In every statistical module, i am always taught that there is a need to conduct a pretest and post test. For the purpose of this post, i am going to pretest on my knowledge of user experience design.
When i actually selected the module, i thought that it was going to be an interesting module. I read this from IVLE when i was selecting the module, and it reads:
"This module introduces the concept of user experience design and its importance in the networked economy. User experience is a term used to describe the overall quality of experience a person has when interacting with a product or a system. It most commonly refers to e-commerce, but it also applies to the outcome of user interaction with any product/system/environment. This module will also introduce concepts in user-centric design, desirability, affordance (real and perceived), emotion design and related concepts in anthropology, psychology, computer science, management, marketing, and semiotics."
This outline indeed has prepared me of what to expect from the module. The holistic integration of many factors that would bring about user experience. That is so true!!! And thereafter, because i thought that i so agree with that statement, therefore i should take the module and discover the small little details that made up user experience.
With this naive idea, i bidded and got the module.
During the lessons.
Through the lectures by Mr Reddy, i have finally understood what it meant. For the scope of NM4210, it is not possible for Mr Reddy to explicitly illustrate to us the various factors but instead, he taught me the necessary statistical tools and the kind of perspectives that i should base on when i design a product. The whole process was yet tough and tedious to say however was enlightening and insightful.
Post Test
Through the module it has fueled my interest in designing an innovative product. I always wonder to myself, how do people like Apple or Sony create such a prominent image of themselves and their products always seem to be so superior in comparison to others. And NM4210 has the answers or rather Mr Reddy has the answers. And now with the completion of the product, i have finally gained more insights and encouragement that after all it is not impossible.
In conclusion, i would like to thank Mr Reddy for his insightful comments and lectures. If it has not been for his lectures, i will still believe that a good product is just by chance and not through hard work. However, it is through this module that i have been told otherwise.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Reflections on the final project of 4210
Reflections on the process of the development of the Online Projects Management System
When Mr Reddy told the class that we had to create a prototype which is suppose to be an innovative and marketable idea, our group was puzzled and know not what product to work on. Well we started thinking that it is going to be a website but still, what kind of website?
We thought for awhile and decided that we could integrate various functions together, specific to a certain user. This thought process of creating a certain website was going to be tough. On one hand, we want to have something that students will be able to relate to and use. Hence, we thought of the projects management system as students will need it someway or another during their stay in NUS.
Well this is actually one of the many things that my group has worked and made decisions together. Though the final product was still far from completion but yet, the whole process has allowed us to formulate the importance of a user centric design.
Okay enough of what my group feels and more about myself. The final project to me, is like a summary of everything what Mr Reddy spoke during class. It is a great way to relate what i have learn to something real. The experiential task of completing the project has paved new perspectives and philosophies towards user experience. Mr Reddy once quoted that, it is better to focus on the needs of an individual user then to focus on the needs of a group of users. After the whole process of completing the project, i have finally understood the reason behind this perspective. If the Online Projects management system were to be designed based on the perspectives and needs of 10 users, it would be a disaster for the designers. This is as the designers would wonder "Who's perspective will we be designing the OPMS on?" This would then lead to another question, "So how do we get our target user?" A crucial decision such as this would have to be made.
The final project has made me realise that objectives and targets have to be explicitly stated. As this is a level 4000 module i probably would think that there will be lesser guidance and more of the self learning process towards the completion of the necessary pre requisites of the project. Fortunately, i am working with 2 other honours students hence i have learned many useful skills from them. One of such skill will be different research models e.g the Kano model which is only taught in another level 4000 statistics module. Thanks Kate for previewing it to me what it means to be taking a level 4000 module. With that, Kate was able to fain more different user feedbacks that could be applied to the OPMS. This was crucial when many things are based on the user. As for Jaysen, he did most of the programming all the way to the final product. He is like our systems engineer working so hard trying to get the website online.
Apart from being specialist in their various areas, their self driven and motivated attitude has been very encouraging to me. I wonder if it hasnt been from them would i be able to experience having meetings at 12.30am in the morning to 4am once a week? Well for us, that was the case when we had to meet.
