Methods Used: AEIOU Framework, Participatory Observations, Heuristic Evaluation, Design Concepts, Physical Prototyping, Card Sorting, User Interviews, Budgeting
Tools Used: AEIOU Worksheet, Keynote, Junk Bin Items & A Whole Lot of Hot Glue
Key Themes: Understanding Users, Non-Digital Products
Observations noted on an AEIOU framework worksheet
Participatory Observations and Interview
After an interview with Prime’s community manager, I conducted participatory observations of current full-stack students using the AEIOU framework. I also experienced the first-day “superhero activity” — a personality assessment tool meant to remind students of their own strengths and the strengths of their classmates. This preliminary research helped me understand the needs of students on their first day of class. The superhero activity in particular seemed well-suited to the needs of new students, so I explored designs that amplified the value of this activity.
Design concept for monitor decorations
Heuristic Evaluation and Design Concepts
I conducted a heuristic evaluation of Prime’s previous welcome gift to get a handle on its shortcomings (report here), and came up with three design concepts to present to the client (available here). After receiving feedback on the design concepts, I decided to move forward with monitor decorations as my proposed welcome gift. Three decorations corresponding to the superhero activity mentioned above would extend the value of that activity, and custom decorations chosen by the students would allow them to personalize their workspace.
Monitor decoration prototypes. The three cards on the right correspond to strengths identified in the superpower activity mentioned above.
Prototyping and Evaluation
I made prototypes for my monitor decorations and created a research protocol to evaluate my prototypes with users (evaluation plan here). Following through with my research protocol reinforced my assumptions about student’s needs, gave me a deeper understanding of their collaborative behavior, and helped me identify the most effective monitor decorations for my goals. I added “progress cards” to my design concept in response to users saying that it would be helpful to know how far fellow students are on a project while looking for help.
Slide from my design proposal presentation
Design Proposal Presentation
I pitched my design proposal by identifying three primary goals for a welcome gift based on user research (breaking the ice, giving students a sense of place, and breaking down imposter syndrome), and using student quotes to show that monitor decorations support these goals (slides here). The match between the goals I set for myself and student feedback from prototype evaluations was extremely satisfying, and motivated me to move forward with the design concept.
Page from my UX proposal “Moving Forward with Monitor Decorations as Prime’s New gift for Full-Stack Students”
Proposal for Further Research
I prepared a report proposing a final iteration of research and design. The report (available here) covered project objectives, process & deliverables, and timeline & budget.