CCT333+LABS

__**LAB 1**__ (Spoke to Prof. Littlejohn and Jones about sickness)

Apple design form into the materials. Connection is key in the form and material. A lot of Apple products have some sort of connection to the consumer then it feels that it was not designed that way that it is simple made to be like that. This is about the designers; how do designers create these products so that you don’t consciously realize but sub consciously understand what is happening. The strategy of Apple is to create simplicity not only in design but in function. In the video, Jonathan speaks of the Macbook and its composition. All of these parts of the laptop create functionality; the process is non-obvious to the consumer but to the designer is key. Jonathan wants to step away from the common actions of being aware of the outcome. I have a personal experience of this, my Gateway laptop mouse pad lights up every time I start my computer up. Everyone always comments on the light up mouse pad and how cool it is. Thinking about this, the designers created something that was so deliberate, so obvious. That is the outcome they wanted; for consumers to notice. Jonathan proposed a system where the functionality is not obvious but there. If someone needs to see the battery life or wireless connection they can easily find it, but again it is not an obvious function of the system. This leads back to the system being natural, undersigned, not composed of intentional attention grabbers.

__**LAB 2**__ (Spoke to Prof. Littlejohn and Jones about sickness)

1.The project that i find most interesting is the WASSUP project that focuses on water and sanitation that is of a standard of human living. The statement at the beginning of the video describes the situation the best; ...it is those that have the least suffer the most.

Right now, there is a substantial portion of society that lives in urban poverty. The global studio, three areas were identified with problem of the poor. Diepsloot has mostly a problem of maintenance rather than structure. With regards to the sewer system (grey water run off), a solution of using two buckets is used to help strain out food waste which will help limit blockage. These simple and low costing solutions help the poor population live a better life style.

Another solution would be the problem of cold in shack dwellers. Using recycled material ceiling and wall installations were created (similar to fibreglass insulation that is used in housing).Again these simple and low cost solutions improve the simple comforts that we in the west take for granted. The students from the Global Studio not only create low cost ways to help the community but these solutions are taken from sustainable sources, such as buckets and recycled/discarded material. Less waste created a healthier and sustainable climate.

2.I think that this category is the most interesting in regarding the class project as it is still such a big issue. Like mention above, it may be not only a issue of structure but also maintenance. These communities need to be taught sustainable ways in order to have last help and results from the implemented solutions. In the issue of clean water and sanitation, the area was not made for that many people to live in such a small place. As a result there was run offs and flooding due to blocked drainages; this also has to do with lack of education on how to maintain such a system in this context. I believe that the issue of sanitation and is such an important part of meeting the basic needs of human existence, but also new ways to maintain and educate these populations so they are able to enjoy the benefits of clean water and living quarters.

__**LAB 3**__ 1. The reasons why microfinance’s are so beneficial are due to sheer need and innovation. Those in Kenya that use this service is because this has become a bottom- top way to understand the dynamics of the market and business strategies. In class the example of a fisherman being able to instantly know the market price of his product was used. Analyzing this, the mobile device has become a way of empowerment on many different levels. The used of cellphones and micropayments allow instant money, better then travelling 3 hours to get to the city in order to get or transfer money. Even today, the conveniences of online transfers allow people to do personal and commercial banking from the ease of one’s bed. With the use of cellphones, money can be transferred from the convenience of one’s own community; although not as advanced as the developed west but extremely advance for those that are living in undeveloped nations. With the issue of resources in third world countries, the use of cellphone has made possible for the poor to use all their resources. For example, say there is a farmer whose crops are ready for harvest. Usually the farmer would harvest his crops, ask his neighbours for sales and then make his way to the city to sell his produce. With the use of a cellphone, the farmer now can connect with not just his neighbours for sales, but those who live in the city, creating clientele possibly as identity for his products; this is a perfect example of bottom-up learning that can stimulate entrepreneurialism and economic growth. I believe the real problem is the institutions that create this top to bottom ideals; this has stunted the growth of the economy by limited the ability of the individuals who need the help the most. These same institutions base everything on literacy. Think about education as an institution; reading and writing are fundamental to succeed. What these capitalist ideals fail to understand is that there is other ways that people can communicate, through symbols, hearing and seeing. These same individuals that are the ones that are just as competent as those that are literate; there are different ways to get to the same end. This revolution in economic and social growth is what makes cellphones (micropayments) successful. The reasons why microfinance’s are so beneficial are due to sheer need and innovation. Those in Kenya that use this service is because this has become a bottom- top way to understand the dynamics of the market and business strategies. In class the example of a fisherman being able to instantly know the market price of his product was used. Analyzing this, the mobile device has become a way of empowerment on many different levels. The used of cellphones and micropayments allow instant money, better then traveling 3 hours to get to the city in order to get or transfer money. Even today, the conveniences of online transfers allow people to do personal and commercial banking from the ease of one’s bed. With the use of cellphones, money can be transferred from the convenience of one’s own community; although not as advanced as the developed west but extremely advance for those that are living in undeveloped nations. With the issue of resources in third world countries, the use of cellphone has made possible for the poor to use all their resources. For example, say there is a farmer whose crops are ready for harvest. Usually the farmer would harvest his crops, ask his neighbours for sales and then make his way to the city to sell his produce. With the use of a cellphone, the farmer now can connect with not just his neighbours for sales, but those who live in the city, creating clientele possibly as identity for his products; this is a perfect example of bottom-up learning that can stimulate entrepreneurialism and economic growth. I believe the real problem is the institutions that create this top to bottom ideals; this has stunted the growth of the economy by limited the ability of the individuals who need the help the most. These same institutions base everything on literacy. Think about education as an institution; reading and writing are fundamental to succeed. What these capitalist ideals fail to understand is that there is other ways that people can communicate, through symbols, hearing and seeing. These same individuals that are the ones that are just as competent as those that are literate; there are different ways to get to the same end. This revolution in economic and social growth is what makes cellphones (micropayments) successful.