This project group was my very first project group that was willing to meet at weird timings, but i can see that because we were self driven to complete this module and at the same time we want to put in all the possible efforts to apply the knowledge given to us. As for myself, i am like a learner, sometimes i just felt so lost and they knew what was going on. Sometimes, i wonder, am i trying too hard to get something done and i did whatever i could to volunteer myself in whatever parts that no one was working on. Hence, i always get the user testing phases. Kate would design the questions and i had to go down and get the users to be interviewed and take down notes upon their reaction and what needs to be changed to the OPMS. Thereafter i would need to feedback their comments to Jaysen. I think throughout the whole NM4210 final project experience, the most memorable experience for me was the user testing. When the students were asked to test out our low fi and hi fi prototype, they would sometimes become lost. To me this was an enlightening discovery. The reason being that i have never seen anything from a different person's perspective. In this case, it has proven to me that people don't necessarily see the way i see things. And during the whole user testing phase, i am now able to tell that people are really lost. Thereafter, i would be required to inform Jaysen that that one of the buttons has to be more visible or highlighted so that it can be more obvious to the user. Well thats my take from the whole design process of the final project.
My thoughts on the final prototype.
The final prototype was a unique product. With its interface close to the ones you will be able to find on a Macintosh laptop or desktop, we have integrated it into a website. However, because it has such a unique feature, most of our users will find it awkward on a website. Thus, users might not find the interface suitable or is not used to it. Therefore, users might tend to get lost while navigating through the site. The website is also not a standard website based on the usual form interface. Hence, the buttons are found on every aspect of the site. This would prove to be a problem if there isnt enough documentation or feedback to the users. Therefore, further development into the areas of documentation is important. Well, on the whole, i am happy with the site and i am excited whenever i use it. Most probably, it is because my group and i have placed so much effort in designing the site, that we most probably over look the flaws of the site. Still, inorder for this website to be operational, many user tests and development phases have to be completed. In other words, the cycle of user testing and evaluation has to be continued. Furthermore, other aspects such as the business and image formation has to be taken into account.
On a whole, I had fun and took with me more knowledge then i thought i would. I am satisfied with the whole process and i am glad that through the thick and thin, i still managed to complete the prototype with my fellow group mates Kate and Jaysen. They have put in so much efforts into seeing that the project will become a success. Thanks to them for their encouraging attitude and patience with me, especially when i become lost at times.
When Mr Reddy told the class that we had to create a prototype which is suppose to be an innovative and marketable idea, our group was puzzled and know not what product to work on. Well we started thinking that it is going to be a website but still, what kind of website?
We thought for awhile and decided that we could integrate various functions together, specific to a certain user. This thought process of creating a certain website was going to be tough. On one hand, we want to have something that students will be able to relate to and use. Hence, we thought of the projects management system as students will need it someway or another during their stay in NUS.
Well this is actually one of the many things that my group has worked and made decisions together. Though the final product was still far from completion but yet, the whole process has allowed us to formulate the importance of a user centric design.
Okay enough of what my group feels and more about myself. The final project to me, is like a summary of everything what Mr Reddy spoke during class. It is a great way to relate what i have learn to something real. The experiential task of completing the project has paved new perspectives and philosophies towards user experience. Mr Reddy once quoted that, it is better to focus on the needs of an individual user then to focus on the needs of a group of users. After the whole process of completing the project, i have finally understood the reason behind this perspective. If the Online Projects management system were to be designed based on the perspectives and needs of 10 users, it would be a disaster for the designers. This is as the designers would wonder "Who's perspective will we be designing the OPMS on?" This would then lead to another question, "So how do we get our target user?" A crucial decision such as this would have to be made.
The final project has made me realise that objectives and targets have to be explicitly stated. As this is a level 4000 module i probably would think that there will be lesser guidance and more of the self learning process towards the completion of the necessary pre requisites of the project. Fortunately, i am working with 2 other honours students hence i have learned many useful skills from them. One of such skill will be different research models e.g the Kano model which is only taught in another level 4000 statistics module. Thanks Kate for previewing it to me what it means to be taking a level 4000 module. With that, Kate was able to fain more different user feedbacks that could be applied to the OPMS. This was crucial when many things are based on the user. As for Jaysen, he did most of the programming all the way to the final product. He is like our systems engineer working so hard trying to get the website online.
Apart from being specialist in their various areas, their self driven and motivated attitude has been very encouraging to me. I wonder if it hasnt been from them would i be able to experience having meetings at 12.30am in the morning to 4am once a week? Well for us, that was the case when we had to meet.
