Somatic Design Project 1
UX 202 Maker Lab 1
Enhancing users' somatic experience with inclusive and simple designs.
Somatic Design Project 1
Overview
During the semester, we were presented with producing a design concept as well as a prototype revolving around creating and engaging the users' interaction with media interaction by focusing on enhancing their somatic senses (haptics, auditory, etc.) through the use of human senses like hearing, motion, sight, etc. In relation, we were required to produce two main deliverables for this project, a 2-page brief write-up and a Show and Tell to present our creation with our fellow classmates.
Tools
Canva
Procreate
Google Docs
PowerPoint
Type
Group Project
Duration
3 weeks
Team
Abibat, Anna, Emma, Jade, and Kaeleigh
Steps Taken
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Create a Problem Statment and Conduct Research
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Determine Target Users
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Brainstorm Product Ideas
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Prototyping
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Sharing
Design Objective
Design a product that combines somatic design strategies and uses a somatic approach to critical making to produce a somatic design project that engages with multiple somatosensory experiences. This included senses such as visual, auditory, haptic, and kinaesthetic experiences that are often encountered through the senses of sight, hearing, touch, and motion. Our main goal was to consider the different ways the human body shapes the user’s perception of their interaction with media technologies and digital interfaces
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Problem Statement
Whether it is the use of a stylus, pencil, pen, etc., everyone uses these objects often, if not daily. With that, it is important to ensure users are provided with comfort for periods of long use. These items, oftentimes, after holding these for an extended period, people may start to feel uncomfortable.
Our Solution
An easy slip-on grip for various writing/drawing devices to aid comfortability and can be used as a learning tool.
Our product aims to provide users with a slip-on cover for pencils, pens, etc. to provide users with maximum comfort in doing everyday mundane tasks. Additionally, the product is useful in areas such as teaching kids who may still be developing their motor skills to learn how to hold these items properly as well as includes different things like visual indicators of where fingers should be placed to ensure comfortability.
Design Process
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Inspiration
Group Discussion & Research
Understaning
Identified Somatic Experiences & Defined Problem
Ideation
Created Sketches & Finalized Several Desing Features
Making
Constructed the Final Prototype
Sharing
Show & Tell of Design Process & Prototype
Sketches
01
This is the first design concept we came up with. It allowed us to visualize how our product would look when in use.
02
With iteration, we came up with the different design features as well as the materials we wanted to include. Unfortunately, as the cost of silicone was a lot, we were unable to use that specific material.
03
We took inspiration from a design concept we saw in class about a straw that opens up for easier cleaning. With that, we wanted to see if it could make it easier for the grip to come on and off.
Prototype Creation
Materials Used
A lot of the materials we used were those that were available to us in our house. In doing this, although it was not required, it falls in line with the ethos of a socially responsible design.
Change of Plans
The grip was originally meant to be made out of silicone, however, the price for one silicone sheet was 30+ dollars unfortunately was not in the budget we created prior to purchasing the materials. Instead, we chose to buy a similar material, a foam sheet.
Final Product
Testing on Pencil & iPad Stylus
Tested with Writing
Different Grip Verison
Why Multiple Prototypes?
We chose to create different variations of our grip as we wanted to be inclusive with our design. Additionally, during our research phases, we looked at different pain points users may have. With that, we could not fit everything onto one grip, thus we made different types. For some, certain handheld objects are difficult or for children who are still developing essential motor skills, the different types of grips are meant to cater to different groups of people and their needs.
Conclusion + Reflection
Although our product was only created in three weeks, as a group, we were able to come together and work on something that we enjoyed. It was rewarding to see everything come together in the end. The idea for this product was born when we discovered that two members (myself) included had trouble holding an Apple Stylus for a prolonged period. It was exciting to see how we could take an everyday item used by many different groups of people and iterate on it to produce something that does not take away from the design (it is very good) but instead evolve it to be more accessible for more people. By being involved in this project, I was able to accomplish learning about the importance of not taking away a product but enhancing it. I was able to learn how involving somatic experiences can be used in the design and how it can enhance users to become more aware of what they are using. As a designer, this was really rewarding as it allowed me to expand my design knowledge which can be implemented in future design and just everyday experiences, I experience myself.
What Worked and What Didn't
Overall, the product worked well. As a team, we were able to bring our different skills and come together to create a product we were all proud of. The slip-on grip was working as intended which was great as we did struggle sometimes during the creation process. Furthermore, the overall group teamwork and communication were great as we were always there supporting each other and presenting new ideas and solutions to issues that may arise.
During our Show and Tell, a part of our design (the clip part of the slip-on grip) simply did not work. We were unable to present it to the class as it kept falling off and would not clip together. With that, we believe that this was based on the material we used as the original item we were planning on using, silicone was too expensive and the price was not justifiable.
Next Steps
With more time for both better iterations and user testing, it would be great to see where the product could go as well as what it could look like. Improving our product with better material, a cleaner finish and conducting more extensive research such as a SWOT analysis, design features, etc. Additionally, finding user groups that fall within our target users to ensure our product is designed with the end user in mind.
My Evoltuion as a UX Designer
By being involved in this Maker Lab 2 project, all the steps that were taken during the design process all the way to the Show and Tell have helped me greatly as an aspiring UX Designer. I am now able to get more in tune with my somatic senses when it comes to interacting with the products I use on a daily basis. This has provided me with some guidance as to how other users may interact and experience somatic senses.
In addition, I have learned to be more confident in my design even if all the features and products do not work as intended. Oftentimes, people want to see your design process and how you were able to overcome the challenges you have faced along the way. My overall skills, awareness, and confidence was improved significantly with Maker Lab which in turn will be great for any future endeavours I may have.
