The Human Factor - Design Thinking

PROCESS BOOK

The Human Factor, DESIGN THINKING SDES 502 POORVI DAS SCAD Summer 2014 Professor: KRISTA SINISCARO

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

1

CONTENTS 5

BIO

7

COURSE SYNOPSIS

8 EXERCISE 1 The Egg Mailer

19 EXERCISE 2 Hand Dimensions & Cultural Comparisons

22 PROJECT A: Tool Handles Part 1 - Tool Usage & Ergonomic Analysis

23

Part 2 - Tool Redesign

32

Part 3 - User Testing & Analysis

37

45 PROJECT B: “SIMPLE” APPLIANCES Part 1 - Appliance Use Analysis

46

Part 2 - Interface Redesign

48

Part 3 - Appliance Mock-Up & User Test

51

Part 4 - Design Presentation

59

60 PROJECT C: TASK ANALYSIS & REDESIGN Part 1 - Task Documentation

61

Part 2 - Task Analysis

67

Part 3 - Design

72

Part 4 - Design Revision & Presentation

84

85 CONCLUSION 87 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

3

BIO Poorvi Das is a Fashion and Textile Designer. Her work experience includes garment design, textile applications for interior space, home furnishings for exports and design for the development and sustainability of Crafts. She is also a member of the FiberArts Guild of Pittsburgh, with her fiber work being exhibited in juried shows around Pittsburgh.

After finishing her Under Graduate Diploma in Fashion Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in India, she went on to specialize in Textile Design at the National Institute of Design (NID), ranked as one of the top design schools in the world by Business Week.

At NID, she sensed the importance of inter-disciplinary design and the need for designers to understand the business and management side of the process so as to come full circle and provide a better solution. This motivated her to apply to SCAD, where she is currently pursuing her MA in Design Management.

Her Portfolio can be viewed at www.coroflot.com/poorvidas.

You can contact her at poorvidas@gmail.com

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

5

COURSE SYNOPSIS

This course explores the physical, psychological and perceptual, as well as behavioral and emotional characteristics, in understanding ‘The Human Factor’ as it pertains to design. Through a series of lectures and projects, human factors methodologies are applied to the diverse fields of design in order to inform and improve the process and the outcome.

and functional products, furniture, environments and services;

The course includes

Creating and measuring design alternatives based on human factor data.

Experiencing various human factors, testing and universal design methods, including analysis of body characteristics and integrating research into design in general; Developing and practicing unique and innovative user centered design methodologies;

Conducting and interpreting anthropometrical data.

Conducting human factor research and creating pleasurable universal designed products, furniture, environments, and services;

Evaluating the emotional aspects informing the design process.

Applying user centered research and design methods to create and develop informed concepts.

Learning how to apply human factors research to create pleasurable, desirable 6

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

7

EXERCISE 1

The Egg Mailer

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

9

The Egg Mailer DEFINING THE PROBLEM “Design, build and test a package that could be used to safely mail a raw egg, without allowing it to break. You can construct your package out of any combination of cardboard, paper, or foam.”

In mailing an object, a package is bound to fall, be pressed and pushed upon, stacked upon, agitated in transport, etc. Further, a package is required to be light (to reduce costs) and have the ability to be handled and transported easily.

RESEARCH & IDEATION

In the initial stage I considered how an egg is handled from the moment it is laid. A picture of a hen gently sitting on her eggs in a bunch of hay came to mind. The softness of her belly and the hay underneath, provide a cushioning and the shock absorption.

an unpredictable environment). Creating a package that is able to withstand the impacts of this unpredictable environment and prevent a delicate shell from breaking constitutes the design problem.

Much in the same way, a bird creates her nest placing twigs making an rounded wall.

The round shape of this twig wall reduces harsh impacts and provides a sort of cushioning to the eggs inside and preventing it from rolling out.

Eggs have a very delicate outer covering, which protects the liquid egg yolk inside.

One is always cautious while handling eggs (like when bringing them from the supermarket or grocery store), with the fear of them breaking due to falling or hitting another surface. Eggs also require to be transported in certain temperatures (not above 45 degrees) and have an ability to ‘breathe’ so as to not be affected by bacteria and get spoilt.

Shredded paper could create a similar kind of cushioning in a box, if the egg is placed on a frame that does not let it move.

As a part of my process I visited the locally grocery store to see how eggs are packaged and what are the visible clues of the structures that work. This was based on the hunch of weight/pressure bearing features crockery boxes have, in the stiff thermocol supports at the sides, which seem to take the impact and protect the crockery in the middle. These thermocol ‘walls’ also provide strength to the outer edges of the box.

I also looked at how eggs were packaged in the local grocery stores in Japan1, using natural materials. The method of twining prevented the eggs from hitting into each other and crack and also allowed the user to hold the package of eggs in one hand vis a vis the cautious way we use two hands to hold an egg package from the grocery store.

When designing a package for a raw egg to be mailed, one is faced with two opposing situations (a delicate object and Defining the Problem

Egg packaging in Japan 10

however, did not seem practical due to too many reasons and was not pursued.

I also considered how the amniotic fluid in the womb acts as a shock absorber and wondered if a jelly like substance could be used which could suspend the eggs. This 1 ‘How to Wrap Five Eggs’, by Hideyuki Oka

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

11

STUDY OF EGG CARTONS IN THE GROCERY STORE

I found egg boxes to be designed in much the same way, with protruding supports in between or weak spots which act as shock absorbers in the case of an impact. Deep moulds prevent the eggs from coming out and a little room on the roof of the box, allow for the reduction of impact. Boxes were made using three materials primarily: polystyrene foam, plastic, recycle and molded paper. It was interesting to note that eggs that were broken were mostly towards the outer sides of the box, implying that there is lesser shock absorption or weight bearing capacity here.

This exercise was very useful and helped in the conceptualization of my final prototypes.

Looking at a viscous fluid to provide shock absorption and protect the eggs

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 Using nests and hay as inspiration and possibilities with shredded paper Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Interesting structural details of Egg Cartons made of repurposed, molded paper and weak areas.

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

13

PROTOTYPE 1 Using my findings above, I wanted to design a prototype which used a cardboard which had good strength to hold its shape well.1

Egg Cartons made of Polystyrene foam and their structural details

In the first prototype, I have mainly given the egg support so that it does not move in its position, and impacted by any surface as a result. The board sheets in which the egg is resting are snugly inserted and provide some degree of shock absorption.

Tests performed: Agitation, vigorous agitation in multi directions, drop and weight pressure.

While the testing of this box was successful for all of the above, it did not give me complete confidence and I decided to test another prototype using thermocol.

Egg Cartons made of Plastic and their structural details

1 * [Note: The box I have used is from one I already had and was perfect in size. It is made of a good

quality cardboard, which is further strengthened by a paper covering it from all sides. The cut angle of

the outer cover of the box is specific to this box, not necessary in my prototypes. However, it easier to

open the box due to this cut angle. If I were to re-

design the box cover, I would inculcate this cut angle

outside but also not make one end too small in height

The frame that holds the egg still inside the box

in comparison to the other as the extra layer of the box

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cover goes further to strengthen the box.]

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

15

PROTOTYPE 2

I used the same exterior box for prototype 2.1 In the second prototype, the thermocol acts as a wall and pressure or weight bearing support. Being light, it does not add to the weight of the package. This idea was based on the way egg and crockery boxes are designed, ie: to have weight or pressure bearing column.

Stages in putting together Prototype 1 and its different components

Tests performed: Agitation, vigorous agitation in multi directions and steep drop.

The testing of prototype 2 was also successful.

1 [Note: The box I have used is from one I already had and was perfect in size. It is made of a good quality

cardboard, which is further strengthened by a paper covering it from all sides. The cut angle of the outer

cover of the box is specific to this box, not necessary

Analysing the thermacol structures in crockery boxes

in my prototypes. However, it easier to open the box due to this cut angle. If I were to re-design the box

cover, I would inculcate this cut angle outside but also

Ability of the box to withstand the weight of a laptop and heavy book 16

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

not make one end too small in height in comparison

to the other as the extra layer of the box cover goes further to strengthen the box.]

