A6 Final Project Report

Alida Muongchan

Task

This is our final project report! For this project, I worked alone as a solo member. There aren't many requirements to fill besides using at least two prototyping methods. For this one, I utilized my previous 3D assignment and made significant changes by including box model prototyping and elevating it to a higher prototype by using an Arduino. Originally, I created this prototype as a way to keep track of small and easy-to-use items as many people are able to relate to.

Evaluation Goals: Desirability + Usability

The Prototype

The prototype I created and used to shoot was a product called Ulla. I made Ulla with model prototyping with cardboard, as well as reused a product from the 3D printing assignment.

Ulla is your smart assistant buddy that is able to keep track of your everyday small items. It can hold things like, your keys, pens, toothbrushes, chopsticks, and so much more.

Design Concept

For my product, I created a prototype that emulates a smart device that can track and notify a user when an object is placed and removed from the holder. I wanted the design to be minimalistic but friendly and smart-device feeling. The design is all white and clean so that Red and green LED lights can shine through the material. Green notifies when an object is being inserted, and red for removed.

StoryBoard

Implementation Plan

I will be combining two prototyping methods, my 3D print from a previous assignment, as well as a new model prototype with cardboard. However, I will take this to the next level by incorporating skills that I’ve learned from HCDE 439: Physical Computing class to use an Arduino, programming, and LED lights. This adds complexity to the project in dealing with outside scope variables, and also providing a more believable smart prototype. In a way, this is pulling from the Wizard of Oz where users may believe it's a full fledged product.

Utilize 3D holder
Create model prototype using cardboard as a cover up for hardware
Figure out firmware with technical parts
Insert into cardboard & refine

Testing

Number of people testing: 2

Pre-questions: When was the last time you lost something?

Task 1: Insert something an object into the holder

Task 2: Do 10 jumping jacks (Represents user doing an activity then coming back after a while)

Task 3: Take the object out

Post Evaluation Questions:

Usability:

In your own words, describe what this product does?
How would you describe your overall experience with the product?
What was difficult to use about the product?
How can I increase the ease of use?

Desirability:

In what situations can you see yourself using this product?
Would it be something you realistically see yourself using?
What would make this product more desirable to you?

Analysis & Evaluation:

The testing went surprisingly successful! The users were pleasantly surprised when Ulla lit up to notify them when the objects were put in. However, for task 2: Do 10 jumping jacks, the actions felt unclear to users because it was drastically random, and apart from the main tasks it seemed. Because the product and testing were pretty straightforward, that seemed to be the only issue. Another suggestion that users had was to attach it to an app and have the smart device speak like an Alexa or Siri. It was concluded that the answers do reflect solid usability and desirability as they can see it as an everyday use. I was able to incorporate some of this into my final demo video!

Reflection on Impact:

In a larger context, I feel like this product may seem minuscule, but it has the potential to change seemingly simple everyday storage, to efficient daily use. This could be compared to a Tile or Apple AirTag. The direct stakeholders include the direct user, using Ulla. Some indirect stakeholders may be those that are notified when another person has inserted or removed items. This can create unintentional consequences that can cause harm to the user and takes away from the experience. This is a reference to my A4 project. As for ethical considerations, privacy is not an issue because the way it works is sending sound waves and doesn't actually identify the item. We would like the consequences to be positive and beneficial to the user. For the future, it would be cool to have the product be redesigned to be working more seamlessly.