1. Look / Observe
Who What / Why How
Prospective Students Our research will accurately describe Observe each group on campus writ-
Students and Parents that are un- the way that various groups of indi- ing observations and photographing.
familiar with campus. This group is viduals navigate, utilize and otherwise
especially important because they experience Northeastern’s campus. Document the paths/shortcuts groups
represent a potential $40,000 yearly take. This can be done through our
in tuition. We will observe the way that user own observation or the documenta-
groups’ interact with the campus as tion of others.
Current Students & Faculty an environment, both physically and
Campus users. Focusing on students virtually. Observe how people interact with
that aren’t in our majors. People that technology on campus. Particularly
use buildings on campus that we are Physical Observations where computer terminals are located
completely unfamiliar with. and how long they are used for.
Common Routes & Nodes
Shortcuts
Neighbors Observe how people are using public
Avoided Areas
Members of surrounding communi- transportation to get to and from
ties. This user group moves through campus. Main points of interest being
Virtual Observations
campus on a daily basis. It consists Huntington and Forsyth and Ruggles
largely of working professionals com- The Northeastern website Station.
muting to and from work and primary The interactive campus map
school students. MyNEU web portal
Through our research we hope to
gain a better understanding of how to
make a more efficient and enjoyable
wayfinding experience for the users
of Northeastern’s campus and virtual
presence.
Methods
Photography Video
While doing our own research we will We’ll use screen capture technology
be constantly documenting with pho- to record the user experience while
tographs. We will also give cameras some navigates the Northeastern
to individuals from our users groups website, Interactive map, and MyNEU
to document their experiences on web portal. Jing is an existing soft-
campus. ware that is free and allows for screen
capture.
2. Look / Schedule
In Class Outside of Class
Week 1 02.02.10 Plan next steps and discuss format of Observe ways that unfamiliar users
class presentation/mission navigate campus.
02.05.10 Presentation and discussion Find other students/nonusers to doc-
ument their wayfinding experience
Week 2 02.09.10 Share research, propose new areas of Observe user specific user group
focus based on what we’ve found
02.12.10 Discuss research and switch areas of Observe the ways that various build-
observation ings/locations on campus function
Week 3 02.16.10 Discuss research Explore alternate wayfinding strate-
gies in a local context
02.19.10 Develop narrative for presentation Finish any missing research and ob-
and assign roles for production servation. Begin to assemble assets
for presentation (photos / text blurbs)
Week 4 02.23.10 Work on presentation Finalize presentation
02.26.10 Midterm
