Group Maker Project 1
UX 201 Maker Lab 1
Creating a variation of a box that is accessible to a wider array of people
Group Maker Project 1
Overview
During the semester, in my Maker Lab 1 class, we were presented with two different group assignments; Group Maker Project 1 and Group Maker Project 2. With this, we were required to create a product as well as a prototype to present to my fellow classmates. The first project focused on creating a box of our choosing to redesign and make accessible for a broader array of people. For the first assignment, in using recyclable products we already had accessible to us, our group created an accessible jewellery box that is able to be used by various different groups of people.
Tools
Canva
Google Docs
PowerPoint
Type
Group Project
Duration
3 weeks
Skills
Researching, Prototyping, Presenting/Sharing
Steps Taken
-
Define the Problem and Find Target Users
-
Conduct Research
-
Ideation
-
Prototyping
-
Sharing
Design Objetive
Design and hack a traditional three-dimensional box. The box could be anything (e.g., table box, toolbox, etc.) that emphasizes the ethos of socially responsible design by creating a box that focuses on alternative user-centred designs for a box that is accessible to all users. The main design objective of this assignment is to create and think of various different ways that improve both the usability and accessibility of a box.
🧠
The Problem
Many products out there although marketed for all simply are not. A lot of different products are not made with different users in mind. More specifically, with your standard jewellery box, is there a way to make it more accessible for people with disabilities (visual disabilities) but also make it well enough that it can still be tinkered with?
Our Solution
A jewellery box that is easily customizable and includes features based on needs and wants
Whether you are more of a ring, necklace, or bracelet person, with this jewellery box, you are able to customize it based on your specifications. With our jewellery box, our main target group was people with visual impairment whom many have difficulty with everyday tasks such as getting ready.
Design Process
💭
📝
💡
✂️
🗣️
Inspiration
Research & Brainstorming
Understaning
Defining problem
Ideation
Drawing sketches & design features
Making
Creation of 3D final prototype
Sharing
Show & Tell of research and prototype in class
Sketches
01.
This was the first sketch we came up with. With this specific box, it is very simple and the top would be the only aspect of the product that is removable/detachable. As we were looking to keep things simple, this idea was not bad. However, the simple design was not optimal for jewellery storage, customization, etc.
Issues:
-
Small, not enough space for different types of jewellery
-
No sections (jewellery can get tangled)
-
No as accessible for different kind of user groups
02.
Going off the basis of our first sketch, we included more compartments allowing for the storage of different types of jewellery. However, unlike the previous sketch, this box opens upwards and features a clasp for closure. Although this sketch was an improvement from our first idea, it still did not include every feature we wanted to include.
Issues:
-
No space for attachable braille
-
The clasp feature may not be accessible and may cause trouble for some users
-
Not enough space for an ample amount and variation of different jewelleries
03.
This sketch included the features we disscued such as attachable braille, ample space and sections for different types of jewellery, removable jewellery compartments, etc.
Features Included:
-
Attachable braille
-
Easy open and close doors
-
Removable jewellery compartments/sections
-
Different sections for different types of jewellery
This is the final design we decided to prototype.
Prototype Creation
Materials Used
These are some of the materials that were used to create our final physical prototype. We chose materials we already had as it fits in line with the ethos of a socially responsible design.
Creating the Box
Making the base/foundation of our box with measurements from online. The measurements was multiplied by 4 so our box would be big enough to show for our Show and Tell session.
Final Product
Front View
Simple colours for consideration of those with different types of colour blindness. In doing this, we are relying on the sense of touch (the box has a bumpy lining) instead of eyesight.
Open View
Attachable braille with words such as 'rings', 'bracelets', etc. The different drawers are also able to come out and users can change the design as they wish based on their preferences.
Top View
Many products out there although marketed for all simply are not. A lot of different products are not made with different users in mind. More specifically, with your standard jewellery box.
Conclusion + Reflection
This project challenged us a lot as we had trouble in different phases and areas of the design process. We struggled with the actual creation of our prototype as well as had some unfortunate events happen that set up back a few times. However, I am glad that I was able to work on this project with the lovely people from my group as we were able to bring ideas together and have fun while doing it. The design process was not smooth, but it was extremely rewarding to see everything come together. there although marketed for all simply are not. A lot of different products are not made with different users in mind. More specifically, with your standard jewellery box.
What Worked and What Didn't
With this assignment, although we knew what product we wanted to create, with the creation process, the ideas we had (e.g., attachable braille) were hard to make as the beads we were using was a bit big so it was hard to write out certain words in braille. Furthermore, with the attachable feature, the velcro attachment was a bit big so if we had more time, we would have used a smaller attachment feature that is not only less noticeable but also lasts longer.
However, the removable jewellery section worked extremely well as it was able to slide out freely without any struggle. This idea was something we knew we wanted to include from the start and it was nice to see if not only come together but also work as we envisioned. This aspect of the design process (making/prototyping) worked very well as we were able to work together to not only create the different parts of our box but support one another if there were any difficulties with making something. The teamwork on this project was amazing and I really love working with my group members.
Next Steps
Although this was only a school project, it would really be interesting to continue working on this product to see where it could go. Based on the feedback that we received from our instructor and classmates, we would work on improving the product by making it up to scale as well as giving it a cleaner look.
Furthermore, with more time and resources, doing user testing and more research could further advance our product which would come in handy during the sharing phase of the design process.
My Evoltuion as a UX Designer
With my involvement in this Maker Lab project, I have accomplished stepping out of my comfort zone when it comes to creating projects and thinking of ideas. In addition, with this project, I learned more about inclusive design and the proper ways to go about it this skill can be useful to me when I enter the field of UX as I believe it is important to design with a wide array of people in wide. Furthermore, I have also learned that with designing, although an idea may be good, it is okay if all the ideas you have at the start of your design are not featured in the final product as there is a lot of reflecting and evaluation that has to be done from an honest standpoint to ensure your product is as functional as it can be.
