Download as PDF, PPTX
![3
Interpretation & Affinities
Breakdown and resynthesis of interview information in the form of newer models, in addition to
grouping similar themes/ factors as a method of sharing information and gaining group input.
The interpretation process
involved a physical sorting and
categorizing of ideas after a
detailed recap of each member’s
interviews. The result was
groups of ideas with the same
affinities to one particular theme.
These were summarized, given
insights and used as bases for
design ideas.
3
Affinities
Summary
Firstly, we found a huge distinction between how people
spend their weekends and weekdays.
The access to technology and the ease with which they
can use it, determines their interest to explore the city.
People plan outings amongst friends using instant chat
forums like bbm, whatsapp and foursquare.
Insights
Unanimously, Friday was a family day which means that
the family (mainly the father) dictates where to go. Since
Friday tends to be a family day, the hectic lifestyle of the
working members of the family limits exploration and the
interest to do so. Because of their busy schedules, they
find themselves at familiar places due to indecision.
Exploration tends to be greater during the weekends
specifically with friends because time available on
weekdays is limited by their schedules. Weekdays are
dominated by visiting familiar and convenient places.
Design Ideas
Increase people’s convenience to explore during
weekdays and families’ convenience to explore during
weekends.
Summary
The lifestyle of people living in Dubai revolves around
whether or not they have access to a car, their ability to
navigate and traffic.
Insight
There seems to be a growing culture of carpooling
amongst friends because of traffic and poor direction
sense.
Lack of a car and the inconvenience of public transport
create a dependency on the driver, giving him decision-
making power.
Social life improves with car access.
Design Idea
Travelling marketplace (during Fridays)
Summary
The manner in which the space in Dubai is designed
lacks a sense of intimacy.
Insights
Hot weather leads to indoor culture, where people do
not get a sense of liberation. Outings do not provide the
release people look for in terms of personal interaction
with spaces and people. There is also an overstimulation
of the senses, which contributes to this frustration.
People yearn for more intimate and open spaces, not
standardized designs.
Design ideas
Alternative routes to a place through cute streets smaller
streets, alternative routes. Giving everyone diff routes-
through apps. To get to the same place.
Summary
There seems to be a single-minded focus on
appearances in all aspects of Dubai culture.
Insights
There is a strong class hierarchy that influences people,
pressurizing them to keep up appearances regardless
of the their financial background. They therefore choose
places depending on their adaptability to that particular
class environment.
Dubai is viewed as a city built to impress and solely for
economic progress. This particular tendency has created
a cold, impersonal atmosphere in popular haunts like
malls, hotels, etc.
The decision making of where to go is influenced by
popular trends and places visited on social media.
The subcultures are not allowed to blossom organically,
like in other cities [New York]. There is a homogeneity in
culture- a hybrid of Western culture and a dash of other
cultures just in order to ‘fit in’.
Summary
The face of Dubai is constantly changing- constant
demolition and reconstruction.
Insight
Memories are being formed but emotional attachments
aren’t with newer places. Emotional attachments are
stronger with places linked with old Dubai.
Constant change is causing frustration in the decision
making process, leading people to resort to the familiar.
Culture and heritage of the place is used for aesthetic
appeal but is not an element which is deeply rooted in the
city. The face of Dubai is constantly changing according
to expatriates’ standards, imitating the western culture
which causes it to lose its authenticity.
Citizens do not get a say in what should change and if it
should change- wholly the government’s decision.