This project group was my very first project group that was willing to meet at weird timings, but i can see that because we were self driven to complete this module and at the same time we want to put in all the possible efforts to apply the knowledge given to us. As for myself, i am like a learner, sometimes i just felt so lost and they knew what was going on. Sometimes, i wonder, am i trying too hard to get something done and i did whatever i could to volunteer myself in whatever parts that no one was working on. Hence, i always get the user testing phases. Kate would design the questions and i had to go down and get the users to be interviewed and take down notes upon their reaction and what needs to be changed to the OPMS. Thereafter i would need to feedback their comments to Jaysen. I think throughout the whole NM4210 final project experience, the most memorable experience for me was the user testing. When the students were asked to test out our low fi and hi fi prototype, they would sometimes become lost. To me this was an enlightening discovery. The reason being that i have never seen anything from a different person's perspective. In this case, it has proven to me that people don't necessarily see the way i see things. And during the whole user testing phase, i am now able to tell that people are really lost. Thereafter, i would be required to inform Jaysen that that one of the buttons has to be more visible or highlighted so that it can be more obvious to the user. Well thats my take from the whole design process of the final project.
My thoughts on the final prototype.
The final prototype was a unique product. With its interface close to the ones you will be able to find on a Macintosh laptop or desktop, we have integrated it into a website. However, because it has such a unique feature, most of our users will find it awkward on a website. Thus, users might not find the interface suitable or is not used to it. Therefore, users might tend to get lost while navigating through the site. The website is also not a standard website based on the usual form interface. Hence, the buttons are found on every aspect of the site. This would prove to be a problem if there isnt enough documentation or feedback to the users. Therefore, further development into the areas of documentation is important. Well, on the whole, i am happy with the site and i am excited whenever i use it. Most probably, it is because my group and i have placed so much effort in designing the site, that we most probably over look the flaws of the site. Still, inorder for this website to be operational, many user tests and development phases have to be completed. In other words, the cycle of user testing and evaluation has to be continued. Furthermore, other aspects such as the business and image formation has to be taken into account.
On a whole, I had fun and took with me more knowledge then i thought i would. I am satisfied with the whole process and i am glad that through the thick and thin, i still managed to complete the prototype with my fellow group mates Kate and Jaysen. They have put in so much efforts into seeing that the project will become a success. Thanks to them for their encouraging attitude and patience with me, especially when i become lost at times.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Reflections On User Research Smoke and Mirrors
Part 1 of User Research Smoke and Mirrors
Part 1 of this essay has clear implications towards the negative consequences of one individual if he/she interprets data wrongly. Or seemingly takes one kind of data and have it as a predicament towards user behavior. Henceforth, the author has painted an introduction to what would happen if one would misread data. And in this aspect, he compared scientific data with just mere designer’s instinct.
I agree with the author that some people just tend to conclude their prediction of human behavior just on scientific data alone. Hence, this is not the case, especially in the areas of subjectivity. I will proceed on to discuss the 2nd part of his
posting on User Research Smoke and Mirrors.
Part 2 of User Research Smoke and Mirrors
In part 2, the author has used the example of the eye tracking system. I agree with Seth Godin that the eye tracker will give an interesting assessment to how visitors view his website and provide useful information towards the design of his website. However, in my opinion, these results cannot be conclusive and other data from quantitative or qualitative studies have to be conducted inorder to retrieve more accurate and relevant feedback from the users.
In my perspective, the eye tracker is great to inform me of how users view my website but more importantly, I will need to ask the user what has the user taken away after visiting the website? As all of us would have known that the purpose of a website is just not for people to admire its aesthetics but to also inform them of the information that they are interested in. That is the first place why they visited the site. Therefore, it is important to receive feedback of how they viewed the posts placed on the website and their actual experience. For example, an e commerce website not only aids users to purchase an item but at the same time, it also guides the users to finding the appropriate item that they are looking for. As the complexity of the website increases, the complexity of the user experience also increases. With that, just an eye tracker device would not be able to provide the sufficient information for further development.
Part 3 of User Research Smoke and Mirrors: Politics!!!
This part defines a great reason to which why we need to conduct research methodologies for websites even though the flaws of a website is so distinct towards an expert. Yet, he chooses to use research methodologies. The most important reason would be to justify ones’ cause in order that we would prove politics wrong. Research would help in many ways to tell statistics to the people who do not understand what it means to have design in their development. It seems with statistics then it would be able to prove to the people in the higher levels of management, that there is a problem with the design. I must say Kudos to the author, a great way indeed to stay clear of politics then to compete with it head on. It is with such wisdom and humility that probably, we will be able to get things done faster and better for the users rather than for what our corporation feels and thinks.