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

17

Prototype 2: the eggs is protected by a thermacol frame which also acts as a shock absorber.

EXERCISE 2

Hand Dimensions & Cultural Comparisons 18

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

19

Info-graphic illustrating my hand and its measurements, average hand measurements of the ethnicity I belong to (Asian Indian). My percantile with reference to these measurements and a comparison to average measurements of women hands in USA, Jordania and Vietnam.

This was an interesting exercise, which made one aware of how body shapes and sizes vary across age, gender and ethnicities. The exercise required one to measure their hand, compare it within their ethnicity and determine their percentile. It also required one to research and collect Hand Anthropometric Data of two different ethnicities other than ones own and compare hand shapes and sizes with the data collected.

The findings were then to be represented clearly in an info-graphic so as to communicate these measurements and their variety.

I began by measuring my hand followed by collecting data of different ethnicities. From the data I collected, I tried to choose two ethnicities which would not be too similar to my region of origin (India) and also had most of the measurements. I also found data of my ethnicity (Asian Indian) and compared my hand measurements to find out the percentile. The numbers revealed that my hand falls in the ‘bigger’ hand sizes of Indian woman.

For my info-graphic I referenced ‘Measurements of the Human Hand’ from the book ‘The Measure of Man and Woman: Human Factors in Design’ by Alvin R. Tilley.

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

21

How is a seam ripper used?

PROJECT A

The Seam Ripper As the name suggests, a ‘seam ripper’ is a tool used to rip (or remove) a seam (or stitch). It is commonly used by people who sew, when they have made a mistake in the stitching.

I chose a seam ripper for this project because for some reason, I never look forward to using it. A mistake in stitching itself pulls you down, added to which I have to use this small tool to rip off tiny stitches. So even though the entire process of ripping a seam is laborious, I feel the tool adds to this unpleasurable experience.

I have chosen to use a basic seam ripper and explore better ergonomic design possibilities for it.

Tool Handles

CAP

BALL TIPPED POINT FOR PROTECTION

TIP BLADE

The tip end is slipped underneath the stitch and the ripper is pushed up and forward so that the blade cuts the thread.

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

HANDLE

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

23

TEST PROTOCOL THE AIM: 1. To understand & document how a person (subject here) holds the seam ripper?

2. To understand & document how the subject uses the seam ripper (technique of ripping) 3. To understand & document what is uncomfortable about the tool for the subject?

from different genders, ethnicities, ages and two with hand conditions like Arthritis and previously undergone surgery in the thumb.

TESTING LOCATION: Anywhere with good lighting, with the requirement of a chair and table (optional).

• Air dry clay • Camera • Note book & pen

THE PARTICIPANTS: So as to be able to design a tool which could be used across hand sizes, shapes, or movement restrictions, I chose people 24

Poorvi Das

HAND CONDITION, (IF ANY): None HAND MEASUREMENTS:

METHOD OF RECORDING THE RESULTS:

Palm Length

10.8

Thumb Length

6

Index Finger Length

7

Middle Finger Length

8

Ring Finger Length

7

Little Finger Length

5.4

STEPS:

Thumb Breadth

2.2

1. The subject was given a brief introduction about the task to be performed, its purpose and explained the procedure;

Thumb Thickness

2.4

Index Finger Breadth

2

Index Finger Thickness

1.5

Hand Breadth (metacarpal)

8

Hand Breadth (across thumb)

9.6

Hand Thickness (metacarpal)

2.7

Hand Thickness (including thumb)

4.6

Max. Grip Diameter

4.2

Max. Spread

19.8

Max. square access

6.36

Photographs, videos, clay samples and notes.

Ripping technique

Method of holding self designed tool

3. The subject was then given a piece of stitched fabric and tool and asked to rip a seam;

• Water & soap

GENDER: Female

ETHNICITY: American

2. Measurements of the subjects hand were taken and documented, with photographs of the front, back and side of the hand;

• Hair pin

AGE: 58

18

For this the subject was given a stitched piece of fabric, with the requirement of ripping off a seam with the given tool.

• Scissor (optional)

6. The subject is then asked to model a tool with air dry clay pretending to do the task, to convey what size and form of tool seems convenient to them.

Self designed tool (from air-dry clay), which feels more comfortable

Hand Length

5. To photograph subject’s hand

• Stitched piece of fabric

Manner of holding the Seam Ripper

Measurement (cm)

The use of a basic seam ripper, with particular focus on how the tool is held and what is the kind of hand movement and force required in using the tool.

• Seam ripper

5. The subject was asked if he or she finds the tool comfortable, and if not, why?

Description

THE TASK:

4. To understand & document what would help make it more comfortable for the subject? Measurement of the subject’s hand

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

NANCY

Test Subject 1

4. While the subject ripped the seam, details regarding the way in which the subject holds and uses the tool were recorded on camera;

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

25

Test Subject 2 Manner of holding the Seam Ripper

Self designed tool (from air-dry clay), which feels more comfortable

CARMEN

Test Subject 3

AGE: 60

Manner of holding the Seam Ripper

GENDER: Female

MANNY Self designed tool (from air-dry clay), which feels more comfortable

ETHNICITY: Venezuela

HAND CONDITION, (IF ANY): None

HAND MEASUREMENTS:

Method of holding self designed tool

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

GENDER: Male

ETHNICITY: Indian

HAND CONDITION, (IF ANY): None

Ripping technique

AGE: 35

HAND MEASUREMENTS:

Description

Measurement (cm)

Description

Measurement (cm)

Hand Length

18.2

Hand Length

20

Palm Length

11

Palm Length

11

Thumb Length

6

Thumb Length

7.2

Index Finger Length

6.5

Index Finger Length

8

Middle Finger Length

7.5

Middle Finger Length

8.5

Ring Finger Length

7

Ring Finger Length

7.3

Little Finger Length

5

Little Finger Length

6.6

Thumb Breadth

1.7

Thumb Breadth

2

Thumb Thickness

2

Thumb Thickness

2.2

Index Finger Breadth

1.9

Index Finger Breadth

2

Index Finger Thickness

1.7

Index Finger Thickness

1.9

Hand Breadth (metacarpal)

8.2

Hand Breadth (metacarpal)

8

Hand Breadth (across thumb)

9.7

Hand Breadth (across thumb)

11.4

Hand Thickness (metacarpal)

2.3

Hand Thickness (metacarpal)

2.2

Hand Thickness (including thumb)

4.8

Hand Thickness (including thumb)

3.8

Max. Grip Diameter

3.7

Max. Grip Diameter

5

Max. Spread

16

Max. Spread

23.5

Max. square access

6.36

Max. square access

6.36

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Ripping technique

Method of holding self designed tool

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

27

Test Subject 4 Manner of holding the Seam Ripper

Self designed tool (from air-dry clay), which feels more comfortable

JODAY

Test Subject 5

AGE: 72

Manner of holding the Seam Ripper

GENDER: Feale

KITTY Self designed tool (from air-dry clay), which feels more comfortable

ETHNICITY: American

HAND CONDITION, (IF ANY): None

HAND MEASUREMENTS:

HAND MEASUREMENTS: Measurement (cm)

Hand Length Palm Length

Ripping technique

Thumb Length Index Finger Length

Method of holding self designed tool

Ripping technique

Middle Finger Length Ring Finger Length Little Finger Length Thumb Breadth

Method of holding self designed tool

Thumb Thickness Index Finger Breadth Index Finger Thickness Hand Breadth (metacarpal) Hand Breadth (across thumb) Hand Thickness (metacarpal) Hand Thickness (including thumb) Max. Grip Diameter Max. Spread Max. square access 28

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

GENDER: Feale

ETHNICITY: American

HAND CONDITION, (IF ANY): Arthritis

Description

AGE: 58

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Description

Measurement (cm)

