consumers, using purely 2000’s nostalgia as design inspiration may prove counter-intuitive.

The 2000’s was an interesting time period, with even more interesting hair styles and outfits. However it did produce some iconic nostalgic products that would no doubt entice younger users.

Modern Nostalgia.
126. 127.

Student Rooms/ Decoration

Creating a Positive Environment

Students love to decorate and show off their individial style and flair, which is why I think the concept behind my product would cater perfectly to this age group.

The added element of recieving letters or drawings from friends will create a more sentimental feeling towards the note, making people more likely to want to display them.

Student rooms are commonly littered with Polaroid pictures and disposable camera images, which further indicates the seniment behind objects that make you think of friends or family.

Positivity and good feelings are what improves peoples living environment, and in turn quality of life. I want my product to promote the feeling of positivity every time it is used, wether that be from the interaction itself or from the messages being recieved.

For many Students living in small, low rent accommodation, it can be difficult to see past the un-welcoming and unusual rooms, which is my my design should bring joy to any room it is placed in.

128. 129.

Screen Addiction/ Student Impact.

Research Evaluation.

Design Inspiration

How can my product make modern communication nonaddictive and authentic.

Creating a marketing scheme behind my products launch would no doubt increase its popularity.

My motivation to design a screenless method of communication has become much stronger after seeing these results.

Encorporating elements of modern nostalgic design into my product may make it more popular amongst people born in recent generations.

What was made clear during secondary research was hammered home by primary research, with the statistics all indicating that most young people over-use their mobile devices.

It is clear that messaging is a huge part of this, and as there are no real current options for non-digital, screenless communication methods, I feel a much greater need to provide this service for those who feel they are becoming or are addicted to their phones.

For many Students living in small, low rent accommodation, it can be difficult to see past the un-welcoming and unusual rooms, which is my my design should bring joy to any room it is placed in.

Chapter 3.
130. 131.

Research has found that tweens, teenagers and young adults are most suceptible to screen addiction due to the immense social pressures at this age.

Not only this, but the internet culture of promotion and influencers which constantly tells you what to wear and how to look is flooding consumers brains with toxic information without them even realising.

There seemed to be a surprising lack of products that are aimed to treat mobile or screen addictions, which may suggest that consumers are happy knowing they’re attached to their mobile.

High street shopping is slowly returning, and most major retail parks and shopping complex’s are open for business under covid guidelines.

There is plenty of evidence that stringent social distancing measures have led to a surge in overall demand for telecoms services, especially on fixed networks. For example, Telecom Italia CEO Luigi Gubitosi has said there has been a 70% increase in internet traffic over its fixed network, partly thanks to video streaming and gaming applications.

67% believed that the pandemic will have a long-term negative effect on their mental health.

As the main sustainable aspect of my product will be its re-usability and ability to give the user a physical copy of a message they can collect, the sustainability of manufacturing seems less important, which was also backed up by this result.

The responses to question 7 indicated a few points, like lack of time to post mail and the wasteful nature of birthday cards etc.

I was also able to gain valuable information regarding my product, such as the popularity of providing a range of colours to chose from and the seemingly less important sustainability aspects that were highlighted in question 9.

Modern nostalgic products often come from the 1990’s or early 2000’s with mp3’s, portable CD players and early generation games consoles all providing a nostalgic effect for those born around the year 2000.

Research Analysis

Side effects of excessive mobile useage can vary in severity, from inability to focus to social anxiety and depression.

It is no suprise that more people feel addicted to their mobiles with the endless streams of entertainment available at their fingertips. People often wont admit to being ‘addicted’ to their mobile phone, as it gives off a negative connotation that they ‘arent in the real world’, but with the average user spending a total of 50 days a year staring at their mobile phone, it is clear that the real world is now in our pockets.

A 2018 study tied social media use to decreased, disrupted, and delayed sleep, which is associated with depression, memory loss, and poor academic performance, further highlighting the effect of social media on mental health.

Bagby promotes phone free bedrooms, which is a key factor in screen addiction as many users will stay up all night scrolling through their feeds.

This increased amount of social activity in urban areas could make physical advertising and marketing more effective than ever.

66% agreed that they have been able to stay in touch with friends and family during the current lockdown. 14% neither agreed nor disagreed. 20% disagreed.

It’s estimated that kids and teens between the ages of 8 to 28 spend about 44.5 hours each week in front of digital screens. About 23% of kids and teens have reported that they actually feel as if they have addictions to video games.