It seems that after reading this post, I feel that we need to always communicate in the proper protocol towards people of different needs. Say to the management, they would prefer to know how many people felt towards a certain website. They would prefer empirical and scientific data then towards the words of an experienced and talented designer. Hence, they would only see figures. Whereas, when we talk to fellow designers, we tend to speak a similar designer’s language and there is no need to go into figures. But in the end, who really controls the resources?
Part 4 of User Research Smoke & Mirrors: Research as Bullshit
In this next part, it reveal pandora’s box of worms to which how professionals of these days go about their ‘extensive’ research and design. It seems that people tend to go by the short cuts to get things done. This can be through making up of data and creating environments for users to be in. It seems more like an artificial research then an accurate illustration of the actual events. If this were accurately portrayed then would there be a need for research in the area of human behavior and experience? Thus it is obvious that we can all this information driven in such controlled environments as inaccurate.
So then, where do the ethics for professionals stand? who has said that they have done extensive research into user experience but openly declares that it is just made up?
Part 5 of User Research Smoke & Mirrors: Non-Scientific user research isn’t a bad thing
The last part of the post was dedicated to rounding up what was discussed in the last 4 parts. It clearly states that there is a need for non scientific research. It is with this non scientific research that a designer will be able to gain the perspective of the user. Yet, it is still subjective.
In the first few lectures, I remembered clearly that Mr Reddy had said that it is better to enhance the usability of a user then to develop according to the needs of groups of users. Now I understand it will not be possible to develop the website in accordance to a group but to an individual. It will create focus and who knows, if the development is catered to an individual, it will also enhance the experience of the other users.
My final reflection to the write up
The 5 parts to this post have given me a wider perspective towards the needs of user experience design. I begin to understand the importance of research and the need to always base on the user for the development of any product or website. It is for the users by the users. In other words, we cannot assume a design is good for the user but to consistently ask for feedback especially in areas to which are subjective in nature, such as design. Thus,
Part 1 of this essay has clear implications towards the negative consequences of one individual if he/she interprets data wrongly. Or seemingly takes one kind of data and have it as a predicament towards user behavior. Henceforth, the author has painted an introduction to what would happen if one would misread data. And in this aspect, he compared scientific data with just mere designer’s instinct.
I agree with the author that some people just tend to conclude their prediction of human behavior just on scientific data alone. Hence, this is not the case, especially in the areas of subjectivity. I will proceed on to discuss the 2nd part of his
posting on User Research Smoke and Mirrors.
Part 2 of User Research Smoke and Mirrors
In part 2, the author has used the example of the eye tracking system. I agree with Seth Godin that the eye tracker will give an interesting assessment to how visitors view his website and provide useful information towards the design of his website. However, in my opinion, these results cannot be conclusive and other data from quantitative or qualitative studies have to be conducted inorder to retrieve more accurate and relevant feedback from the users.
In my perspective, the eye tracker is great to inform me of how users view my website but more importantly, I will need to ask the user what has the user taken away after visiting the website? As all of us would have known that the purpose of a website is just not for people to admire its aesthetics but to also inform them of the information that they are interested in. That is the first place why they visited the site. Therefore, it is important to receive feedback of how they viewed the posts placed on the website and their actual experience. For example, an e commerce website not only aids users to purchase an item but at the same time, it also guides the users to finding the appropriate item that they are looking for. As the complexity of the website increases, the complexity of the user experience also increases. With that, just an eye tracker device would not be able to provide the sufficient information for further development.
Part 3 of User Research Smoke and Mirrors: Politics!!!
This part defines a great reason to which why we need to conduct research methodologies for websites even though the flaws of a website is so distinct towards an expert. Yet, he chooses to use research methodologies. The most important reason would be to justify ones’ cause in order that we would prove politics wrong. Research would help in many ways to tell statistics to the people who do not understand what it means to have design in their development. It seems with statistics then it would be able to prove to the people in the higher levels of management, that there is a problem with the design. I must say Kudos to the author, a great way indeed to stay clear of politics then to compete with it head on. It is with such wisdom and humility that probably, we will be able to get things done faster and better for the users rather than for what our corporation feels and thinks.
It seems that after reading this post, I feel that we need to always communicate in the proper protocol towards people of different needs. Say to the management, they would prefer to know how many people felt towards a certain website. They would prefer empirical and scientific data then towards the words of an experienced and talented designer. Hence, they would only see figures. Whereas, when we talk to fellow designers, we tend to speak a similar designer’s language and there is no need to go into figures. But in the end, who really controls the resources?
