Reading Response for 9/23/2024
Cooper, A., Reimann, R., Cronin, D., Noessel, C. (2014). Understanding the Problem: Design Research
This article overviews Qualitative and Quantitative research and its use in design. Qualitative data is intrinsically descriptive and based on nonmeasurable data, such as user behavior. Quantitative data is numerical and primarily concerned with analyzing statistics.
This paper submits a framework for designing Tangible User Interfaces (TUI). The authors present an in-depth look at learning theories that contribute to the design, development, and implementation of tangible objects and spaces.
MagneTracks: A Tangible Constructionist Toolkit for Newtonian Physics
Magnetracks are a fun and interactive STEM toy that can be used to teach physics. The toy is composed of four parts:
The physical tangibles (balls and tracks)
A whiteboard with markers
The digital interference (tracking software)
Challenge cards
The physical and digital interface allows students to actively engage in hard-to-grasp concepts.
Snyder, Carolyn. Paper prototyping: Chapter 1
This reading (chapter 1) discusses the effectiveness of paper prototyping in user interface (UI) design. It offers several different forms of prototyping and ways to test your prototype iteratively.
Joep Frens Cardboard “Cardboard Modeling”
This reading provides an in-depth overview of cardboard modeling. The author begins by outlining a list of tools and different types of materials that can be used. Afterward, they describe simple techniques for creating complex shapes using cardboard, foam core, and paper.
One takeaway.
Subject matter experts (SME) are valuable and indispensable in the design process. Identifying and bringing in a SME early on can significantly enhance the quality of your work.
I was interested in the differences between working memory and long-term memory. In order to reduce cognitive load and promote long-term memory, TUI’s design and interfaces should be reduced to free up space for learners to focus.
The type of system that Magne Tracks uses could also be used to teach iterative design.
Testing UI design using paper, cardboard, and cardstock is fun and cost-effective. It adds a playful element to the design process that I believe is important in the early phases.
I like the author's point about starting a design process in an ambiguous way. At the end of the article, he discusses lo-fi/hi-fi models and the importance of the iterative process. While solving problems in 3D, a quick prototype routinely offers more feedback than any other method.
Connection to a real-world example.
This reading reminds me of a book I previously read, A More Beautiful Question by Warren Berger. In the book, the author describes the power of asking detailed, well-crafted questions to identify root problems. Design research, when implemented correctly, can help streamline design solutions.
While living in Chicago, I had the opportunity to visit Cave 2 at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). The UIC students I met were working on unique research utilizing tangible electronics with AR, immersive environments, and robotics.
Magne Tracks reminds me of a modern-day (STEM toy) version of the computer game The Incredible Machine (1993). I used to play this game for hours as a kid while visiting my grandparents.
I also see the benefits of using these prototyping methods when working in 3D. 2D mockups can easily be printed to scale with cross sections to convey proportions, form, and usability. Paper is a wonderful tool for quickly roughing out ideas.
I am constantly trying to build and test things in 3D, especially when trying to understand how a mechanism works. Prototyping in cardboard and foam core (it does not have to be pretty) is an amazing way to try to analyze how something will work. It is also helpful to work in CAD programs like Rhino 3D, where you can unroll geometry to give you patterns to work with. Another fantastic program that does this for you is Pepakura.
Burning question(s)
After reading these selected readings, I am interested in seeing what role art and immersive realities could play by applying these same principles. I am also interested in how TUIs could be utilized in speculative spaces to present hard-to-grasp concepts.