These responses indicated that students or young adults often live in households with traditional forms of communication, but have no need to use them.

Student rooms are commonly littered with Polaroid pictures and disposable camera images, which further indicates the seniment behind objects that make you think of friends or family.

Development Areas
132. 133.

User Experience.

As with everything in life, you get out what you put in. So it’s no surprise that Cagan’s top rule is to begin with vision and passion.

A strong ethos or mission can often make a company much more popular, but can also engage the user with the product in ways they may not have experienced before.

What makes someone love a product?

Emotional

attachment to design

Engaging and interactive user experience

However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and not everyone will adore the same thing, but it is making a product that the majority can enjoy and interact with that will make it stand above the crowd and pave its own path.

So, what makes a product fly off the shelf, and what are some examples of these products?

Chapter 4.
134. 135.

These are currently the top selling categories of products, according to an online tech blog.

Look good, Feel good.

The skincare and fashion industries have become more prominent than ever in the modern day as people love to look good.

A seeming increase in popularity of arts and craft, most likely due to lockdown boredom, could no doubt play in my favour as new artists are beginning to emerge.

The added element of being able to send and recieve artwork from friends or family may also attract a wider base of consumers.

This indicates that style and aesthetic are a pivotal factor in a materialistic modern world.

The increasing demand for lampshades and lighting may indicate that consumers are investing into interior design more, further indicating that the aesthetic of my design will be important.

136. 137.

Directly responding to a specific need or niche market can reward massively.

The life cycle of a product can alter its sustainability, as obviously one time use products like most food packaging will never be reused, whereas furniture and electrical appliances will last much longer in peoples homes.

As indicated by the elderly consumers survey, there is a clear demand for a more traditional method of communication. The closest you can get to instant written messaging would be to send someone a digital note of your handwriting, which they would then have to print out to have a physical copy.

This process would be time consuming and un-authentic, having to stare at screens to recieve your message.

This is why I feel the concept behind my product has the potential to be loved by users, massively increasing its reusability and therefore product life cycle.

Sony VCRs are an example of a product in the decline stage. The demand for VCRs has now been surpassed by the demand for DVDs and online streaming of content.

Polaroid is an example of a company that came out of the decline stage, mainly due to an increase in popularity of nostalgic products around the late 2000’s and 2010’s.

138. 139.

Brand Loyalty.

When you think of brand loyalty,companies that you may think of could be Apple or Coca-Cola. This is all down to their product quality and brand image.

The McDonald’s Golden Arches is easilly one of the most recognisable logos in existence, it is impossible to be mistaken for anything else, further indicating the impact of logo design.

It is this excellent branding and logo/graphic design that has increased the loyalty of the customer base, as they are so comfortable knowing they will always recieve the same service.

A product cannot just have good branding to be successful, although it is a large part of what makes people repeat buying from a company.

Despite what people think, Apple users stay loyal to their company because they know they will recieve a high quality design, not just because of the Apple logo.

The logo is something that people instantly associate to high quality products, indicating that design and branding must work hand in hand to create a highly marketable product.

This shows that for my product, an image that represents the brand and its ethos could make it more recognisable and popular.

140. 141.

Primary Research.

Setup & Aims.

I decided the best way to gain information on what people love about their products was to conduct the research myself. This meant I could also link the questions to mobile activity and screen addiction to compare between the love of communications products and any other type of design.

--

Analyse the key factors that determine what makes people buy a product.

Assess participants affection towards their mobiles and its branding.

Discover information about products people love and why.

Questionnaire - Digital

I was able to distribute this survey much easier as it wasnt specific to a certain age range, resulting in 60 responses.

142. 143.

I didnt expect to recieve 60 responses, I sent the link to the survey to a wide range of people as the direct approach ensured a participant.

Results Analysis

of participants felt that brand identitiy was either moderately, very or extremely important.

of participants claimed to have between 1-4 digital products they cannot live without.

of participants will buy smartphones from one brand without checking any other products specs.

claimed that the ethics and ethos of a company will affect their brand loyalty.

felt that sustainable manufacturing would make them more likely to buy a product..

claimed that the ethics and ethos of a company will affect their brand loyalty.

The results from this survey were much more in favour of sustainable manufacturing and materials than the survey previous, which may make me re-think my approach towards sustainability.

Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr
Results -
Survey
Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr
77%
Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 89%
Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr
Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 85%
85%
Sales 1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 89%
79%
144. 145.