Design Idea
Using old spaces for new uses or recreating a cultural
space with modern principles.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/3bb51be9-a728-49c9-80b6-4fc3dc9f0d20-150308000848-conversion-gate01/85/design-thinking-portfolio-5-320.jpg)
design thinking portfolio
- 1. Natasha Koshy Bhoomika Ghagada VarshaVishnu Prasad Farah Ibrahim Design Thinking Portfolio 37505 40521 31837 41964 Fall’13 DES 394 Professor Gaurang Desai
- 2. The Brief Theforcesofglobalizationarereshapingcitiesbymakingthemahubforeconomic and culturalexchange. This has resulted in cities actively competing with each other to become a favored hub for the networked economy. One of the most common strategies employed by politicians, urban designers and policy makers towardsachievingthishasbeenaprogramofmassiveandsystematicinvestments in the urban environment to build cultural, economic and entertainment spaces. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in a growing sense of placelessness or the McDonaldization of the urban environment wherein lay people feel left out and unable to voice their opinion on how the urban spaces they have grown up with, should evolve. The enormous growth of innovative uses of computing, mobile devices, and rich sources of data however provide us with a voice. The urban spaces of the future will be saturated with both visible and hidden media that gather and transmit information. How can we as designers help lay users to gain a voice for themselves? How can we help them reclaim their cities? How can cities accommodate both the local and the global? You will research how urban spaces are represented in the popular press (meant for global consumption) and research unique perspectives of those who live within it. You will then match the users views to a designed artifact that maps, annotates, allows users to build relationships and build an alternate, more local image of their cities. Reclaiming and Redefining Urban Spaces
- 3. 1 Domain Mapping To gaina sound understanding of the chosen domain, and to conduct thorough research of the popular trends as well as artifacts/ services designed to cater to those trends. We researched current design trends in four different areas: Art Installations, Digital Innovation,Architectural Reclamation and Community Engagement on a global level. We then grouped problems sharing a similar theme as shown on the left, before summarizing and analysing our findings, as reflected on our Tumblr blog entry on the left.
- 4. 2 User Empathy Recruiting andinterviewing subjects on the selected domain. Engagementand Activities -sheeshacafe -hockey -parties -clubbing -shopping Wheretogo? Consultswith Conveniencein Transportation -Carisimportant -Drivingorcallafriend -Doesnotusepublictransport Evane Friends -socialinteraction -collegefriendsandlifestyle -opinionsandpersonalities -Someliketogo outmorethanothers EmotionalAttachment -memoriesatcertain placesandfavorite spotsarethemostfrequently visitied-CASAsheeshacafe Sometimestrafficisworthit Technology -ReferstoFoursquare suggestions andreviews Weather -incrediblyhot -everythingisbuiltaroungthe conceptofconvenience -indoorculture-everything isair-conditioned -culturalrestrictionsonclothing makestheweatherworse InfrastructureofDubai Culture -There’saculutreofjaywalking -lackofwalkingtracks andbicycleslanes -drivingisapriority InfrastructureofDubai Transport -Notthemosteconomical- Transportistime-consuming -Nocabsduringprayertimes -Trafficisapain -Reallydifficulttolivewithoutacar FriendsandFamily -theonesinDubaiare easiertorelatetothanthe oneslivingabroad becauseDubaicultureisdifferent Locals -haveadaptedto expatriateculture -forinstance,canspeakHindi -Makesexpatriates feelwelcome InteractionwithPeople Friendsfromdifferentcultures -gettolearnaboutdifferent traditionsandvalues -EvanecelebratesEid Evane’sInteraction withpeopleinDubai Dailyinteractionwith diversepeople -PhilipinoladiesatMc’Donald’s, Pakistanifriends,Americanprofessors -makesDubaiatolerant andfriendlyplacetolive FriendsandFamily -theonesinDubaiare easiertorelatetothanthe oneslivingabroad becauseDubaicultureisdifferent Parents -Movedhere fromIndiatoearna living butstillwanttoworkhere -Fondofthecity Multicultural Environment -tolerancefor othercultures Thingschangevery quicklyinDubai -demolishingplacesand reconstruction IdentityofDubai Imageofprogressand industrialization Differenceinmindset -easiertomeet newpeoplethan IndiabutnotasopenasUSA Architectureisverydifferent -theytrytoincorporatetheold -everythingisflashyandbright Identityof Dubai Home Luxury Hotweather Expensiveand Convenient Sheeshaculture Multicultural -Metropolitan -manysubcultures StrongCulturalRules- Restrictionsonclothing Restrictionsonexpression- limitstheexperienceofthecitizens CultureofDubai HighLife -Wealthypeople -Expensiveandluxurious -Theexperienceyouhavedepends