Hand Length

18.2

Palm Length

10.5

Thumb Length

7.4

Index Finger Length

7.1

Middle Finger Length

7.5

Ring Finger Length

7

Little Finger Length

5.4

Thumb Breadth

1.5

Thumb Thickness

2.4

Index Finger Breadth

1.2

Index Finger Thickness

2

Hand Breadth (metacarpal)

8.5

Hand Breadth (across thumb)

11

Hand Thickness (metacarpal)

1.8

Hand Thickness (including thumb)

3

Max. Grip Diameter

5

Max. Spread

21

Max. square access

6.3

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

29

Test Subject 6

ANU

Manner of holding the Seam Ripper

Self designed tool (from air-dry clay), which feels more comfortable

CONCLUSION FROM THE USER TEST ANALYSIS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES OPPORTUN ITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT:

AGE: 61

GENDER: Female

1. Redesign the tool to fit better in the grasp of the entire hand by lengthening it and widening its girth;

ETHNICITY: Asian Indian

HAND CONDITION, (IF ANY): Outpatient surgery on thumb

2. Using the OXO model of products, use of a flexible rubber grip near the head of the tool, which reshapes itself to fit and adapt to a variety of hand sizes. Moreso because a large portion of quilters exist in the older age bracket, and might suffer from age related hand problems like Arthritis;

HAND MEASUREMENTS:

Ripping technique

Method of holding self designed tool

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Description

Measurement (cm)

Hand Length

18.2

Palm Length

10.5

Thumb Length

6.8

Index Finger Length

7.3

Middle Finger Length

7.9

Ring Finger Length

7.3

Little Finger Length

5.5

Thumb Breadth

1.5

Thumb Thickness

2

Index Finger Breadth

1.6

Index Finger Thickness

1.5

THE EXISTING SEAM RIPPER

Hand Breadth (metacarpal)

7.5

Hand Breadth (across thumb)

9.8

Advantages of existing ripper:

Hand Thickness (metacarpal)

2.4

Hand Thickness (including thumb)

3.2

Max. Grip Diameter

5.5

Max. Spread

22

Max. square access

6.3

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Original Seam Ripper 0.75cm x 3.6cm (handle size only)

Carmen

1.7cm x 9cm

Manny

3cm x 10cm

Kitty

2cm x 10.2cm

Joday

2.2cm x 10cm

Anu

2.3cm x 10.5cm

Nancy

2.4cm x 13cm

• Easy to store and carry; • Cap provides protection from sharp needle tip and blade when not used; easily fits into rear of ripper when in use; • Pointed prong and blade in Poorvi Das

the u-shape inner curve work perfectly together in going underneath and cutting off thread; • Red rounded edge protects users from getting hurt; CONCLUSION FROM THE USER TEST ANALYSIS The picture compares the original

seam ripper to self- designed rippers test subjects found comfortable pretending to use.

Evidently, all test subjects prefer a tool that is longer and thicker, to comfortably grasp with their thumb and four fingers around.

Test subjects found the size and shape of the original tool, most inconvenient in doing the task.

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

3. Consider including a portion which helps rub off/ remove the little cut threads which remain on the fabric after a seam is ripped; DESIGN CRITERIA: 1. Must be comfortable to use and provide a more pleasurable experience; 2. Be adaptable to a range of hand sizes and hand conditions like Arthritis; 3. Be easy to store;

SCAD, Summer 2014

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Design Inspiration 1: THE SAFETY PIN The inspiration for these designs is a safety pin.

This is usually my ‘go-to’ tool incase I can’t find my seam ripper. The pointed edge of the safety pin goes underneath the stitch, and the rounded section in between helps to pull out the thread when a little force is applied.

I intend to use this idea of motion and force, with incorporating a curved tapered blade in place of the pointed pin and curve of the safety pin, so the new seam ripper would function similar to the original one. I also thought of exploring a wider handle to accommodate the thumb on one side and the fore and middle fingers on the other side for a better grip.

PROTOTYPE 1

PROTOTYPE 2

This design extends from the safety pin in making an area of more space for the

This design is a variation of Prototype 1, but explores a different flatter surface

intend to replace with a small curved and tapered blade.

replace with a small curved and tapered blade.

thumb and forefinger to grip the tool. Here, a needle like pin has been used, which I

Ideas were explored through sketching and modeling, where modeling a sketch, lead me to explore and improvise on other possibilities for the handle or grip.

to grip, similar to a guitar pick. A needle like pin has been used, which I intend to

These designs would need a cover to protect the user from getting hurt with the tool when it is not in use.

Exploring the concept using air-dry clay

to make four prototypes which improvise on the previous. A pin has been used

here to suggest a tapered blade, which

curves slightly inwards into the form,

similar to the curved blade in the original

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seam ripper

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

PROTOTYPE 3

PROTOTYPE 4

This design explores the same concept with a longer handle

This design improvises from Prototype 3, exploring a comparatively thinner handle

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

33

Design Inspiration: The Pine Cone The inspiration for this design is a pine cone. Referring to the self designed prototypes made by the test subjects, (especially the one made by Manny), I was thinking about a tool which would fill the palm space between the thumb and the remaining fingers when the fingers curve around to grasp something. This would give them comfortable room and ease from each other.

I found this pine very comfortable and suiting this function perfectly with its slight curve on one side and bulb-like form which fits nicely into the palm-space. Interestingly, even the surface of the cone didn’t make the grip uncomfortable but rather provide good traction and had an almost massage like quality to it.

PROTOTYPE 5

These designs would use the same kind of prong that is used in the original seam ripper, with a requirement of a cover on the prong so as to not hurt the user when not being used.

This design is inspired by the pine cone, with a slight bulb like shape to fit into a comfortable grip in the palm. A light curve on one side accomodates the shape of the thumb.

PROTOTYPE 6 This design improvises on Prototype 5 in having small edges protruding where the tip of the thumb and forefinger are placed, to create a no slip feature.

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

35

Design Inspiration: THE TOOTHBRUSH

DESIGN SELECTION The seven sample prototypes were tested by four users (user was asked to pretend to rip), who had participated in the initial test. Of these, three designs were the most popular based on user feedback and selected to make final prototypes.

The inspiration for these designs is the tootbrush. On referring to the manner in which the test-subjects preferred to hold and use the self-designed tools, I found the tooth brush come closest in resemblance to the kind of grasp and motion that was required for the tool to be designed.

This in-between step also gave me valuable insights and feedback by the users like: • Use of a soft material (e.g. silicon) in the front and back for better grip and comfort, like is seen in kitchen tool handles;

I referred to the kind of design details that are considered in toothbrushes to make it a better product ergonomically (no slip grips, use of flexible materials on the sides where the thumb and fore-fingers are placed, slight curves and protrusions) and this guided my designs here.

• Better grooves for the thumb, add some ‘cushiony’ thing; • More length in Prototype 2 to accomodate the little finger; • Accomodate left handers; could be reversible; make something universal;

These designs would use the same kind of prong that is used in the original seam ripper, with a requirement of a cover on the prong so as to not hurt the user when not being used.

• Some prototypes are good for one hand positions only, which limits it;

From top to bottom: Prototype 1, 4 and 5 from the earlier samples become new Prototypes 1, 2 & 3.

• ‘Personality’ makes it more interesting (e.g. tear drop like shape of Prototype 1); • Incorporate a pivot like cover for Prototype 1 which is attatched to the tool itself and therefore is not easy to loose; • Incorporate a little groove so Prototype 1 can be hung to your keychain; • Add into the handle, (like a double tool, one inside the other), a tweezer to remove the tiny remnant threads from ripping;

36

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

37

PROTOTYPE 1

PROTOTYPE 2

PROTOTYPE 3

TEST PROTOCOL THE AIM: 1. To understand & document the comfort in grip and performance of three designed seam ripper prototypes by using each prototype to rip a seam; 2. To compare and critique the three test prototypes;

For this the subject was given a stitched piece of fabric, with the requirement of ripping off a seam with the given tool.