Part 4 of User Research Smoke & Mirrors: Research as Bullshit
In this next part, it reveal pandora’s box of worms to which how professionals of these days go about their ‘extensive’ research and design. It seems that people tend to go by the short cuts to get things done. This can be through making up of data and creating environments for users to be in. It seems more like an artificial research then an accurate illustration of the actual events. If this were accurately portrayed then would there be a need for research in the area of human behavior and experience? Thus it is obvious that we can all this information driven in such controlled environments as inaccurate.
So then, where do the ethics for professionals stand? who has said that they have done extensive research into user experience but openly declares that it is just made up?
Part 5 of User Research Smoke & Mirrors: Non-Scientific user research isn’t a bad thing
The last part of the post was dedicated to rounding up what was discussed in the last 4 parts. It clearly states that there is a need for non scientific research. It is with this non scientific research that a designer will be able to gain the perspective of the user. Yet, it is still subjective.
In the first few lectures, I remembered clearly that Mr Reddy had said that it is better to enhance the usability of a user then to develop according to the needs of groups of users. Now I understand it will not be possible to develop the website in accordance to a group but to an individual. It will create focus and who knows, if the development is catered to an individual, it will also enhance the experience of the other users.
My final reflection to the write up
The 5 parts to this post have given me a wider perspective towards the needs of user experience design. I begin to understand the importance of research and the need to always base on the user for the development of any product or website. It is for the users by the users. In other words, we cannot assume a design is good for the user but to consistently ask for feedback especially in areas to which are subjective in nature, such as design. Thus,
Monday, April 21, 2008
Assignment 3: Emotional Design Probe
Improving Learning Experience in Lecture Theaters
My group comprises of 3 persons. They are Jaysen, Kate and myself. Our first assignment as a group was to find out the problems that students are facing when learning in lecture theaters. As we all know that students would 'rarely' turn up for a boring lecture hence, we decided that we should select a lecture theater to which there was a high turn up rate. As NUS students ourselves, the most interesting lecture that we would ourselves go would be one that shows lots of films and movies. Hence, we have selected GEK2020 "Introduction to Film Art" as our lecture of choice for the ethnography research into making the learning experience better in lecture theaters.
We all know that inorder for ethnography to be successful, we should keep track closely towards the environment without disrupting it. My group kept track of student behavior and responses by taking pictures. To further support this cause, i brought my own digital video camcorder to record part of the lecture.
Before going into the lecture, we have studied various possible influences. They are, environmental, students and the lecturer. The environmental influence comprise of the location of the Lecture theater, the time of the lecture, facilities, space, the type of chairs, temperature and the type of lighting. The lecturer is Dr Gilbert Yeoh, Associate Professor. The time that the lecture was held was from 2pm to 4pm. Thereafter there was a short screening of movies from 4pm to 6pm.
The environmental influences
The facilities of the theater It comprises of chairs with cushion and a swivel table. The swivel table is big enough for A4 size papers. The LT is well furbished with cool colours of green and light brown.
Space
The leg area between rows are relatively small. Students who are tall might feel a little sense of discomfort.
Lighting
The theater is brightly lit for reading and writing. And it can be dimmed before the screening of any videos.
Temperature
The lecture theater is cold at times and students are seen with their jackets.
The Lecturer
- Friendly
- Speaks clearly
- uses snapshots from the films as examples
- reiterates the points repeatedly
- tends to say "erm...."
- give 10 minutes of break after an hour of lecture
- Dressed casually
- brings food and drinks into the LT
- some would be late and enters from the front and back entrances
- Due to overcrowding, some of the students have to sit on the stairs.
- Slides were simple
- microphones were used to project voice
- DVDs have to change consistantly to play wanted scenes
- Projector screen is sharp enough for all to see
Thus the following are the possible problems that we have observed
- Student are dozing off before the break
- Frequent changing of media
- most of the time it is a one way communication
- lecture slides were noted to be rather dull
- screening of film after lecture at 4pm is in the same theater
- lecture theater is a tad cold
- limited space for leg, tend to hit someone knees when laid back
- no monitor for DVD playback, lecturer have to look up to the screen to seek for the current moment
- Due to limited seats, students having a 'picnic' behind the LT.
- Break could be given at the 45 minutes mark instead.
