Blog 2
Week 3 4, Aug, 2024
Des302 Blog Assessment
Reflecting Des301
Based on the CARL Reflection Model
https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/reflecting-on-experience/carl
Context
After establishing the timeline in the first week and moving through the empathy phase in the second week, I have now entered the Define stage of the design process in the third week. This stage is crucial in the design process, where my primary goal is to better define the design theme and challenge. To achieve this, I compiled last week's survey data and extracted valuable insights. I conducted survey insights, research, case studies, and mind mapping to refine my HMW (How Might We) statement, ensuring that the subsequent design decisions are accurate and targeted.
Surveys summary
Survey link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPBSJtLtNiyqbdutSudqy1RGzXaY4Lk6-_NpWuLPso8BERmg/viewform
In the Define stage of the design process, I began by summarizing and analyzing the survey data collected last week. This step was intended to extract the most valuable insights from the substantial user feedback to precisely define the design theme and challenge. I chose this method because data-driven decisions can effectively enhance the relevance of the design outcomes and ensure they are closely aligned with user needs.
By focusing on key takeaways from the survey, I gained valuable insights, which I then used as the foundation for brainstorming. This approach helped me broaden my thinking beyond the superficial causes of loneliness and encouraged me to explore methods from various fields to alleviate loneliness. However, I believe that data-driven analysis better ensures the scientific validity and rationality of the design. Despite the time-consuming nature of this process, it laid a solid foundation for the subsequent design development and helped me identify the design goals.
Action
Step 1
Following this, I conducted additional research and case studies to validate the insights and provide data support. To better organize these ideas, I used mind mapping to sort and associate the content extracted from the insights and research.
Research insight
Step 2
Finally, based on all the collected information, I started constructing my design challenge and HMW statement. I used a template from The Field Guide to Human-Centered Design, which systematically guided me through defining the design challenge by leading from broad to specific questions. I chose this tool because it helps structure the problem and ensures that the design focus remains centered on the core user needs.
Step 3
Step 4
Due to the previous week's delay in completing tasks, I enhanced my time management this week, which allowed me to complete my tasks smoothly. I successfully defined my HMW statement, which not only boosted my confidence in the project but also laid the foundation for the upcoming design work.
However, during the research process, I found myself troubled by the question of how to leverage the Proustian effect to enhance connections between people and places. While this discovery brought new possibilities to my design, it also left me unsure of how to integrate it into the project. This experience made me realize that while exploring new concepts can yield long-term benefits, it can also divert attention and slow down project progress.
Reflecting on this, I believe that if I had taken a different approach, such as reducing the depth of data analysis and relying more on intuition or quick brainstorming, I might have saved time. However, this could have compromised the rigor of the design and a deep understanding of user needs. To improve future outcomes, I could consider incorporating more qualitative research, such as in-depth interviews, in the early stages to gain richer context before quantitative analysis. This would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of data analysis and help better balance innovative exploration with project timelines.
Results
Throughout the design process, I realized that while data-driven analysis can provide deep insights, it can also lead to excessive time spent exploring new concepts, such as the application of the Proustian effect, if not managed properly. While these explorations can bring innovative possibilities to the design, finding a balance is crucial when time is limited. In the future, I will incorporate more qualitative research in the early stages to integrate innovative ideas and project needs more efficiently, avoiding time wasted on overly deep exploration in a single direction.
I also recognize that although my approach was successful in this design, there is room to optimize my design process further. For example, in future projects, I might integrate user interviews and qualitative research earlier to gather more background information before data analysis. This could improve the efficiency and accuracy of the design.
In summary, this experience has not only deepened my understanding of the design process but also made me more aware of how to balance innovation with efficiency. I will continue to apply these lessons in future projects and remain open to new methods and tools to continuously enhance my design capabilities.
Learning