MATERIALS REQUIRED:

STEPS:

• Seam ripper Prototype 1,2 & 3 • Stitched piece of fabric • Scissor (optional) • Note book & pen

3. The test user was given a piece of stitched fabric and asked to rip portions of the seam using each prototype;

THE PARTICIPANTS: So as to gain a feedback from a varied group of people, participants included people from different genders, ethnicities, ages and one who had previously undergone surgery in the thumb. Of the initial five test subjects that were used in the study earlier, three participated in the user test.

4. While the subject ripped the seam, details regarding the way in which the subject holds and uses the tool were recorded on camera;

TESTING LOCATION:

6. The process and feedback were recorded;

Anywhere with good lighting, with the requirement of a chair and table (optional).

The use and comparison of three test The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

5. The subject was asked to give a critique on the test prototype being used with focus on comfort of grip and task bring carried out;

METHOD OF RECORDING THE RESULTS:

THE TASK:

Poorvi Das

1. The subject was given a brief introduction about the task to be performed, its purpose and explained the procedure; 2. 3 Test prototypes being considered were kept in front of test user;

• Camera

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prototypes of seam rippers, designed as per design guidelines from previous user test.

Focus was kept on comfort of handle, ease of use of tool and convenience.

Poorvi Das

Photographs, videos, clay samples and notes.

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

39

PROTOTYPE 1

PROTOTYPE 2 ANU

MANNY

MANNY

NANCY

Photographs

Photographs

Feedback

ANU

NANCY

• The handle needs more effort; • The blade should have been longer to go underneath the thread;

• Fits all criteria;

• Difficult to hold;

• Likes this one the most;

• Not comfortable;

Feedback

• Comfortable;

• Good grip;

• Comfortable;

• Convenient;

• Blade is too big;

• Fits hand perfectly;

• Hold is better than Prototype 1

• Not bad, but not suited for the task;

• Can add some surface for better grip;

• Faster and easier to use this blade to cut underneath the folded fabric;

• It’s more convenient to cut thread underneath the folded fabric as compared to underneath each thread;

• Could be a little longer to accomodate all fingers; • Contour is great; • Could add some more finger indents;

• Not satisfied with hold;

• Prefers the other seam ripper blade; • Likes this one the most; 40

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

41

PROTOTYPE 3

CONCLUSION ANU

MANNY

NANCY

Photographs

It was interesting to note some of the outcomes like: • All three users chose completely different prototypes; • What was comfortable for the two women test users was not comfortable for the male test-user; • Putting a blade/needle changed the function of the handle considerably and left scope for improving the design; • There is scope of re-designing the blade with the handle to make a better seam ripper;

Feedback

• Likes the hold of this the best; • Prefers the blade/needle on the other ones better; • Finds needle not pointed enough to go underneath the thread;

• Good;

• Not bad;

• Not too sharp - prefers the other blade;

• The grooves make it easier for traction;

• Shape is ‘OK’ - a little too big, will not be comfortable if someone has to do it for a long duration;

• Pointed needle is easier than the others;

• Finds it convenient;

• Adding a cushion to the surface would make it more comfortable;

• Likes this one the best;

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Of the designs, Prototype 2 was the most popular.

The contoured shape at the back and depression for thumb in the front makes it a comfortable hold.

This seam ripper also has the possibility of being used both by a left handed and right person and is accommodative that way. Further improvisation in design would be to • add surfaces which offer a slight spring/flexibility and grip;

PROTOTYPE 2: This design was no most preferred.

• design a cover to protect the user from the blade; and • add a tool/surface as part of the design to pick up small threads after ripping; This was an interesting exercise and helped one analyze the function of a tool and its relationship with the user. I feel I was able to come a long way from the seam ripper I started out with to satisfy the criteria of comfort and functionality to some extent, with more informed design directions to make a product which could become a realistic choice for a consumer.

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

43

Design for removing extra threads:

GOING FURTHER...

After ripping a seam, small portions of the thread are left over on the fabric, which are cumbersome and time consuming to remove. If left, they get stitched onto, becoming little pieces of thread popping out here and there.

I would like to consider incorporating a surface on a portion of the tool which would help remove these little pieces of thread to some extent. A surface which creates some kind of friction, and is yet really soft and not sharp comes to mind. The following are some design inspirations I intend to explore:

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

1. I would like to refine some of the designs from the sample prototypes to also include flexible grips near the head of the tool, similar to the OXO products;

PROJECT B

2. I would like to also design covers for each tool to protect users from getting hurt; 3. I would like to consider if a part of the tool can be designed to rub off/ remove the little threads that stay on the fabric when a seam has been ripped.

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Simple Appliances

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

45

PART 1: APPLIANCE USE ANALYSIS In the first part of Project B, ‘Simple Appliances’, we were required to select and analyze an apparently simple appliance.

For this, we identified a task that can be performed on the appliance to test.

Each step of the task was recorded in the form of instructions using the ‘talk aloud method’. This was followed by analyzing and critiquing the process, paying special attention to pain points. The instruction and analysis was then compiled in a one-page document.

For this project, I selected my GE Over the Range Microwave and the task of defrosting cottage cheese with a delayed start. I chose this particular task because I had never undertaken it before and would be carrying it out as a first time user.

TESTING PROTOCOL

Diagram illustrating the Appliance, task undertaken, steps and Analysis and Critique of the process and Interface

Microwave

to ‘time-cook’ my food item. So I click ‘beverage’ and the ‘clear’ as and when I think the timing is enough.

Cottage Cheese Video Recorder THE PARTICIPANTS Self TESTING LOCATION Kitchen THE TASK Defrost cottage cheese using a delayed start and record each step, emption, thought, remark using the ‘talk aloud’ method.

METHOD OF RECORDING THE RESULTS Videos, photographs and notes

2. I really like the ‘time-cook’ button which allows me to custom feed the time I need to cook an item. My button stopped working, so I am accomodating its absence by using a round number or adding 30 seconds. This is inconvenient in that I need to keep waiting (incase a food item needs to be warmed for say 2:15 seconds), I have to keep watching till 45 seconds are left and then press stop.

3. The microwave has a ‘Help’ button.

Clicking it allows me to get information about the other buttons. So say I want to know about ‘Defrost’, I click ‘Help’ then click ‘Defrost’ and the display guides me on basic steps about defrosting and how to go about it. Really love this feature.

ANALYSIS & CRITIQUE

THE AIM To select and analyze an apparently simple appliance by selecting a task and communicating its operation through user instructions, so as to produce accurate and thorough instructions to perform it

1. I don’t use all the keys on the interface.

Have never used ‘Popcorn’, ‘Potato’ and ‘Beverage’ also. I usually use a predetermined idea of how much time a food item may take (like if I have to reheat the tea/milk). But i find these keys useful if I go to someones house who has a different microwave and i can figure how

MATERIALS REQUIRED 46

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

47

PART 2: INTERFACE REDESIGN (Group Project) Group Participants: Shannon Madden, Jennifer Frame & Poorvi Das

Coffee Maker Anaylsis:

Jennifer Frame SDES 502 The Human Factor Krista Siniscarco Summer 2015

Brewing a Cup of Coffee

Based on the analyses of the appliance selected, we were to write a set of design guidelines that describes the appliance and task, identify a target user group for the redesigned interface and include a list of design criteria.

Steps to brew a cup of coffee: Coffee maker interface

1. Push the power button to begin the coffee making process: When the power button is pressed, the coffee maker turns on and several lights shine.

Power Button

2. Filling the water tank: The blue light indicates the water level is low. The first step in filling the water tank is to remove the tank from the system.

5. Place the coffee container cup into the place provided.

6. Place the coffeee mug in place below the coffee dispenser.

This was then followed by brainstorming as a group to develop a new approach to the interface of the appliance. It was also required that the redesign should be a possibility in the near future and to that extent we should extend the possibilities.