3 -

These responses highlighted a common issue with mainly apple phones where their processing power will reduce over time.

10 -

I wanted to cast as wide a net as possible to gather information on all sorts of products that people love and why, with the list below featuring the most notable responses and their key factor.

4 - Responses to question 4 indicated that people are content paying a fair sum each month to maintain their ability to communicate on their mobiles.

- Design/ Aesthetic

6 - Question 6 raised various points regarding why people regularly but products from the same company.

- Classic/ Authentic style

- Reliability - Security - Usefulness/ Reusability - Transport

- Nostalgia Evaluation

This has shown that products can be loved for various different reasons, and approaching my design stage with a few of these in mind will definitely produce a more lovable product.

Responses Analysis
146. & 147.

Product Case Study -

Polaroid Camera

The Polaroid camera is a timeless design that continues to innovate and dominate a niche sector of the camera market.

The design perfectly encapsulates the feeling of nostalgia, with various interactive features that make it an authentic experience using the product.

It’s USP of giving users a physical copy of their photo is what has made the product so successful and loved.

A Brief History of Polaroid

The first Polaroid camera, called the Model 95, and its associated film went on sale in 1948 at a department store in Boston.

The 1960’s and 70’s are often considered the heyday of the Polaroid camera, with The Swinger camera dominating the market. No one could touch Dr. Edwin Land, the Genius with the Magic Camera.

In the modern day, it is clear that Polaroid is no longer struggling, with numerous models of cameras being produced, all aimed to please the masses.

After a difficult 1980’s, Polaroid looked to branch out, releasing The PolaPulse Light, featuring a sleek design and Polaroid’s patented ultra-thin battery that lasts up to five years in 1997. This was a very interesting and seemingly desperate decision.

148. 149.

The Polaroid camera has taken various variations of its base shape, providing multiple different sizes and styles suitable for users of all age, something I am aiming to achieve with my design.

The Polaroid camera seems to be the perfect product to draw inspiration from. Its soft, nostalgic design provides users with a unique physical experience of recieving a photo straight after it has been taken, which compares nicely to the fax machine concept behind this project.

The polaroid go is one of the latest additions to the family, and the smallest by far.

Its fun, compact design makes it much more discrete than other models, but still produces the iconic bordered photograph.

“Shake it like a Polaroid picture!”

The new polaroid cameras are clear signs of a design modernising to suit a younger demographic. The cameras above may provide nostalgic effect for elderly users, whereas a later model seen left will more likely attract younger users.

OutKast - Hey Ya! 2003 -

What made this format of photograph so recognisable and famous, and is it intended or simply a printing margin?

150. 151.

This article by CNN Style gave a lot of valuable and interesting information on the Polaroid style, as well as some famous artwork that has been produced using the camera.

The size of a full Polaroid image, including the frame, of standard Polaroid 600 film is 3.4 x 4.2 inches. Unfortunately I couldn’t find information anywhere on wether this iconic border was intended or simply a printing frame, but regardless, it managed to change photography forever, just by having a simple white frame.

The picture quality and saturation seen in old Polaroid cameras was arguably the beginning of photo adjustment. Filters are commonly used on photos nowadays to achieve the sort of effect Polaroids would produce normally, which further shows the power of nostalgia and its ability to make people love something.

In 2013, Polaroid released the Polamatic app, which allowed users to create Polaroid style photos from their own library. This goes to show how iconic this border is, despite simply being a frame for the actual photo.

152. 153.

Polaroid In-Situ

I was only able to gather very minimal first-hand photos of Polaroid pictures used as decorations, but this is something I would like to try and promote from the process of my product.

What I can Learn from Polaroid.

The polaroid has remained recognisable and loved for over 60 years, which is a remarkable achievement. Its simple interaction and iconic feature of printing the picture after it is taken has become such a timeless user experience that

Polaroid is a household name, which is something I would like to try and replicate in my design, with a catchy but suitable name.

154. 155.

User Experience.

Research Evaluation.

Branding and product recognisability will no doubt increase the popularity of my product, but it is the base function that will actually entice the users.

This has shown that to make my product loveable, it must have a unique interaction that builds a bond with the user, that can then be made more fun, welcoming and connectable with excellent branding.

Design Inspiration

However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and not everyone will adore the same thing, but it is making a product that the majority can enjoy and interact with that will make it stand above the crowd and pave its own path.