- Some small exercises can be given to test the students knowledge and learning process
- More pictures of short clips of video can be played directly from the ppt slides
- decentralize the air con control system
- Another monitor screen can be implemented to view what's playing in DVD while facing the students
While been able to go through the whole process of this ethnographic study, it has brought to my attention the need to really observe the environment without disrupting it's natural procession. With that, it will be able to give us more information about the variables in the environment. Although some students noted our presence with our cameras and all, but still, the majority of the students were unaware that they were being observed. With this, we could actually gather more information to making the lecture theater a much more comfortable place to learn in.
If ethnography were to fail, then all the actions portrayed by the actors in the lecture theater will turn out to be artificial and then it will be difficult to derive a more accurate account of problems and solutions for the lecture. The actors, will then do their very best to look all good.
Hence, it is always important to observe the behavior of an environment and it's actors without disrupting it's natural procession by indicating the presence of a ethnographic researcher.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
My imaginery self driven geek
Profile of an imaginary subject: Kenson, 29, is a software engineer at Microsoft, Singapore. He has been working there for 3 years. Kenson is renown for his for programming techniques. His career advancement opportunities are good. The company always sends him abroad for business trips all year around. Places that he usually frequents would be Italy, America, China and Germany. He travels on business class all the time. Subsequently, he also attends many company social functions. There, he will meet many other company executives.
After work, Kenson will always hang out with his friends. He has known his friends for many years since primary school. They will always meet at expensive pubs and talk about their lives and work problems till late hours. Thereafter Kenson will head home.
Kenson lives alone in a semi detach housing. His house is designed in a Zen manner. Kenson likes it to be neat and tidy all day long. He always employs housekeeping to clean up his place for him 3 times a week. He usually stays up to watch some television programs on his Sony HD 46” Bravia television before going to sleep.
Kenson loves to work and doesn’t like to be tied down in other matters such as relationships. He believes in the individual. That it is the choices that he or she makes which will make or break themselves. Thus, because Kenson holds this principle dearly in his heart that whenever there is an opportunity he will grap hold onto it and will do whatever is necessary to excel in it.
He believes in self image and reputation. Therefore, he will always take his time to groom himself before leaving the house to head for work. He buys all the most exclusive brands such as Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein. He likes to wear long sleeve shirts and pants. At times he will bring along a blazer, depending on the occasion. He hates shopping as he thinks that it is a waste of time. He always prefers that someone would do the shopping for him. However, if he has no other choice, he would head down to boutiques to buy his clothes. As he believes that the most expensive stuff would suit him best and that he has no time to be going around to shop. Rest and relaxation is one of the most important elements in his lifestyle. Every weekend he would head down to raffles spa at swissotel for massage and facial treatment.
Despite the fact that Kenson believes in individualism, he also treasures the close relationship he has with his primary school friends. He holds his image and reputation in high regards. Subsequenlty, he will do whatever is necessary to get him the best complexion and looks. He likes order and tidiness and will not tolerate sloppy work. Consequently, he has high expectations on himself.
Physio-Pleasure
Kenson will prefer to relax and at the same time groom oneself. Therefore, he will always spend some time to groom himself. Therefore, he will always buy the most expensive clothes to feel comfortable in. Whenever Kenson has the time, he will head down to raffles spa for massage and facial treatment packages.
Social-pleasure
Kenson is very active in social events. He like to be with his friends and also at corporate social events. However, he believes that he can only rely on himself in his aspirations.
Ideo-pleasure
Kenson is always active in social event and will feel tired after a long day, hence he always head hope to spend some time by himself. Thus, he always like his house to be tidy and neat all day long so that he can feel comfortable in it.
Psycho-pleasure
He will always try his best to strive for excellence in his work life. It is because this attitude that he has built a good image and reputation amongst his peers and supervisors. He always does things in an organized fashion.
After work, Kenson will always hang out with his friends. He has known his friends for many years since primary school. They will always meet at expensive pubs and talk about their lives and work problems till late hours. Thereafter Kenson will head home.
Kenson lives alone in a semi detach housing. His house is designed in a Zen manner. Kenson likes it to be neat and tidy all day long. He always employs housekeeping to clean up his place for him 3 times a week. He usually stays up to watch some television programs on his Sony HD 46” Bravia television before going to sleep.
Kenson loves to work and doesn’t like to be tied down in other matters such as relationships. He believes in the individual. That it is the choices that he or she makes which will make or break themselves. Thus, because Kenson holds this principle dearly in his heart that whenever there is an opportunity he will grap hold onto it and will do whatever is necessary to excel in it.