7. Using the handle, close the coffee container storage unit.

It will click in place.

Water Tank

Fill Line

3. Filling the water tank: The second step in filling the water tank is to remove the lid and fill with water up to the fill line.

Either hot or cold water can be used. During the time it takes to fill the tank, the coffee maker is able to heat itself.

4. Opening the coffee container storage is the next step in the process. Using the handle, life up and open.

Jennifer’s Analysis of ‘making a cup of coffee with the Keurig Coffee Maker’ 48

Poorvi Das

Ananylsis: The coffee maker is a fairly simple appliance to use. The power button is easily located. Once the coffee maker is turned on, it needs to heat up. There is a light indicating it is not yet hot enough. However, if the user is not aware that it needs to heat up, they may get frustrated when the next steps are not able to be followed without indication of what’s going on. If the water needs to be filled, this is not an issue because it will heat up in the time it takes to fill the water tank. Removing the tank is an easy task, but it does take a new user a little while to figure out how to remove the tank. Placing the coffee cup is a simple task, but the user must have purchased the correct coffee cups, or they will not fit. Occassionally, when the lid is closed, the blinking lights don’t come on as expected. When this happens, it takes a while to get the coffee maker back on track to brew the coffee correctly. Choosing the cup size is a great feature. However, the pictures indicating size may be confusing to some people on which is actually smaller and which is larger. It takes a second look until you get used to the machine. Opportunities for imporvement within the user interface consist of fixing the glitches that cause it to get off track in the order of the process along with a new method of choosing cup size.

Cup size

8. Choose the cup size and push the corresponding button.

Each button represents a size option and is indicated by a picture on the button.

9. Wait. The coffee is brewing.

It can also be very hot, so giving it time to cool down is a good idea.

Brewing Coffee

Ready to Drink!

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

In this part of the project we were to select a task as a group after reading their analyses from Part 1.

The group chose to redesign Jennifer’s appliance, the ‘Keurig Coffee Maker’, with the goal of improving a good design.

Jennifer’s Analysis of the Coffee Maker while performing the task of making a cup of coffee, included the following pain points: 1. The current single serve coffee maker can have a confusing process to a new user.

The experience is not clearly outlined and when the user does not follow the right steps, the machine can get off track and it can be difficult to figure out what needs to happen to correct the problem.

the wrong type will not work with the particular machine.

3. The cup size icons can be misleading.

It is hard to tell which icon is larger or smaller and it is also hard to know if your cup is considered small or large.

4. The current coffee maker has an autoshut off that stays on for an hour before automatically shutting off.

DESIGN GUIDELINES WHAT?: A coffee maker that makes you want to wake up.

HOW?: By having your morning cup of coffee brewed, ready and smelling fantastic!

FOR WHOM?: Someone who could use some coffee to get out of bed and make sense of the world.

WHAT ELSE? Description of function

Corresponding Design Criteria

Based on Jennifer’s analysis and in keeping with the intention of making the appliance clever through smart home technology, the group decided to combine smart phone technology with WiFi capabilities to prepare the first cup of morning coffee a few minutes before the alarm went off.

• Predefine time for coffee brewing on the coffee machine or on smart device through an App.

• Built-in clock and alarm system; Ability to connect wirelessly with device, which syncs defined setting with machine;

• Makes the task of making coffee as simple or simpler than pushing a single button.

• Touch screen interface; Predictive technology to learn from user habits/ preferences

With this intention we created a set of design guidelines and criteria as well as an initial flow diagram of the steps to undertake the task of making the morning cup of coffee.

The target user was a person who likes to have their coffee first thing in the morning.

• Can turn brewing on when in another room

• Ability to connect wirelessly with smart device which syncs action with machine

• Move around and place it anywhere

• Compact, convenient, lightweight, simple.

TASK? Making the morning cup of coffee

2. There are many different single serve coffee cups in the market. Purchasing Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

49

PART 3: APPLIANCE MOCK UP & USER TEST (Group & Individual)

COFFEE MAKERS

Based on the Design Guidelines, the group made a new flow chart of the task of setting a Coffee Alarm. This would include setting the function on the machine as well as the phone. While we decided to

set the function for the machine for the prototype testing, I dabbled in a few rapid prototyping sketches for the flow of screens.

ENJOY COFFEE NOW: On the Machine

USER INTERFACES

CUP INDICATOR & OTHER DETAILS

A visual study of Coffee Makers in the store Being a ‘masala chai’ drinker, I didn’t own a coffee maker. I visited a few stores to get acquainted with the appliance and the interface. Here are a few images of my visit.

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This exercise made me more familiar with different sizes of coffee makers, the complexity or simplicity of interfaces and especially the way the cup size is indicated, something that was a pain point in Jennifer’s analysis.

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Flow chart for the task of making the morning cup of coffee using the new design Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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ENJOY COFFEE LATER: On the Machine

BREW LATER: Phone App.

ENJOY COFFEE LATER: On Machine, Sync to Device

BREW NOW: Phone App.

Working Sketches for ENJOY COFFEE LATER: On the Machine 52

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

53

THE NEW DESIGN

SCREEN DESIGNS FOR PROTOTYPE

To correct the pain points, the new design interface has simple, direct instructions detailing the process so the user does not do things out of order.

Enjoy Later:

There is a touch screen, similar to a smart phone that will clearly state what the user needs to do next.

In addition to the touch screen, the coffee maker has the option to be set manually to a timer or to sync with the users smart phone to allow a connection between the smart phone’s alarm and the coffee maker. The coffee maker will turn on and brew the cup of coffee as the alarm goes off, so the user’s coffee will be ready automatically when they wake up in the morning.

The coffee maker has a sensor that will sense the size of the cup, eliminating the need to choose a size.

The new coffee maker will have coffee pods. These pods are similar to a coffee bean that will react with the heated water to brew a cup of coffee. They will eliminate waste because they do not require packaging.

Enjoy Later: Sync to phone

The new design will also be battery powered, making it portable even away from an outlet and it will automatically turn off after 5 minutes of inactivity, rather than an hour. So it not only saves on waste, but also on energy.

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Illustration of the New Design implemented on the originl Keurig Coffee Maker that was initially considered. (Illustrated by Shannon Madden) Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

55

Enjoy Now:

be emphasized.

4. The subject will be asked to make a cup of coffee using the coffee machine and interactive pdf interface.

5. The subject will be asked to set up a coffee to ‘enjoy/brew later’ using the Coffee Application on the device

The Interactive PDF created by Shannon Madden was used for testing the effectiveness of the idea and design by each group member, according to the following protocol: Testing Protocol Testing the new coffee maker interface will consist of test subjects making a cup of coffee using a Keurig coffee maker with the experience of the group-redesigned interface instead of the original interface using an interactive PDF file. Test subjects will give feedback on their experience. They will answer specific questions about their coffee making process and how they would use the suggested coffee application. The testing will take place in the kitchen area or other area where the coffee maker is kept.

MATERIALS REQUIRED • Keurig (or similar) coffee maker • Coffee k-cup • Water

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Poorvi Das

• Interactive PDF file with applicable viewing method (ex. Computer/phone)

6. Participant description information will be recorded. Testers will be asked a series of questions below and then given the opportunity to make additional comments. For each rating question, 1=lowest -10= highest

THE PARTICIPANTS

Age:

Two to three testing participants will be used for the testing process of each group member.

Gender:

TASKS

Describe the overall design aesthetics in terms of appeal.

Make a cup of coffee on the machine, using the interface.

Set up a coffee for later from the Phone App. STEPS 1. The subject will be given a brief introduction about the task to be performed, its purpose and explained the procedure.

Participant Name:

Daily coffee drinker: yes/no Smart phone user: yes/no

On a scale of 1-10, how user friendly is the interface?

On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to download and use the coffee app?

Would you prefer the new interface or the original interface? Why or why not?

What features specifically work or don’t work?