ontheamountofmoneyyouhave HighlyAdvertised Man-made -Charmingbut pretentious DUBAI -according toTarun Home Convenient Lifestyle Fast-pacedlife -healthconcsious living Desert Tarun Whatisthepurpose oftheouting? -entertainment -food -sociallife -shopping Friends -frequentweekendhangouts -amountofmoneytheyhave Traffic -mostimportantthingtotakeintoconsideration -trafficplaysamassiverole- wouldrathertakesalikthangetstuckintraffic. -FrIendscarpoolwitheachother Wheretogo? Consultswith Advertisedasapretty picturefortourists Ostentatious Architecture IdentificationwithDubai HighLife -Searchtolookforsignsof povertyeventhoughthere’splenty PublicTransport -shouldconnect tootheremirates -moreconvenience Identifying withDUBAI Home Lackofauthenticity -becauseallculturescannot organicallyexpressthemselves. -LikeNewYork TarunShyam GraduateofAmericanUniversityofSharjah Age:23years LivedinDubaifor14years EvaneD’Souza StudentatAmericanUniversityofSharjah Age:21years BornandraisedinDubai Person Transporatation “notalwayshaveacar” Place “decentandnice” Friends “Togowiththem” Parents “permissiontogoout” Interview2 Culturalmodel Person: -Civilengineer -masters -Ownsacar Conditons - easytodriveto -closetowork/university -weather Family -Gofordinner -familygathering Friends -tohangoutwith -iftheyneedaride Cafe -indoorshisha -tomeetfriends -havelunchordinner Malls -forshopping -walkaround -thereisa/c Interview1 flowmodel BBM/Call Person: -Student -architecture Transport - needsacar -whatisclose Malls - shopping -restaurant Friends -tohangoutwith -iftheyneedaride -sitandtalk Parks -preferparkinnice weather -parkwherethecarcan goinside Meseum -toseeartwork -newartintallments Interview2 flowmodel Interviewee #1 - Dad - Mother - Car - Dad Intervewiee # 1 Friends Cost Time Intervewiee # 2 Dad Mother Friends - - - Siblings - - Intervewiee # 2 Dad - Appearance - Place Friends People (Fear of opinion) - Interviewee # 1 Flow Model Cultural Model Flow Model Cultural Model Interviewee # 2 Manju -21yearsold -5thyearArchitectureStudent -FoodLover WORK -UniversityAssignments decidetheoutingschedules/pref- erences FOOD/RESTAURANTS -Typeoffood -LocationofRestaurant PARKING -Parkingspacesareimportant toher -Inadequateparkingspaces discouragehersubsequent visitsPREFERREDPLACES -JBRWalks -Downtownareas -Qasba -Majazwaterfrontarea FAVOURITEPLACE -MirdiffCityCenter -instantlikingtothearea -familiarwithalmostallshops -hasasetroutethatshe alwaysfollows -storeemployeesrecognize her -visitseveryweek INDOORCULTURE -Prefersindoorintimate settingsmore -Notanactiveoutdoor person FRIENDS -Alwaysmeetsin Dubai -Moreplacesand entertainment TRAFFIC -Choiceofrestaurantaffected bythetimeshemayhaveto spendonroad,stuckintraffic toDubai CLIMATE -Daysaretoohot -Preferstogooutatevening oratnight FAMILY -Preferstogotoplacesin Sharjah Manju -drivesowncar -doesnotgenerallyusepublictransport FRIENDS -Alwaysmeetsin Dubai -Moreplacesand entertainment TRAFFIC -Choiceofrestaurantaffected bythetimeshemayhaveto spendonroad,stuckintraffic toDubai SOCIALMEDIA -ChecksreviewsonZomato, TimeOutDubaiandFacebook tofindrestaurants FAMILY -Preferstogotoplacesin Sharjahtoavoid traffic Meetsthematdestination Takesthemtorestaurants inSharjah toavoidtraffic FOOD/RESTAURANTS -Typeoffood -LocationofRestaurant BhoomikaAshvinkumar|ID#40521 FarahIbrahim |ID#39421 NatashaKoshy|ID#37505 VarshaVishnuPrasad|ID#31837 Roshni -24yrsold -Architecture studentatAUS WORK -UniversityAssignments decidetheoutingschedules/pref- erences FOOD/RESTAURANTS -Typeoffood -LocationofRestaurant PREFERREDPLACES -JBRWalks -Beacheareas -Qasba -Majazwaterfrontarea -Bastakiya OUTDOOR CULTURE -Prefersoutdoor settingsmore -Visitsparksandbeaches whenclimateisgood CLIMATE -Daysaretoohot -Preferstogooutatevening oratnight FRIENDS -takesherwhenfree -theydecidetheloca- tions,becausethey drive HOPES -wouldliketogotosmaller souqlikeareasmore,pre- fersifsuchtrendwould emerge,whereshecanfeel moreconnectedtothe placesheshopsfromorvisit Roshni -donotowncar -generallyusepublictransport FRIENDS -takesherwhenfree DESTINATION -generallyliketogoto beachesandJBRwalks -donotlikemalls,but forcedtospendtimedue tolackofopporunities TRAFFIC -Choiceofdestinations affectedbythetimeshemay havetospendonroad,stuck intraffictoDubai PUBLICTRANSPORTATION -hastoconsiderbustimings fromAUS -buyticketstoRashidiya -useMetro fromuniversitytodestination Person Weather “determineswheretogo” Malls/cafe’s “ifshishaisthere” Family “Togowiththem” Friends “wheretogo” Interview1 Culturalmodel CULTURALMODEL CULTURALMODEL FLOW MODEL FLOWMODEL Using the city of Dubai as our domain, we conducted interviews of two subjects each. The information was then analysed and represented in the form of work models, mainly flow and cultural models,. These depict the specific factors influencing the decision making process of going out, spending leisure time and the like in Dubai.
