Brief 3 - Screen based interaction design and sharing
Figma in 3 weeks 2 WEEKS!!!
"In this task, you will work individually to design screen-based interfaces that explore different forms of non-commercial sharing. You will design and test digital prototypes and demonstrate how they are experienced over time."
We were put in groups of two with the same theme: I got put with @sinasina and we got the theme "Fishing rods"...… great.
Despite being sick for the first three days of the introduction to the app we were going to use to create the app prototype(Figma), I started strong. On Thursday, I had a speedy walkthrough with a student assistant who was a lifesaver. Although she helped me a lot, I only had just under 24 hours to create my first solo draft. As a result, here is what managed to scramble together:
It went alright, though I wished I had more time.
I joined together with Sina and we got to work. The first thing we tried to figure out was if we wanted to start over or just continue on either ones first draft.
We decided to merge our ideas to some extent. While Sina's app was mainly focused on sharing fishing rods, my app was aimed at identifying fishing locations. With this in mind, we immediately started brainstorming and putting our ideas on paper.
Subsequently, we came up with the idea of FISKEBUA, an app that focuses on promoting social gathering and providing free fishing rod rentals. We then proceeded to create a map outlining how we wanted the different frames to interact with each other, as well as a rough outline of the users journey through the app.
Our first draft for WEEK 2:
With the first draft of our app prototype in hand, we decided to take it to the next level by conducting user testing. This step was crucial in our design process as it allowed us to gather valuable feedback and constructive criticism from our target audience. During the testing phase, we were able to observe how users interacted with the app and identified areas that needed improvement. The feedback we received helped us to refine our design and make necessary changes to enhance the user experience. Overall, the user testing proved to be an essential part of our design process, enabling us to create a more user-friendly and effective app.
After completing the user testing, we felt like we needed to take a step back and reflect on the feedback we received. So, we decided to take a well-deserved break over the weekend to recharge our batteries and clear our minds. Beforehand, we took the opportunity to discuss the feedback we received and brainstorm potential solutions to the issues that were pointed out. This allowed us to come back to the project with a fresh perspective and renewed energy, ready to tackle the next steps in the design process.
On the initial day of WEEK 3, we primarily worked independently, with occasional conversations sprinkled in. During this time, Sina spent most of her time immersed in Figma, while I struggled with a fever that impeded my productivity. Despite my physical discomfort, I tried to make the most of the situation and pushed through the sickness as best as I could... AKA I slept all day.
Subsequent to our initial day of working independently, we focused our efforts on incorporating feedback we received and incorporating any new ideas or insights that emerged over the weekend. We recognized that taking the time to reflect and gather new information was crucial for the success of our project, and we made a concerted effort to integrate these perspectives into our work. Through open communication and active collaboration, we were able to build upon the progress we had made on our first day and further refine our project's direction. As we continued to iterate and refine our ideas, we remained mindful of our end goals and worked tirelessly to ensure that our efforts were aligned with our overarching vision.
The culmination of our efforts arrived on the day of our project presentation. To ensure that our presentation was engaging and informative, I dedicated time to creating illustrations that would guide our audience through the user journey. Meanwhile, Sina contributed by selecting relevant images to complement the information we were sharing. As we stood before our audience, we felt a sense of pride in the work we had accomplished and the progress we had made over the past few days.
After presenting our project, we received mostly positive feedback, which validated our efforts and hard work. Our audience appreciated the clarity of our presentation and found the user journey illustrations particularly helpful in understanding our project's scope and goals. However, our teachers identified one area for improvement - they suggested that we incorporate a way for users to showcase the fish they caught, perhaps as a means of boasting or sharing their achievements with others. We actually had though of that earlier, but we didn't feel the need to add it; perhaps a button to export to Tinder. :D Despite this feedback, we felt satisfied with our performance.
Some reflection regarding the project:
As I reflect on our project experience, I recognize that Sina and I both brought unique strengths to the table. While Sina had a strong understanding of Figma and was able to navigate the prototyping process with ease, I was able to contribute to the project in other ways. Specifically, I designed the project's logo and worked with Sina to establish a clear hierarchy and layout for our frames.
Despite the differences in our skill sets, I found working with Sina to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Our communication was open and productive, and we were able to effectively collaborate on the project despite our varying levels of expertise. I appreciate Sina's willingness to share their knowledge and skills with me, as it allowed me to learn and grow as a designer.
Moving forward, I hope to continue building upon the skills and knowledge I gained during this project, while also seeking out new opportunities to collaborate and learn from my peers. I am grateful for the experience and look forward to applying the lessons I learned to future projects.