2. The subject will be briefly told about the basic workings of the coffee maker and the interface.

Additional comments:

3. The need to talk out his/her actions and thoughts while carrying out the task will

Photographs, videos and notes

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

METHODS FOR RECORDING

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

TEST RESULTS KERRY

DAVID

AKSHAT

Age: 41

Age: 57

Age: 35

Gender: Female

Gender: Male

Gender: Male

Daily coffee drinker: Yes, especially first thing in the morning.

Daily coffee drinker: Yes, especially first thing in the morning.

Daily coffee drinker: Not very often.

Smart phone user: Yes

Smart phone user: No

Describe the overall design aesthetics in terms of appeal: Loved it!

Describe the overall design aesthetics in terms of appeal. Loved it!

On a scale of 1-10, how user friendly is the interface? 9. Didn’t understand a few functions like setting up the weekly repeat.

On a scale of 1-10, how user friendly is the interface? 7. Was a little lost on a few functions like setting alarm, saving it, etc probably owing to not using a smart phone/interface usually.

On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to download and use the coffee app? 10 Would you prefer the new interface or the original interface? The new one (owns a Keurig at home).

On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to download and use the coffee app? 10 Would you prefer the new interface or the original interface? Unsure.

Why or why not? It’s simple and convenient.

Why or why not? Loves the idea but not so familiar with touch screen interfaces.

What features specifically work or don’t work? Loves the idea of setting up the coffee ready for when she wakes up from the phone.

What features specifically work or don’t work? Loves the idea of setting up the coffee machine from the phone as well as having coffee ready in the morning when he wakes up.

Additional comments: Cannot wait for us to make it for real!

Poorvi Das

Additional comments: It’s pretty cool!

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Smart phone user: Yes Describe the overall design aesthetics in terms of appeal. It was a very clean ‘apple like’ interface. Liked it very much.

On a scale of 1-10, how user friendly is the interface? 8.5. Confused about setting the alarm and syncing with phone. Didn’t realize there was an option of setting up a weekly repeat as it was not visible at first glance.

On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to download and use the coffee app? 10 Would you prefer the new interface or the original interface? The new one.

Why or why not? Because it is very clean and has an inviting interface.

What features specifically work or don’t work? All the features worked.

Additional comments: Can it sync with the alarm/cock on the phone so that when I set an alarm to wake up a window pops up asking if I’d like my coffee ready too?

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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PART 4: DESIGN PRESENTATION (Group)

CONCLUSION Based on the results of the user test it can be concluded that: • This design will be appreciated by a smart phone user. A person who is not accustomed to a smart phone might find it confusing; • The overall design aesthetics was appreciated by everyone; • While the user interface was appreciated by everyone, a few functions related to setting the alarm were confusing; • All the users were willing to download and use the App.; • The new interface was preferred as compared to the old one because of its simplicity, convenience, clean and inviting appeal;

Group Members: Shannon Madden, Jennifer Frame & Poorvi Das

In Retrospect If I were to make a few more changes to the design they would be to: Be able to set the coffee while setting the morning alarm from the phone directly. A few of my sketches included a coffee cup icon to set the coffee while setting the alarm. This reduces the number of steps considerably, which makes it more convenient and user friendly

The process and Redesign of Project B was finally compiled into a presentation to describe the redesigned interface, present prototypes and communicate the results of the user testing.

The group decided to have a documentation approach keeping it brief and crisp. The presentation can be viewed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=jiwjoVqN9FI&list=UUvxT48pBpL08Lo7dP8fbCAg

Instead of the Keurig Machine we considered, for the redesign I would suggest a smaller size ‘Mini Keurig’ or ‘Mr. Coffee’ kind of machine because it is easily portable and does not take too much space. This was part of our design criteria.

• Most users loved the feature of setting up the coffee ready for when they wake up and also being able to do so using the phone; • One user mentioned the possibility of it syncing to the alarm setting screen of the phone so the morning coffee could be set directly while setting the alarm;

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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The final project of the course looked at Service Design, where we were required to analyze and redesign an everyday home or office task, employing the design skills developed in the course.

PROJECT C

Task Analysis & Redesign 60

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

PART 1: TASK DOCUMENTATION

Poorvi Das

In this part of the course we were required to identify and document a task completed on a regular basis which involves multiple steps, tools of some sort and will benefit from a redesign or reimagining.

Using a video camera, still camera, written notes or other methods, activities and processes required to complete the task were captured, documented and shared in the group.

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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POORVI DAS The Human Factor, Design Thinking

SDES 502

PROCESS, PAIN POINTS, ADVANTAGES AND EXAMPLES ACCORDING TO THE PRIMARY PLACES I FIND MY COUPONS

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

INTRODUCTION

The Mail Box

Twice a week the mail-box is filled with newspapers and supplements and a bunch of savings in the form of coupons. While I didn’t realize the importance of these earlier, over the years I have gotten the hang of how these work and try and use one wherever I can. I find this a smarter way to shop, by purchasing a product for lesser than what I would normally have had to pay without the coupon. I also believe small savings pile up to become bigger savings and opportunities.

Source

Newspapers / Supplements

Magazines

Individual Company Promotions / Offers

Examples

P&G, RedPlum, Walmart, Target

Clipper Magazine

Macy’s, JC Penny, Kohls, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Gymboree, Crazy 8, DSW, Tanger, JoAnn Fabrics, Michaels, Bob Evans, etc

Process

At Home: Bring, sort, cut, keep aside to take to the car. (15-20 mins.)

At Home: Easy to trace, does not need sorting: Keep to take to the car. (less than 1 min)

At Home: Sort, keep aside to take to the car. (3-5 mins.)

In the Car: Put inside coupon bag, which is kept in the car door pocket. (less than 1 min.)

In the Car: Put inside the door pocket next to coupon bag. (less than 1 min)

Outside the store: Sort, find appropriate coupon according to what I am shopping for. Keep aside coupons I find are expired while sorting. Place required coupons in wallet and the remaining un-expired coupons not required today back in the coupon bag. Let the expired coupons remain out to add to the bag of paper recycling. (5-12 mins. depending on ease of finding coupon)

Outside the Store: Find appropriate coupon, tear out by creasing and tearing gently, keep in wallet. (5-6 mins)

Time is indicated in brackets correspponding to the task.

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Inside the store: Surrender during payment. (less than 1 min.)

Discard?: Magazine has coupon duration months mentioned on cover. If expired, bring magazine home to put into the paperrecycling bag. (2 mins.)

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Outside the store: Find appropriate coupon according to what I am shopping for. Keep aside coupons I find are expired while sorting. Place required coupons in wallet and the remaining un-expired coupons not required today back in the coupon bag. Let the expired coupons remain out to add to the bag of paper recycling. (5 mins., easier to locate because they are bigger) In the store: Use it at checkout. *Note: When I’m in a hurry or am going to multiple shops (like in the mall), I take the whole coupon bag

In the store: Compare and see if it is the same product, size specifications, etc to see if it Poorvi Das

In the Car: Put inside coupon bag, which is kept in the car. (less than 1 min)

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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Source

Newspapers / Supplements

Process

can be used, Keep coupons that are applicable handy and the remaining back in the wallet. Use it at checkout.

Time is indicated in brackets correspponding to the task.

Magazines

Individual Company Promotions / Offers

Add discarded coupons to paper recycling bag. (less than 1 min.)

Add discarded coupons to paper recycling bag. (less than 1 min.)

While cutting/tearing I might cut off the barcode.

Limited in terms of choice/ Not many according to personal choice/taste/preference.

Usually leave coupons on brochure so I don’t lose them (eg. Macy’s coupons)

A lot of paper wasted.

Sometimes too big to place in coupon bag, require to fold them.

Small in size tend to get mixed up, making it difficult to find appropriate coupon.

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Coupons for many products according to taste and preference.

