CCT333+Labs

LAB 1 :

How to Analyze an Object for Experience and Technical Design

 * || Physical_Design || Interface_Design || Compression || Memory_Storage ||
 * Walkman || Analog device. Heavy, bulky design || Mechanical buttons with no display || Works on an analog transmission, using mechanical gears and magnetically charged tapes. || Tapes or Cassette ||
 * Discman || Analog device. Relatively smaller and lighter. || Digital display with standard interface buttons || Works on digital transmissions, using lasers to read discs.Digital compression (.mp3 .wav) || CD ||
 * Ipod || Digital device . Small, light and sleek. || / Digital display with trademarked Click Wheel / || Uses digital technology to transfer files / Digital compression, with higher quality / || Built in Hard Disk ||

LAB 2 :

1. Which product interests you the most, and why? (200 words)

Among the 30 humanitarian projects on display, the one that peaked my interest the most was "Babajob.com" based in Bangalore, India. Given that India is my home country, I've personally been able to bear witness to many of the modern day struggles present in India. "Babajob.com" is a website that takes into consideration, the plight of informal workers in India. It was designed to address the growing issue of how workers like housekeepers and drivers have very limited access to job opportunities. Most of them still depend on job availabilities to passed around through word of mouth. Babajob allows users to register themselves on the site, which then allows employers to access these profiles. Potential employees are alerted via SMS and other messaging systems.I especially like how they've addressed illiterate workers by developing a text free version of the site. It also includes an automated voice interface,which functions in several languages, in accordance to the needs of the majority of informal workers. I feel that this is a fine example of how one can design for the other 90 percent, and sets a great precedent for further work to conducted in India.

2. Which category would interest you to research further for your group project, and why? (100 words)

The category that interests me the most, with regards to further research, would the Fair Trade section which deals with workers rights and reduced exploitation. In our eternal quest for private property and profits, we have become de-sensitized to many of the negative side effects of our rabid consumerism. Workers rights are still being abused around the world, and I'd like to highlight this with specific regard to the Middle East. Eventhough places like Dubai are known to be hotspots for tourists, it also has an alarmingly large rate of worker suicides. It is also no secret that the labour camps used to house these workers, have been constructed under appalling conditions. It was only a few years back that a concept of minimum wage was introduced, and I'd want to research further into this blatant disregard for human rights and produce a design that can address such dire scenarios.

LAB 3 :

> **//[|**http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/magazine/13anthropology-t.html?_r=1&emc=eta1&pagewanted=all**](200 words) //**
 * 1) **//Describe the benefits of micro-financing according to 'Can the Cellphone Help End Global Poverty' at //**

Micro-financing centers on the basic needs and requirements of the poor, and providing for those needs through a process of instigating and simulating commercial activity. This is achieved, partially in part, by the implementation and use of “inclusive capitalism” which hinges on the notion that “pumping international aid money into poor countries is less effective than encouraging economic growth through commerce”.

This has provided a massive scope for development, in countries that lack the necessary infrastructure to support and connect its people. Upon it’s conception, micro financing was initially used to provide loans to women in order to ease the strain of generating revenue. In impoverished countries, this meant providing the means to purchase livestock like cows and goats. This form of investment was then, rightfully, transferred towards the notion mobile phones and the possibilities that emerged.

Grameen Phone, were the first to pioneer this concept. The results are incredible, with over 250k “phone ladies” in Bangladesh making Grameen Phone the largest telecom operator in Bangladesh, and helping rake in annual revenues of over 1 billion. Considering the context that Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world, this is truly a remarkable statistic showing the benefits of micro financing.


 * //“It’s really quite striking,” Hammond says. “What people are voting for with their pocketbooks, as soon as they have more money and even before their basic needs are met, is telecommunications.” (World Resources Institute) In the spirit of this quote, describe four instances of how owning a cellphone enables users to better their lives. (4 paragraphs/ one for each instance)//


 * Accessibility **


 * Mobile phones provide you with the benefit of being able to reach anyone, at pretty much anytime. Whereas, with landlines, people are perennially constricted to the confines of their home ; Mobile phones have enhanced and improved upon coverage areas and networks, allowing for users to roam to all corners of the earth and still be within a phone call’s reach. Further Accessibility is provided with the advent of texting, and with it comes a plethora of advantages and benefits. **


 * Identity and Security **


 * In this day and age, one’s cellphone number can subsequently function as confirmation of one’s identity. Since issues of online identity and security are becoming increasingly complicated, cell phones are increasingly used in both B2B and B2C transactions. This is clearly indicated by how registration on most online marketplaces involves a confirmation of the person’s identity, through a process involving the person’s cell phone number. Cell phone numbers are generally registered under authentic conditions, and this provides considerable leverage over emails, letters and other forms of communication. **