He believes in self image and reputation. Therefore, he will always take his time to groom himself before leaving the house to head for work. He buys all the most exclusive brands such as Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein. He likes to wear long sleeve shirts and pants. At times he will bring along a blazer, depending on the occasion. He hates shopping as he thinks that it is a waste of time. He always prefers that someone would do the shopping for him. However, if he has no other choice, he would head down to boutiques to buy his clothes. As he believes that the most expensive stuff would suit him best and that he has no time to be going around to shop. Rest and relaxation is one of the most important elements in his lifestyle. Every weekend he would head down to raffles spa at swissotel for massage and facial treatment.
Despite the fact that Kenson believes in individualism, he also treasures the close relationship he has with his primary school friends. He holds his image and reputation in high regards. Subsequenlty, he will do whatever is necessary to get him the best complexion and looks. He likes order and tidiness and will not tolerate sloppy work. Consequently, he has high expectations on himself.
Physio-Pleasure
Kenson will prefer to relax and at the same time groom oneself. Therefore, he will always spend some time to groom himself. Therefore, he will always buy the most expensive clothes to feel comfortable in. Whenever Kenson has the time, he will head down to raffles spa for massage and facial treatment packages.
Social-pleasure
Kenson is very active in social events. He like to be with his friends and also at corporate social events. However, he believes that he can only rely on himself in his aspirations.
Ideo-pleasure
Kenson is always active in social event and will feel tired after a long day, hence he always head hope to spend some time by himself. Thus, he always like his house to be tidy and neat all day long so that he can feel comfortable in it.
Psycho-pleasure
He will always try his best to strive for excellence in his work life. It is because this attitude that he has built a good image and reputation amongst his peers and supervisors. He always does things in an organized fashion.
Recommended handphone for Kenson
Meeting Kenson Physio Pleasure
The phone is quite slim. And it' design matches very well with Kenson's clothes.
Size
Volume: 140 cc
Weight: 210 g
Dimensions: 132 x 57 x 20 mm
Meeting Kenson's Social Pleasure
It is big enough to allow Kenson to store all the contacts details and the week's events. It is especially important when he wants to keep the details of his meetings and social events. Subsequantly been able to access the information where and when he is. With the help of the WLAN and bluetooth capability.
This phone will also be able to take pictures with a 3.2 megapixel camera. Thus keeping the memories that he will have with his friends.
Meeting Kenson's Ideo Pleasure
Kenson believes that he is the only one who will be able to drive his aspirations and that no one will be able to help him attain this goal. Thus the phone will help him plan his timetable well and communicate effectively to his stakeholders.
Meeting Kenson's Psycho Pleasure
It will keep his life in an organised manner. Been able to access important information will help him to get the necessary resources for his programming needs. Consequently, he will be able to design excellent programs.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Assignment 01: Products and emotions
In every product, there is of a certain degree to which why we purchase the product for. It is affected by many reasons. Rubert Rubinoff defined these reasons to a purchase as usability, branding, functionality and content.
An item that is rated highly in the area of content but low in functionality is purchased by a certain individual. Norman terms the move to purchase as viscerally motivated. On the other hand, if a person purchases a product which is high in functionality and usability, but low in branding, he would term the action of the purchase as a behaviorally motivated purchase. A person who is behaviorally motivated would only purchase products that suits his purpose and needs
A third definition that Norman D.A. has cited, would be the reflective motivated purchases. These purchases will be made on the basis of the products brand name and the image that it brings upon the individual.
I will then attempt to illustrate Norman’s concepts by the use of the television.
The television is a key item in the household and apparently, we will not be able to survive without one. Unless, a certain individual who does not own a television set will seek solace in a 24 hour Kopi Tiam to update oneself of the day to day changes. Hence I chose the television to illustrate the concepts pointed out by Rubinoff and Norman on the assumption that most people owned at least one TV in their life time. Therefore 3 types of televisions have been selected.
TELEVISION 1: THE SONY BRAVIA SERIES
Sony Bravia
We will be able to observe that in the Bravia advertisements, the advertisers are also trying to market to reflective motivated individuals.
From a behavioral perspective
“Just what I needed. It is inexpensive and gives me the functions which I needed. At the same time, it is easy to use!”
From a visceral perspective
“Yet another boring piece of device. The usual 4 corners and all. When are they going to design better television sets?”
