Week 13 - Final Presentation Completed

So this week was focussed on completing the presentation. The following are the parts from this semesters work on the User, Interface and Prototype Behaviour that I presented.

Intro page

User Behaviour Findings

Product interface overview

Flame Dial interface overview

Heat Fan overview

Heat Fan storage details and user input description

Video to demonstrate levitating Heat Fan simulation

Heat Fan interface description

Magnetic levitation proof of concept demo

Heat Fan spinning up and down proof of concept demo

Flame Dial interface description

Flame ignition proof of concept demo

Prototype overview

Sylvia's Levi-Mate profile

John, Mike, Kahlia and Dave's persona representation

Prototype Flame Dial video to be shown on large screen while I run through the actual prototype on the table up front.

The presentation seemed to go well on the day and I was thankful that the Proof of Concept Prototype did excatly what it was supposed to right on cue.

Click on the link below to view the final presentation. (The prezi includes the better quality Scenario video at on the last view)

Levi-Mate Final Presentation

Week 12 - Prototype Construction Finished

To complete the Proof of Concept Prototype I needed to move the reed switches (located under the protective yellow foam in the first image) from where the crosses are to where they are now. This allows the magnets on the persona figurines to activate the reed switches signifying to the Levi-Mate that that person is 'Working'.

Reed switches moved from the crosses to their correct positions.

The completed Proof of Concept Prototype.

Demonstration of the Proof of Concept Prototype.

This proof of concept prototype demonstrates very accurately, how the Levi-Mate would opperate in a real life setting. Even though we didn't end up using real flames this time around the intention is very clearly communicated. This is the first time that I have used prototyping to this extent and I have found it extremely beneficial to my learning. This it something that I hope to make more time for in future projects.

Week 12 - Prototype Construction Phase 4 (persona boards)

As discussed in my past blogs the following is a sketch of the prototype concept.

Prototype concept sketch

Prototype Persona board sketch and Personal Profile details.

For the purpose of the final presentation and the prototype the Levi-Mate within the prototype was labelled as belonging to Sylvia.

Sylvis's profile details

Each of the other Personas were assigned a figurine and a space on the Persona Board with each space including a position for being 'Off Line' or 'Working'.

John's profile details

Mike's profile details

Kahlia's profile details

Dave's profile details

At this stage I haven't moved the magnetically activated reed switched to their correct locations under the 'Working' slots for each persona. I will do this tomorrow.

Week 12 - Final Senario Video

The following formed the plan for our Scenario Video using the same footage that was used in the behavioural analysis:

For a full plan of the scenario video please visit Kahlia's Scenario Blog (Week 12: Planning for the scenario Video)


And here is the resulting Scenario video to be incorporated into the final presentation:

A better quality video file will be part of the final presentation... Please view it there if you wish.

Week 12 - Final Behavioural Analysis

Today I managed to view the behaviours of each of our personas and analysis all the nuances that appeared between the individuals. It was interesting to note how even a slight variation in response or interaction indicated a potential design opportunity or issue.

 Time slip version of the videos used for the behavioural analysis

 Analysis of Sylvia's interaction with the Levi-Mate

 Analysis of John's interaction with the Levi-Mate

 

  Analysis of Mike's interaction with the Levi-Mate

 Analysis of Kahlia's interaction with the Levi-Mate

 Analysis of Dave's interaction with the Levi-Mate

After viewing and analysing the users behaviour footage I compiled a list of commonalities that we can use to further inform our design. Some of the following have already been addressed in the Object design however it is important to state how the changes are backed up by the behavioural analysis.

The following is a list of key commonalities:

• Varied set up process from user to user:

              - Before study set up (High enthusiasm)
              - Integrated into study set up (Medium enthusiasm)
              - After study set up (Low enthusiasm)

• Varied ways of gripping the fan at various stages:

              - No hesitation in gripping the fan while spinning
              - Short hesitation before gripping the fan on removing
                 (design improves this by providing larger grip surface area see object 
                  design alteration Thursday, 6th of October 2011 - Fan: form and symbolism )

• Varied fan attachment approaches:

              - Some users hesitated in letting the fan go
                 (design provides positive tactile response to fan attachment)
              - Some users are less careful in placing the fan
                 (design affords for this so that it can continue operating)

• Varied positive and negative responses to the indication that people were signing in and signing out:

              - Body language
              - Posture
              - Speed of actions/work

Although many of the design features have been finalised it would be important to keep these observations in mind should we wish to develop the concept further in the future. Each observation presents the concept with opportunities for positive future development.

Week 12 - Senario Video Filming

For the purpose of the Scenario video that we needed we devised a series of personas that would be using the Levi-Mate. These personas can also be observed for the User Behaviour analysis that needs to be carried out to reveal any further design improvements. The following is a list of the personas that were used:

Draft Persona list

NAME: Sylvia

AGE: 23

OCCUPATION:

- Full time student

PROCRASTINATION STATUS:

HIGH

NAME: John

AGE: 20

OCCUPATION:

- Part time student

- Full time work

PROCRASTINATION STATUS:

MEDIUM

NAME: Mike

AGE: 22

OCCUPATION:

- Full time student

- Part time work

PROCRASTINATION STATUS:

HIGH

NAME: Kahlia

AGE: 21

OCCUPATION:

- Full time student

- Full time work

PROCRASTINATION STATUS:

LOW

NAME: Dave

AGE: 25

OCCUPATION:

- Part time student

- Part time busker

PROCRASTINATION STATUS:

INFINITELY HIGH

For the purpose of the Scenario video and the Behavioural analysis John and Kahlia were required to take on a presona each. Here's just a little light entertainment for you as they get into character.

In the next post I will be posting my findings from the behaviour analysis and hopefully be able to make suggestion on improving the design.

Week 12 - Prototype Design & Construction (Gas Ignition)

The final proof of concept prototype that we require should demonstrate the ability for a gas stream to safely ignite from a nearby open flame through the use of a single mechanical control point. Once established we must the show how a circular array of flames can be ignited one by one and extinguished one by one. This proof of concept confirms that this is possible and can be implemented as part of the products interface.

 

Initial Sketch of the proof of concept model.

A quick demonstration of the trial and error that it took to achieve consistent flame ignition.

The final distance where gas ignition occurred quickly and consistently.

A side view ot the inital prototype utilising the pivoting wedge system.

I initially trialled the wedge ignition system however a lot of further divelopment is required to get this working effectively and for this proof of concept all that is required is that we show the controlled release of gas and it's ignition.

A modfied version of the pivoting wedge that demonstrates a controlled ignition and extinguishing of the flames. (See video and photos below for workings)

Top view of the proof of concept prototype.

Brief demonstration of the controlled ignition and extinguishing of the flames. (Note: The final product would use an electronic ignition system to ignite the first flame.)

The following is a series of shots that show the sequential ignition of the gas streams.

This proof of concept show how it is possible to control the ignition of multiple flames from a single control point. This can now be confidently implemented in the design.