 * Connectivity and Entertainment **


 * The advent and spread of cell phone technology has provided a level of connectivity that is fairly unsurpassed, with respect to global participation, reach and involvement. This is clearly highlighted by the expansions in mobile networking, mobile banking, gps tracking systems that are implemented into cell phones. **


 * Economic/ Infrastructure Improvements **


 * As seen in the article, the cell phone provides many alternative methods to fueling and sparking economic growth and development. In utilizing the “Just in Time” school of thought, developing countries have been able to procure the benefits of implementing a mobile network. From providing advantages to human-behavior researchers like the one mentioned in the article, to being able to pay for transactions using your cell phone, the possibilities are clearly numerous. **

= = =LAB 4 : =


 * //Describe each stage of the material economy.//

Extraction refers to the use, and consequent exhaustion, of the planet’s natural resources in order to appease the market forces. Given the state of our rabid consumerism, it’s no surprise that a definitive toll has been extracted on the planet. With specific regard to the United States – the country consumes 30 percent of the world’s resources and produces 30 percent of the worlds waste, despite making up 5 percent of worldwide population.

Production refers to the process of creating objects, from industrialized processes which mix toxic chemicals with natural resources and produce toxic by-products. These processes involve the mixing of chemicals that have not been comprehensively tested. As such ,apart from the damages it causes through pollution, it represents a significant health risk to the common public that it serves.

Distribution refers to the practice of selling these toxic products to the public, at a price which appeals to them. The costs of these products are not reflected in the price, but the social costs exerted on the populace surrounding the factory in which it was created. The article highlights that this is the main procedure by which major corporations are able to “externalize” their production costs.

Consumption refers to our never ending desire to be mindless drones, and prone to every marketing tactic in the book. It refers to the notion of “perceived obsolescence” and how America constantly shuffles through its products like no other nation. This is clearly reflected in the speeches of politicians which mirror their intentions, and solely promote the notion of buying = prosperity for your nation. The revealing statistic in this case would be that only one percent of total material used in the production flow is still in use after 6 months.

Disposal refers to an emerging crisis resulting in our need to discard items/products that we no longer require. Common procedures like incineration can lead to long term costs in the form of pollution and climate change. For companies not bothered in directly taking part in the rape and pillage of the planet, can choose to export it and save time/effort. Issues like these clearly can’t be addressed by concepts such as recycling.


 * //Analyze the information architecture of the "Story of Stuff" web site, and describe how it has been designed to maximize its content as a teaching tool to deliver complex information. (2 paragraphs)//

I like that it takes into account concepts like “scannable text” as it provides us the opportunity to quickly skim through various paragraphs, and isolate the key points and details for future reference. This definitely addresses an issue that presents itself to all students, whereby we have to read and comprehend a massive slab of text with no space in between. This can be extremely frustrating as one can easily lose track of their place in the text and even their chain of thought, as concentration clearly becomes a physical predicament. But such a text, with ample spaces in between and different margins/structures for different paragraphs, provides scope for our eye to wander and absorb information at its own pace.

The references were also unique to many of the other texts that I’ve read online. Given that it was directly below the quote that was cited, this allows for us to quickly cross reference what we read with the original source work. In effect, it’s a great way to correlate an understanding between the written text and quoted material.


 * LAB 6 :**


 * //Look over examples of her biomimetic principles applied to products in the slideshow located at []and on the article at[| http://www.biomimicryguild.com/guild_biomimicry.html] and describe how these principles could be applied to make a company more efficient in its design processes. (3 paragraphs, 200 words)//

Biomimetic design processes involve the implementation of biological concepts, studied from nature, towards the enhancement of a product/service. Taking examples from all manner of plant and animal life, its main advantage stems from the fact that we’re basically accessing “design informed by billions of years of evolution”. Such progressive design thinking has enabled the advent of modern day marvels like the “Shinkasen” train and “Echolocation”. The bio mimicry involved in the design of these inventions has enhanced the convenience and utility provided to the end user.

The advantages provided by biomimetic design are boundless, especially with regard to generating revenue and minimizing costs.. By mimicking the complex structure and inner workings of a food web, an organization can model itself towards optimal allocation of time and resources. This will effectively streamline the company’s processes, resulting in profitability, cost savings, and reduced waste. Bio mimicry can also be useful in the conservation of our natural gases and environment. An example of this would be if an organization chose to emulate the light consuming efficiency displayed by botanical beings. This, in turn, can lead to an aggregate increase in energy cost savings and overall profits


 * LAB 7 :**


 * Describe how Bill Moggridge defines 'design as a collaborative process'.

In his video, Bill Moggridge explains and highlights the importance of a "collaborative" process in approaching a specific design project. He states it's substantial advantages arises from the fact that an increase in involved members, will lead to an increase in effectiveness of various design processes like brainstorming and prototyping.