An item that is rated highly in the area of content but low in functionality is purchased by a certain individual. Norman terms the move to purchase as viscerally motivated. On the other hand, if a person purchases a product which is high in functionality and usability, but low in branding, he would term the action of the purchase as a behaviorally motivated purchase. A person who is behaviorally motivated would only purchase products that suits his purpose and needs
A third definition that Norman D.A. has cited, would be the reflective motivated purchases. These purchases will be made on the basis of the products brand name and the image that it brings upon the individual.
I will then attempt to illustrate Norman’s concepts by the use of the television.
The television is a key item in the household and apparently, we will not be able to survive without one. Unless, a certain individual who does not own a television set will seek solace in a 24 hour Kopi Tiam to update oneself of the day to day changes. Hence I chose the television to illustrate the concepts pointed out by Rubinoff and Norman on the assumption that most people owned at least one TV in their life time. Therefore 3 types of televisions have been selected.
TELEVISION 1: THE SONY BRAVIA SERIES
Sony Bravia
From a behavioral perspective
“I don’t need such an expensive television!! It is too complex to use and I don’t see a single button to which I can press.”
From a visceral perspective
“What a boring design, it doesn’t speak of an artistic design. All it does would be a standard 4 corner television!!”
From a reflective perspective
“Sony is the best brands amongst all the other electronic brands. At the same time, the Bravia series has been rated by many as the most wanted television. I know that if I get this television, I will be envied, for it speaks of my status and character.”
We will be able to observe that in the Bravia advertisements, the advertisers are also trying to market to reflective motivated individuals.
TELEVISION 2: Sharp 32SC26B Television
From a behavioral perspective
“Just what I needed. It is inexpensive and gives me the functions which I needed. At the same time, it is easy to use!”
From a visceral perspective
“Yet another boring piece of device. The usual 4 corners and all. When are they going to design better television sets?”
From a reflective perspective
“Cheapskate.”
TELEVISION 3: HANSPREE STARLIGHT GAZER
From a behavioral perspective
“Which button show I press to on the TV?”
From a visceral perspective
“This is so cool!! Unlike any other. It is artistic in design. Oh well, I don’t mind studying the manual a little longer. I like this!”
From a reflective perspective
“It is kind of childish and it does not have a proper form. An anomaly in the manufacturing industry?”
CONCLUSIONS
Going through so many perspectives, I wonder to myself how will then people accept the differing perspectives that one has towards another different? We always ask for people’s opinion towards a certain purchase, but is it what we really want? Frankly and I think, we don’t really know the answer.
To make matters a little more complicated, individuals may also change their perspectives towards peer pressure and the changing social trends. Hence, it is not possible we can assume that individuals will stay in their group throughout their life time. Therefore, it is important that we should consider how to design a user experience that will cater to all the 3 groups pointed out by Norman A.D.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Assignment 0: Find a bad design
This very first assignment, i have chosen the can opener. The product of 'choice'. I find this product rather unpleasent to use. However, it appears that all other can openers are designed in the same manner.
Hence, i am always left with no choice but to always 're-educate' myself in the proper way of using this device.
In this picture i have highlighted a certain number of features which, i kind of NOT know what they are used for. Other than the more than obvious 2 gears that are attached to the device. Yet, these 2 gears are always confusing me. In the aspect that, i have no idea which has to be on top or is it the other?
Now, these are things that i know that a can opener should have.
1. The ability to pierce through into the can's top lid.
2. The ability to cut the top in a manner by following the shape of the can.
3. To lift the lid after the whole process, so that the lid will not cut the person who is trying to open it.
After going through the required processes to opening the can, i would than figure out how to handle the can opener. However, i believe that most of time, the way that i handle the can opener is not the expected way that the designer hope for.
Suggestions:
1. To colour the gears, indicating the various positions that the can opener should be placed upon towards the appropriate parts of the can.
2. An instructional manual should accompany the purchase of the product
3. Certain symbols/pictures stated onto the device will further facilitate the usage of the device.
My Take on brand.
There goes a saying that, "Reputation takes years to build and only a second to destory". A brand is like a reputation. It is how people get to see your product. In other words, it is an identity. This identity has proven itself to be useful in areas of marketing and loyalty. In marketing, a brand is termed as assisting the consumers to make a choice for the purchase of a product. The brand is mostly based on intangibles. These intangibles are such as image, post user satisfaction, experiences and customer service. To date, Apple is one of the many companies who have successfully based on this aspect to win customers in the field of Information Technology.
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