- 5. 3 Interpretation & Affinities Breakdownand resynthesis of interview information in the form of newer models, in addition to grouping similar themes/ factors as a method of sharing information and gaining group input. The interpretation process involved a physical sorting and categorizing of ideas after a detailed recap of each member’s interviews. The result was groups of ideas with the same affinities to one particular theme. These were summarized, given insights and used as bases for design ideas. 3 Affinities Summary Firstly, we found a huge distinction between how people spend their weekends and weekdays. The access to technology and the ease with which they can use it, determines their interest to explore the city. People plan outings amongst friends using instant chat forums like bbm, whatsapp and foursquare. Insights Unanimously, Friday was a family day which means that the family (mainly the father) dictates where to go. Since Friday tends to be a family day, the hectic lifestyle of the working members of the family limits exploration and the interest to do so. Because of their busy schedules, they find themselves at familiar places due to indecision. Exploration tends to be greater during the weekends specifically with friends because time available on weekdays is limited by their schedules. Weekdays are dominated by visiting familiar and convenient places. Design Ideas Increase people’s convenience to explore during weekdays and families’ convenience to explore during weekends. Summary The lifestyle of people living in Dubai revolves around whether or not they have access to a car, their ability to navigate and traffic. Insight There seems to be a growing culture of carpooling amongst friends because of traffic and poor direction sense. Lack of a car and the inconvenience of public transport create a dependency on the driver, giving him decision- making power. Social life improves with car access. Design Idea Travelling marketplace (during Fridays) Summary The manner in which the space in Dubai is designed lacks a sense of intimacy. Insights Hot weather leads to indoor culture, where people do not get a sense of liberation. Outings do not provide the release people look for in terms of personal interaction with spaces and people. There is also an overstimulation of the senses, which contributes to this frustration. People yearn for more intimate and open spaces, not standardized designs. Design ideas Alternative routes to a place through cute streets smaller streets, alternative routes. Giving everyone diff routes- through apps. To get to the same place. Summary There seems to be a single-minded focus on appearances in all aspects of Dubai culture. Insights There is a strong class hierarchy that influences people, pressurizing them to keep up appearances regardless of the their financial background. They therefore choose places depending on their adaptability to that particular class environment. Dubai is viewed as a city built to impress and solely for economic progress. This particular tendency has created a cold, impersonal atmosphere in popular haunts like malls, hotels, etc. The decision making of where to go is influenced by popular trends and places visited on social media. The subcultures are not allowed to blossom organically, like in other cities [New York]. There is a homogeneity in culture- a hybrid of Western culture and a dash of other cultures just in order to ‘fit in’. Summary The face of Dubai is constantly changing- constant demolition and reconstruction. Insight Memories are being formed but emotional attachments aren’t with newer places. Emotional attachments are stronger with places linked with old Dubai. Constant change is causing frustration in the decision making process, leading people to resort to the familiar. Culture and heritage of the place is used for aesthetic appeal but is not an element which is deeply rooted in the city. The face of Dubai is constantly changing according to expatriates’ standards, imitating the western culture which causes it to lose its authenticity. Citizens do not get a say in what should change and if it should change- wholly the government’s decision. Design Idea Using old spaces for new uses or recreating a cultural space with modern principles.