The McDonald’s Golden Arches is easilly one of the most recognisable logos in existence, it is impossible to be mistaken for anything else, further indicating the impact of logo design.

This shows that for my product, an image that represents the brand and its ethos could make it more recognisable and popular.

Question 6 raised various points regarding why people regularly but products from the same company.

This has shown that products can be loved for various different reasons, and approaching my design stage with a few of these in mind will definitely produce a more lovable product.

The Polaroid camera seems to be the perfect product to draw inspiration from. Its soft, nostalgic design provides users with a unique physical experience of recieving a photo straight after it has been taken, which compares nicely to the fax machine concept behind this project.

I was only able to gather very minimal first-hand photos of Polaroid pictures used as decorations, but this is something I would like to try and promote from the process of my product.

Polaroid is a household name, which is something I would like to try and replicate in my design, with a catchy but suitable name.

Chapter
4.
156. 157.

Development Areas

A strong ethos or mission can often make a company much more popular, but can also engage the user with the product in ways they may not have experienced before.

The added element of being able to send and recieve artwork from friends or family may also attract a wider base of consumers.

The logo is something that people instantly associate to high quality products, indicating that design and branding must work hand in hand to create a highly marketable product.

The results from this survey were much more in favour of sustainable manufacturing and materials than the survey previous, which may make me re-think my approach towards sustainability.

The picture quality and saturation seen in old Polaroid cameras was arguably the beginning of photo adjustment. Filters are commonly used on photos nowadays to achieve the sort of effect Polaroids would produce normally, which further shows the power of nostalgia and its ability to make people love something.

Research Analysis

This indicates that style and aesthetic are a pivotal factor in a materialistic modern world.

Sony VCRs are an example of a product in the decline stage. The demand for VCRs has now been surpassed by the demand for DVDs and online streaming of content.

It is this excellent branding and logo/graphic design that has increased the loyalty of the customer base, as they are so comfortable knowing they will always recieve the same service.

Despite what people think, Apple users stay loyal to their company because they know they will recieve a high quality design, not just because of the Apple logo.

These responses highlighted a common issue with mainly apple phones where their processing power will reduce over time.

Responses to question 4 indicated that people are content paying a fair sum each month to maintain their ability to communicate on their mobiles.

In 2013, Polaroid released the Polamatic app, which allowed users to create Polaroid style photos from their own library. This goes to show how iconic this border is, despite simply being a frame for the actual photo.

158. 159.

Research Document Evaluation.

This document set out to discover and analyse various areas of research, both primary and secondary, to aid my knowledge and sharpen my focus for the design stage of the project.

Elderly Disconnected

As my product will have a tecnhnological aspect, designing for elderly useage was key to research, as they are the only age demographic with a poor reputation of knowledge for communications devices. However, this statement was also found to be somewhat false, as more elderly citizens are adopting smartphones and other digital devices as they grow more and more user centric. The key research found from this was the demand for a more traditional communications method, which is the main aim of my project. I feel much more confident going into the design stage as I have a much clearer image of what features must be encorporated into my product.

Mobile Addiction/ Student Impact

This was a serious eye opener for me, as it make certain of some of my suspicions about social media and its negative effects on mental health. The Netflix series ‘the social dilemma’ was an excellent source of information and I’d reccomend watching it to anyone.

Creating a screenless device has become a key aim of mine, as I want the user process to be completely unique with an authentic undertone, which the fax concept will play greatly in favour to. This means that interface design and making sure the product is useable for all ages will be pivotal to it’s success and popularity.

User Experience

Since the initial insight and concept ideation, I had a though in my mind of how can I make people love my product, not just enjoy it or like it. Creating a product people love will increase its life cycle exponentially, seen in the Polaroid case study. For a product that was first released in 1948 to still be a market leader in the modern day shows that a unique user process and iconic design can create a product that flies off the shelves and becomes a household name.

Although this is only a prototype project completed by a solo student, I still want my product to have the potential to be seen as a loveable houshold item, which I think is fully cabable due to the authentic process of the modern fax concept.

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Brief Refinement.

Initial Brief.

Design an authentic alternative to modern digital communication with a key focus on user interaction and experience.

My vision was clear from the start, and has only been strengthened by my research, both primary and secondary.

I dont feel the need to adjust my approach, research has motivated me to create a unique and authentic communication experience that involves more than tapping a screen, which I am eager to start designing to my best ability.

Final Brief.

Design an authentic alternative to modern digital communication with a key focus on all-inclusivity and user process.

162.

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