Week 3: Design thinking - Build the right thing

1 minute presentation of our field study

- Don't design for a group, design for the mass.

- Interested in the goal and not the product. (Rescuing, not the transcevier)

 

Balsamiq [Exercise]

 

Objective: To draw a mockup of a Text-Free Search Page. 

My paper sketches: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Balsamiq sketch:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Your own thoughts/observations?

At first, it was rather difficult to imagine a search page without the input of text because I'm used to typing my query into Google have having the results show up. I don't like speaking to my phone (using Siri or 'Hello Google'). 

 

• How many design possibilities were sketched on paper? In Balsamiq?

There were 3 versions to this mock sketch-up. For each sketch, we were asked to draw it on a piece of paper and hand it in. In Balsamiq, we only did one mock sketch, which I have attached above. 

 

• Consider the difference between paper/pencil sketch vs Balsamiq.

When we were drawing free-hand, I realized there was room for more creativity. Paper sketch was more flexibile, you can simply jot down the ideas as they come to you. You become quicker, in that sense. 

While a Balsamiq sketch does look neater, the process is a little time consuming. I believe that Balsamiq should be used after a mock sketch is done with pencil/paper first. 

 

• How did the tool used shape, constrain or enable your design thinking?

Like I mentioned earlier, overall, the tool constrained my thinking ability. But it's unfair to say that in such a harsh tone. What I needed was on Balsamiq, such as the logo and the grouping idea was working on. However, I would like to point out that we were using a 10-minute trial version so I was very conscious of time, a little too much.

I would like to try Balsamiq without any time restraint, I reckon I would have a different opinion then. 

 

• Comment on the discussion dynamics within the group.

Upon completion of this exercise, Allen asked the class which mock-up (paper sketch, Balsamiq sketch or a live product sketch) do we think is more likely to receive a favourable reaction to any improvements. It was interesting to hear that someone in the class said that the live product skect would be earier to change. I totally disagree. I believe that the more raw the sketch, the more room for improvement there is. People would be more susceptible to provide their views and input during the pencil/paper sketch.