- 6. 4 Ideation & Prototyping Thisphase involved the creation of a systemic chart in order to map the existing system and locate the problems contained therein. Small scale solutions were then developed to modify the system by addresing most, if not all problems. Scenarios were also created in order to place the proposed product in context, in addition to wireframes that outlines the solution in a detailed manner. The systemic chart was created to identify the gaps between demand and supply of urban spaces in Dubai. The analysis revealed a sizeable gap between the demand for intimate,environmentallyfriendlyplacesthataretimeefficienttoreachandtheresultant zoning of a supply of separate work, leisure and residential spaces. The implications created by this include inefficient infrastructure, lack of emotional attachment and a rigid power structure with no space for the public voice. Our solution aims to combat these three implications with three phases of an App that aids in the reporting of community problems, sharing of memories and public opinion to target each issue respectively. 4 Ideation & Prototyping Systemic Chart
- 7. 4 Ideation & Prototyping TheSolution: Phone App The solution consists of a phone App that will be released in 3 phases: Memories, Opinions & Problems. This project only tackles the first phase, however. Residents’ identity with Dubai is fortified via their ability to share memories, post problems and share opinions on changes in their community and city via this app. Moreover,theywillbeabletoviewthepaceofchangeintermsofthesethreeparameters physically and with the help of gradient color changes with the 3 respective heatmaps, as sharing is done on the basis of location. Thus, each category will be color coded throughout, especially on the heat map, as users can easily filter and ditinguish between the three on the map itself. The app also has its own social network in terms of the newsfeed that can be filtered according to the category, and always displays trending topics.Users can also post pictures as a way to better visualize and describe memories or problems. Finally, conversations are two way as public authorities and builders may reply to problems and ideas via the comments section of the newsfeed, which allows healthy progress toward change on whatever scale it may be. This app may merely deepen the residents’ bond and sense of responsibility toward the city, or may actually lead to tangible and sizeable changes in the community. Either situation satisfies the brief’s requirements. Memories Opinions Problems Memories Opinions Problems Memories Opinions Problems Memories Opinions Problems Memories Opinions Problems Memories Opinions Problems 4 Ideation & Prototyping The Solution: App Wireframe Sketches
- 8. 4 Ideation & Prototyping TheSolution: App Scenario Sketches Phase 1: Memories Alicia uses the ‘memories’ category of the app to record a memorable time she just shared with her friends at a restaurant in JBR. She uses the app to write a review for the restaurant, her experience with her friends, and add a picture of her friends to the location on the heatmap. She can go home to review her entry and view her friend’s experiences at the same location on the heatmap. Phase 2: Opinions When Alicia notices a new building site in her area, she logs on to the ‘opinions’ category of the app and looks for a discussion and poll on this site in her area. She clicks on it in the newsfeed, adds her poll opinion and comment, and folllows the developments of the project via comments form the builders and other users. When a building is built taking into consideration her opinion, she feels empowered. Phase 3: Problems When Alicia notices a street lamp that is not working in her neighbourhood, she speedily reports the problem via her phone app using the ‘problems’ category by marking its location on the heatmap and adding a picture of the broken street lamp. The authorities reply in the comments section, ensuring her that the situation is being taken care of. She feels happy to have contributed to her neughbourhood.
- 9. 4 Ideation & Prototyping TheSolution: App Prototype
- 10. 4 Testing The prototype wastested using a heuristic evaluation technique where users are meant to test the app and rank it in a severity report according to 10 design heuristics. Phase 1 (Memories) was tested as it was the introductory phase developed. Three functions were tested in this category, with 3 users for each. These 3 functions were: registering as a user, publishing a memory without uploading a picture and publishing a memory with an uploaded picture. The following severity reports reflect the results of the testing. 1. Registering as a User User 1 User 2 User 3 4 Testing Heuristic Evaluation of Prototype After an analysis of all the severity reports, the following were the implemented changes to the final prototype above: • Status bar for picture uploading in terms of percentage uploaded • Tag users option added whilst uploading • Help (question mark icon) option added on each page with respect to each step of the process. User is directed to a help page where the function of that process is described, including future steps for reference as a way ahead.
- 11. 2. Publishing aMemory Alone User 1 User 2 User 3 4 Testing 2. Publishing a Memory Alone & Uploading a Relevant Picture User 1 User 2 User 3 4 Testing
- 12. Natasha Koshy Bhoomika Ghagada VarshaVishnu Prasad Farah Ibrahim 37505 40521 31837 41964