Lab+Five

As part of 'Experience Prototyping', bodystorming has been developed as a method of enquiry for interactive design. Research the definition of 'bodystorming', and write three paragraphs describing its characteristics.(3 paragraphs)

‘Experience Prototyping’ can be considered as a form of prototyping in context. It is referred to as “embodied storming” based on an approach that begins with creating the experience of physical performance instead of ideational and theatrical methods. It is distinguished from other forms that have been contested and is supported by theories of embodied cognition. It’s focus is on immediacy and tacit experience while designed forms, functions and ideas are postponed. The principle rule is to act first, through engagement with the real space and then allow this experience to shape the design process. Enactment of experiential awareness is important in order to create better experiences for users. Hence this form of body storming is focused on need states- conditions of a situation that are problematic and this can then be used as a design-research tool that identifies gaps and opportunities.

Bodystorming can be used in three major ways: first, by exposing yourself to the space/place where the product will be used by immersing yourself in the activity that occurs in that environment. This ensures that the individual has an accurate idea exactly how and where ultimate users interact with the product. It is believed that this creates a better user interface. Second, through “strong prototyping” which suggests that a physical replica of the space where the product or service will be used is constructed in order to test it and gage whether it will be suitable, or if there are any constraints.The third and most popular form, is known as “use-case theatre” whereby a sort of role-play occurs through the use of actual personas and props. Personas provide structured characterizations of individuals during interaction design problems. This approach is often used to mock the experiences that the new product has been designed to improve and enables the product to be evaluated.

Once a segment is identified according to demographics such as age, gender or lifestyle, design teams conduct research on these segments and attends to their perceivable need states. Since it is understood that a product cannot serve all needs, embodied storming focuses on those needs that matter most by creating an effective bodystorm that is able to not only identify the needs state but understand the breakdowns and design changes to processes that improve the product or service. This process is more efficient since bodystorming is done in a group- this allows for collaboration as ideas are proposed with less inhibitions and more rapid communication occurs as ideas/scenarios flow during interaction with the physical objects. It also enables design teams to achieve an understanding of the issues and problems that users may face in the future.

__PART 11 __ The bottle would have the shape of a conventional bottle but instead of the user being required to turn the cap, he/she would be required to simply push down on it in order for the pill to be pushed up and dispensed on top of the cap through a small opening. This would require a relatively small range of motion making this task less difficult for users with arthritis and the inability to hear or see well.

__Use-case theater scenario- MIND MAP __ 1. Instruct actor to put on ear phones (to obstruct hear) 2. Instruct actor to but on a pair of goggles with foggy lenses (to obstruct sight) 3.Tape pencils to each finger on both hands of the actor 4. Following this assist the actor in putting on a pair of gloves to secure the taped pencils on each hand. 5. Video tape the actor as he/she interacts with the re-designed product and request feedback to apply to the redesign