Source

E-Mail

Websites

Groupon

Examples

CVS Pharmacy, Jo Ann Fabrics, Michaels, GAP, Old Navy, The Children’s Place, etc

Jo Ann Fabrics, Michaels, Macy’s, etc

Goods, Services, Electronics, Automotive, Vacations, etc

Process

At Home: Print coupon and put in wallet. (5 mins.) In the case of CVS Pharmacy, I have the option of sending the savings to my card/ account and the discount is applied when the card is scanned during check-out.

At Home: Find coupon, print and put in wallet (7 mins) or download App.

At Home: Search groupon, print and put in wallet (5-20 mins.) depending on scanning and finding appropriate discount.

In the store: Surrender during payment or open e-mail and show coupon on phone. (less than 1 min.)

Discard?: Discard unused coupon printout in paper recycle bag. (less than 1 min.)

Time is indicated in brackets correspponding to the task.

A lot of paper wasted.

Easy to use and discard.

Big size acts as a partition between smaller coupon section and bigger coupons in coupon bag.

Small perforations in some coupons make it easier to tear off.

Small perforations in some coupons make it easier to tear off.

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Inside the store: Surrender during payment or show in App. On phone (less than 1 min.)

In the store: Surrender during payment or show in App. On phone (less than 1 min.)

Discard?: Mark as ‘redeemed’.

Discard?: Delete e-mail, discard unused coupon printout in paper recycle bag. (1 min.)

Easy to take along and use.

The image of the advertised product helps me find it better.

Individual Company Promotions / Offers

The Internet

A lot of paper wasted.

Advantages

Magazines

Like how coupons are compiled in supplements of the newspaper and not mixed up with general supplements, making them easier to identify, keep aside and sort.

Discard?: Sort as per expiry date and keep aside either in car or bring coupon bag home to sort and discard. (5-10 mins.)

*Note: When I’m in a hurry I take the whole coupon bag into the store and do the sorting & finding inside.

Too long a process to sort, cut and discard.

Newspapers / Supplements

into the store and do the finding and using inside the store.

Discard?: Sort as per expiry date and keep aside either in car or bring coupon bag home to sort and discard. (10-15 mins.)

Pain Points

Source

Pain Points

Need a printer, some shops don’t apply the discount without a printout.

Poorvi Das

Need a printer, some shops don’t apply the discount without a printout.

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

Need a printer, some shops don’t apply the discount without a printout.

SCAD, Summer 2014

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Source

E-Mail

Websites

Groupon

Pain Points

Showing on the phone depends on Internet Connectivity.

Showing on the phone depends on Internet Connectivity.

Showing on the phone depends on Internet Connectivity.

Need to keep constantly deleting mail so past discounts and promotions don’t pile up.

Some discounts are not as good as the ones that come in mail. (e.g. the coupon App at JoAnn fabrics gives a 30% discount while the e-mail gives a 40% discount)

Need to subscribe to website, mail box gets filled up with too many offers sent multiple times during a day.

Need to subscribe to website, mail box gets filled up with too many offers sent multiple times during a day.

Advantages

Uncertainty of the website hosting any discounts that day.

Custom choose what offers you want.

Custom choose what offers you want.

Print-out according to need.

Print-out according to need.

Less waste of paper in comparison to coupons that come in the mail.

Still, sometimes only one coupon prints on a whole page of paper, leading to waste of paper. Some coupon sites (e.g. Michaels) allow you to choose the coupons you want before just printing out all of them even the ones you don’t need, thereby reducing the waste of paper to some extent.

Less waste of paper in comparison to coupons that come in the mail.

Still, sometimes only one coupon prints on a whole page of paper, leading to waste of paper. Some coupon sites (e.g. Michaels) allow you to choose the coupons you want before just printing out all of them even the ones you don’t need, thereby reducing the waste of paper to some extent.

PART 2: TASK ANALYSIS

In this part of the project we were required to select a task described by one of our group mates and analyze it using the AEIOU framework to identify areas of improvement. This analysis was to be illustrated through an info-graphic describing and critiquing the process, while noting areas of improvement

Task Selected: Ironing Clothes for the Week by Shannon Madden

Easy to lose track of expiry dates of discounts purchased Pre-fix a payment.

Custom choose what offers you want.

Print-out according to need.

Less waste of paper in comparison to coupons that come in the mail.

Still, sometimes only one coupon prints on a whole page of paper, leading to waste of paper.

Other Sources Visiting Shops, Favors from Birthday Parties, Birthday Party Venues, Corporate Promotions, etc¬

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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Ironing Clothes for the Week by Shannon Madden

TASK ANALYSIS ACCORDING TO A-E-I-O-U FRAMEWORK

ACRIVITIES

ENVIRONMENTS

Plug in iron;

Living room;

Take spray bottle to kitchen/bathroom to fill; Wait for light to go off; Place article of clothing on board; Smooth out clothing; Spray with water; Press iron firmly; Move iron around; Turn clothing over; Collect hangers;

Kitchen; Bathroom; Closet; Bedroom;

INTERACTIONS

Iron: Plug in, see and wait for light to go off, pick up, place, move around, press firmly, unplug; Spray bottle: Take to kitchen, fill up, spray;

OBJECTS Iron;

USERS

1. Shannon

Spray Bottle; Ironing board; Clothes;

Clothing: Select, place on ironing board, smooth out, iron upon, hang on hanger, arrange in closet, wear to work;

Hangers; Clothes Basket; Chain Up Rack.

Hanger: Collect, place clothing on it, hang on rack, take to closet, arrange.

Rough Sketches for Infographic, after taking into cosideration the AEIOU Framework

Place article of clothing on hanger; Hang on Rack, Take clothes on hangers to closet; Arrange in closet; Unplug iron; Wear clothing to work during week.

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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INFOGRAPHIC BASED ON THE A-E-I-O-U ANALYSIS OF THE TASK

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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PART 3: DESIGN (GROUP PROJECT)

Based on the tasks analyzed and illustrated by the group members, the group selected one task to analyze and develop designs for improved environments and processes.

INFOGRAPHIC by Jennifer

Group Members: Shannon Madden, Jennifer Frame & Poorvi Das

We decided to move forward with the task of ‘Organizing Coupons’ as it showed the most potential for a better and more effective redesign.

Poorvi and infographic created by Jennifer and discussed potential directions on how this service could be improved and made fantastic.

As per the task description, infographic and our individual experiences, key gaps in the process were:

Poorvi came across an article about the recent introduction of the “Walmart’s Scan & Go Service.” where an item is checked out and paid for directly, by scanning it on the phone, thereby saving the wait time in check out lines. This inspired us to look at using a smart device to make the process of couponing easier and faster and also address the massive amounts of paper wasted in the traditional method of using coupons.

• Wastage of paper; • Time consumed searching, sorting and cutting coupons; • Wastage of coupons because of not keeping track/ organizing well, getting misplaced; • Extended check-out time; and • Inability to sort and find the right coupon to use at the right time, especially before they expire;

After an initial session of brain storming, we decided to work on initial ideas for improvement independently, so as to have varied view points to select from, in our redesign.

Identifying multiple opportunities for improvement, our group aimed to make this process easier and allow more users to save money by creating “Couplify”, with the goal of simplifying the process of couponing.

To achieve this, we referred to the task description of organizing coupons by 72

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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POORVI’S INITIAL IDEAS

JENNIFER’S INITIAL IDEAS

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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SHANNON’S INITIAL IDEAS

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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JOURNEY MAP/ BLUE PRINT FOR NEW DESIGN

SYNOPSIS FOR RE-DESIGN There were many directions that we could have taken for this service and we got some good suggestions from the class about considering loyalty programs and budget assistance. However, after thinking long and hard, we decided that it would be best to focus on one particular consumer, in this case a person shopping for groceries exclusively.

After considering our initial pool of ideas and feedback by peers, we had a mind map of the goals and features that would go into making this service effective. We nailed down logistics of what the service can actually do for the consumer and created a journey map of the customers experience from the moment they receive coupons to the point of purchase, in order to ensure our service met the needs of our user along each step of the way.