This has further effect when dealing with design projects that require specific skills and tools. In such a scenario, tasks can be allocated and assigned to specialists in the area, whereas the rest of the group can focus on the remainder. The use of specialization allows for members to contribute relevant material towards the project.

An example of a collaborative design process would be participatory design, which involves a constant flow of feedback and suggestions between the designers and testers.


 * How does Tangible Earth represents a real time interface of data visualization?

Tangible Earth represents a real time interface of data visualization, as it presents an interactive, 3D model of the Earth, that tracks and illustrates real time situations and scenarios. The globe is tangible and can be spun around at will, and includes a magnifying function which allows users a closer, more detailed view.

Advents like these can really come in handy in conducting observations of the earth. Given that it is in real time, the model allows users to access and track varying weather patterns in accordance with their field of study. Real time updates and live images further aids this cause.


 * LAB 8 :**


 * According to the slideshow by Sylvain Cottong, who is an employee at [|http://www.integratedplace.com], describe the tools and methods of 'service design' (2 paragraphs).

Whereas tangible products and items have long benefitted from the being the focus of implementation, with specific regard to design strategies, there has been a growing void in the processes relating to design of services. Products combine with services to create an overall experience for the audience, and so "Service Design" involves the culmination and integration of design methods acquired from product and interactive design - with emphasis on a human centered approach based on customer experience.

Primarily developed in Europe, "Service Design" is heavily centered around the notions of enhancing value, usability, utility and effectiveness, in relation to the experience provided to the consumer/audience. Through the use of tools like ethnography, user studies and personas, service design is able to effectively assess the contextual needs and requirements of users. Various methods of service design range from ideation and context mapping to the likes of participatory design. Other methods like Service Blueprinting aids in the "quantitative description of critical service elements" like time.


 *  From your personal experience, what would be a scenario in which these methods would be useful? (2 paragraphs)

Seeing as to how Service Design is primarily aimed at enhancing the users experience with specific regard to utility and effectiveness - I would propose that implementation of such a strategy would be useful in streamlining the processes of a Customer Service desk at major retail outlets like Wal-Mart.

Activity on these desks mainly involves the return/exchange of products, which is integrated with the service provided by the help staff. This relates to the overall experience created for the user, with the combination of product with service. Using tools of "Service Design", like user studies and personas would illustrate an effective snapshot of the fundamentals involved. It would give designers a different perspective, and different solutions to conjure. The successful implementation of such tactics adhering to the contextual needs of the user, will aid in processes relating to ideating and formulating effective brand recognition strategies.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 14.6667px;">**LAB 10 :**


 * Write three paragraphs to define the term 'ergonomics'. (3 paragraphs)

Ergonomics refers to the study of design which emphasises the importance of addressing specific human actions and needs. This involves and deals with both physical and cognitive processes.

One of the primary ergonomic issues in human centered design, as pointed out by the video, is comfort and simplicity. Designers should constantly account for the naturally human tendency to seek simplicity and comfort in their environments. For example : The Liberty chair in comparison to the first Office Chair.

Other ergonomic issues include the incorrect perception of height and depth in designing systems. An example of how this can be resolved is shown by the M7 Monitor arm, which greatly increases the adaptive capabilities of your computer monitor. Other prevalent ergonomics focuses include lighting, freedom of movement and comfort.


 * What is the 'Gilbreth system of motion analysis' (1 paragraph)

Gilbreth was a student of Frederick Taylor, and concentrated his studies on increasing workplace efficiency. His interest in finding the best alternative emanated from his early days as an apprentice brick layer, where he executed "motion and fatigue" studies in order to assess the most effective method of laying bricks. He questioned the traditional methods and calculated the energy generated and spent on each brick being laid. In drawing his conclusions, his research provided great benefits and aided both the employer ( with increased efficiency) and the employee ( safer with less fatigue and hazard ).


 * Who was Henry Ford influenced by the efficiency expert, Frederick Taylor? (2 paragraphs)

Ford, like Gibreth, was intesely focused on the concept of maximizing efficiency while reducing costs. Following examples and theories set by Taylor, Ford was amongst the first to revolutionize car production systems. Whereas such production was once arduous and time consuming, Ford examined these processes eliminated deadweight systems like handmaking and craftsmanship.Taylor ( famous for efficiency parables like the Schmidt Worker and The fastest Typist ) theorised that workers were constantly slacking and formulated his own system of ensuring efficiency, which was mirrored by Ford. He set out the make the simplest car in America and in doing so, he formulated "the assembly line" whereby all cars were moved along while workers attached the respective pieces of equipment.


 * What are the four basic principles of McDonaldization? (List of 4)

Efficiency ( look for best/easiest/cheapest route )

Predictability ( Things stay the same )

Calculability with emphasis on quantity over quality

Dependency and Emphasis on Non-Human Technology