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Poorvi Das

Based on our individual ideas for the re-design, we decided to work on an Application and Website with the following goals in mind:

Key Features include:

REDUCE PAPER WASTAGE

Phone Notification if a particular item in the list has gone on sale;

ASSIST WITH EASIER ORGANIZATION & USE OF COUPONS HAVE THE ABILITY TO CREATE A SHOPPING LIST TO SYNC WITH ONGOING DEALS

A Master Coupon that combines savings of similar coupons into one;

Adaptable Organization as per shopping list, sale, coupon or store; Ability to scan and save print coupons with a phone;

FASTER CHECKOUT AT THE STORE

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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SIGN IN PAGE

In its final form, Couplify consists of a website manager with a phone application for easy use. They work together to provide the consumer with the maximum amount of savings in the smallest amount of time.

The user has a unique username and passowrd which syncs the website and Application. So all changes made on the website or application are co-ordinated.

The website allows a user to create their unique shopping profile, which can be accessed from anywhere, anytime using a username and password login. They can browse from a category of products, create a grocery list, scan through available coupons, select a store to shop at, and save their preferred lists and settings in (My Couplify).

Jennifer’s initial idea was that the website and app. could have multiple ways to use it, where the user could search for coupons based on the store or based on the item. For example, if the user wanted a coupon on a particular item, the service could provide them with the store that has the best coupon for that product. However, we eventually decided to abstain from the complications of splitting up items on the grocery list and focus on finding coupons by desired stores instead. Our reasoning for this was that most consumers prefer to shop at one store at a time.

BUILD YOUR GROCERY LIST The user can build their grocery list by browsing and selecting items. A list of favorites, based on items the user regularly shops for shows below for easy addition into the grocery list.

After reading up about the way coupons and deals work and the cyclic patterns they tend to follow, Shannon suggested that the service could help users track the sales cycle for certain items in order to stock up when they are cheapest. As everything can Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

SELECT COUPONS BY CLICKING ‘COUPLIFY’

not be on sale at the same time constantly, a feature that gives a heads up and helps with the more detailed parts of couponing would be useful to shoppers.

We decided to make the program “smarter” by searching and selecting coupons from multiple sources for the user, based on their grocery list. Remembering the users shopping preferences, in order to predict a list of items that a user shops for repeatedly or in a pattern are a part of it. As per Poorvi’s initial ideas, we thought that coupons would automatically be deleted and refreshed as per their expiration dates.

As the user builds the list, the cloud simultaneously scans for relevant coupons and predicts the savings.

Poorvi’s idea for the website included the user having the flexibility of using, removing or sharing a coupon from the database.

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SELECT STORE TO SHOP

ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE BASED ON COUPONS APPLIED & PRICES IN STORE Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

The website will create an estimated expenditure according to items on the list and local prices of the selected store.

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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The website is synced to the Application on the users phone to give the user easy access to their coupons and shopping lists while shopping. Syncing the phone app with a cloud service allows the database of coupons to be available to the users in the palm of their hand.

MAKE GROCERY LIST BY TYPING IN

MAKE GROCERY LIST BY SPEAKING OUT

‘MY COUPLIFY’ TAKES YOU TO CUSTOM LISTS & SETTINGS

MULTIPLE OPTIONS TO LOOK FOR A COUPON

OPEN EXISTING GROCERY LIST MADE ON WEBSITE ONT HE PHONE

SELECT STORE TO SHOP

CHOOSE COUPON TO ADD BY TAPPING ON ‘COUPLIFY’

MASTER BARCODE COMBINES COUPON SAVINGS

ALERT 1: NEW COUPON FOR ITEM BOUGHT OFTEN

ALERT 2: NEW COUPON FOR ITEM BOUGHT OFTEN

We incorporated Poorvi’s suggestion of using the phone to capture paper coupons that come in the post, to be added into the database.

We all know the mail box coupons will not stop arriving, and having such a feature will come in handy. It will also be something that will please ‘the crazy coupon lady’, because she for sure, can never have enough of them!

Shannon had an idea about email notifications which we incorporated in the redesign. The app will give the user an alert when a coupon is entered into the database that matches an item they frequently purchase. The user can choose to add the item to the list if they’d like.

Based on an idea inspired by peer feedback, we decided to incorporate a voice recognition feature enabling the user to speak out their grocery list to the Application.

As per Jennifer’s idea, when the time comes to shop, the user can scan the bar code on the items they put in their cart. This sets the program to search and apply relevant coupons, enabling the costestimating feature of the Program.

When grocery shopping is complete, the app will have kept track of the estimated cost and savings.

It will also combine all the savings into a single, master barcode for the cashier to scan, thereby saving a lot of time for the shopper, cashier and the people in line behind!

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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PART 4: DESIGN PRESENTATION (Group Project) Group Members: Shannon Madden, Jennifer Frame & Poorvi Das

The process and Redesign of Project C was finally compiled into a presentation to describe the redesigned task, present prototypes and communicate the idea.

The group decided to have a documentation approach of the process and contribution of group members with more emphasis on visuals. The presentation can be viewed at the following link: https://drive.google.com/ file/d/0Bzjc4uYokfdHczFKRmgzS3pCdW8/ edit?usp=sharing

During our process of designing the idea we came across (through peer feedback) of similar offerings by coupons.com and cartwheel by Target. While these were a little demotivating, we analyzed them and worked on adding features superior to the ones that existed. Here are some of the features that make ‘Couplify’ a superior service: • Couplify allows one to scan for grocery coupons across stores instead of restricting it to one; • Create a grocery list to sync with coupons; Poorvi Das

• Scanning the barcode of the item in the store to search for available coupons instead of having to search for one; • Adding print coupons by photographing them by phone;

useful for people who not only use coupons extensively, but by those who might find the extra savings very helpful. A few of my sketches tried to address this point in the previous sketches looking at a way to ‘share’ in the store. It was not eventually taken further as we decided to focus on smarter technology to re-design the task.

‘The Human Factor, Design Thinking’, was a very interesting course encompassing many aspects of the design process. It included interesting and challenging design projects around packaging, tool handle, infographics, user-interface and service design, thereby giving one a holistic perspective of the design process. Each project revised and strengthened the core values of the design process.

• Combining all the coupons into a Master Coupon Code;

I have learned the value of approaching design with a focus on the needs of the user and the many considerations one needs to use for this including ergonomics, task analysis, etc. I also enjoyed employing and testing the Design Process, especially the Double Diamond Research and Design Process through the projects covered in the course.

IN RETROSPECT

CONCLUSION

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• Create a grocery list on the phone using voice detection abilities;

CONCLUSION

While, I love our design solution and direction for the task, I realized in Project B, that one takes for granted that everyone has a smart phone, when this is not usually the case. A large number of people do not use a smart phone or are still grappling and are uncomfortable with technology (like aged people, people not having the financial means, etc). It would be interesting and challenging to design keeping this target consumer in mind. Many coupons are wasted in the process of trashing the ones that will not be used or by people who do not use coupons at all. These would be

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

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Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A Special Thanks to, • Prof. Krista Siniscarco, for her guidance, encouragement and being available to answer my queries always. I have enjoyed doing this project thoroughly because of it; • My peers for their valuable feedback and support; • Shannon Madden and Jennifer Frame for their collaboration in designing the solutions to Projects B and C; • Anu, Joday, Manny, Kitty, Carmen, David, Kerry, Akshat and Nancy for being willing and co-operative Test Users for my different projects and their valuable and candid feedback which helped guide my process; • The Monroeville Public Library; and • last but not least, • My family, who has supported me through my project, whether it being my two year old being OK about mummy being gone for the whole day to school (aka the library), my five year old patiently waiting to get her first pet, a fish, once mummy finishes her quarter, my parents in law visiting from India who have taken over house and children responsibilities comepletely in my absence and my sweet husband who helps me understand the ‘Management’ bit of things when I just don’t get it!

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Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

Poorvi Das

The Human Factor, Design Thinking - SDES 502

Prof. Krista Siniscarco

SCAD, Summer 2014

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