2.
 * Instant:** The use of cellphones is instant. In many underdeveloped places, letter word of mouth and various other inefficient ways of communication are used. The problem is that this takes time. Time has value (whatever value that people want to associate with it) which means that time is devalues when not used efficiently. The instant call, text or micro receipt produced from a cellphone allows for efficient use of time. Now instead of doing one thing at a time, an individual can do many. Working on the field, a farmer can get information on the price of soil via text. Multitasking is again another efficient use of time; money can be made while makes money (doing jobs while doing jobs). For the developed west, these advancement may seem dated, but for these underdeveloped countries, this is literally the best thing since....well....clean water.
 * Competitive Advantage:** The use of cellphone gives for a competitive advantage; compare an individual who get information of a flood now or an individual that gets information of a flood hitting in 1 hour. This works the same for market prices, making sales and locating resources. Those who can find these things faster have a better chance of climbing the economic ladder. Similarly, you would give your business to those can locate things faster, so it benefits the customer as well as the business.
 * Opportunity:** Those that can communicate with ease have the ability to build a client base and network. This creates opportunity. This opportunity is what leads to economic success. First come first serve; this ideal is important because business opportunities are few so knowing when these opportunities arise are imperative. This could be getting a new job or having dinner on the table. The use of cellphones allows for these opportunities to be accessible.
 * Development**: Opportunity leads to development; personal as well as commercial. By being creating and using opportunities that come about, local business can flourish. This leads to business growth which in turn helps the economy and government. Development and progress are seen in the use of cellphone use. Through networking and opportunity leads to better resources at a quicker rate. If this growth continues, these local economies will continue to grow.

//Notes:// //Why are cellphones so important --> portable, just in time communication(how would this alter production or make something more powerful)// //How do people use their cellphones?// //owned considered carried used (used is what has value)// //phones are carried because of survival --> recovery tool; safety and physiological; transcend space and time// //sente --> send money as airtime; mobile phone turns into a atm machine//

The reasons why microfinance’s are so beneficial are due to sheer need and innovation. Those in Kenya that use this service is because this has become a bottom- top way to understand the dynamics of the market and business strategies. In class the example of a fisherman being able to instantly know the market price of his product was used. Analyzing this, the mobile device has become a way of empowerment on many different levels. The used of cellphones and micropayments allow instant money, better then travelling 3 hours to get to the city in order to get or transfer money. Even today, the conveniences of online transfers allow people to do personal and commercial banking from the ease of one’s bed. With the use of cellphones, money can be transferred from the convenience of one’s own community; although not as advanced as the developed west but extremely advance for those that are living in undeveloped nations. With the issue of resources in third world countries, the use of cellphone has made possible for the poor to use all their resources. For example, say there is a farmer whose crops are ready for harvest. Usually the farmer would harvest his crops, ask his neighbours for sales and then make his way to the city to sell his produce. With the use of a cellphone, the farmer now can connect with not just his neighbours for sales, but those who live in the city, creating clientele possibly as identity for his products; this is a perfect example of bottom-up learning that can stimulate entrepreneurialism and economic growth. I believe the real problem is the institutions that create this top to bottom ideals; this has stunted the growth of the economy by limited the ability of the individuals who need the help the most. These same institutions base everything on literacy. Think about education as an institution; reading and writing are fundamental to succeed. What these capitalist ideals fail to understand is that there is other ways that people can communicate, through symbols, hearing and seeing. These same individuals that are the ones that are just as competent as those that are literate; there are different ways to get to the same end. This revolution in economic and social growth is what makes cellphones (micropayments) successful.**L** __**LAB 4**__

The architecture of the website is very user friends. Personally i find the story very interesting so the visuals are just a bonus. For others that are not compelled by willingness to watch this fun documentary, can be persuaded by the design of the website. The visuals are fun and interactive. For example, the navigation on the right hand side allows for ways to be proactive about the issue or maybe just find out more information. I easily was able to share this website on Facebook via the social networking on the right hand navigation. This easy design allows people like to me easily share this with minimal frustration this is good for the creators as well as the audience. Why? It is self awareness. The website does not have to spent money or time (which is money) on advertising or awareness of the issue. If the organization makes social tools, like their website interactive and user friendly, then the audience will do the work for them. Also the tools that are important, such as DONATE, HELP and SEARCH are all easily to located which again make the experience pleasant

Extraction --> Extraction is the process of getting the materials that are used to make products that we use today. Usually this comes in the form of natural and these can renewable or non renewable. In some cases the renewable may take time to reproduce itself and we just dont give the environment the time. Take Trees and fisheries. The time that is need for these item to reproduce, we cannot wait. This is part of the reason why we use resources of other countries. In order to satisfy the needs of the consumer economy, we need resources and need them fast. Also part of this problem is the pollution created by the machines used to gain these resources (transportation, refiners ect.)

Production --> This is the process of taking the resources that have been reaped from the environment and and processing them to make the products that consumers are conditioned to desire. In this process the chemicals are extracted and mixed together through incineration and other forms. This creates mixes of chemicals that create toxic chemicals. Little research and known effects are hard to come by with regards to these knew super chemicals that are created. These chemicals are sometimes made locally but distributed through wind and water to other countries, polluting globally.There are no information on how these chemicals effect us and human and the environment around us but we know that it does effect us and that these chemicals are found within us. An example given in class by a student suggested that her mothers cancer was a by product of working in a factory for many years. These known and unknown effect are all known to be detremental to human existence.

Distribution --> Distribution is the way in which we receive these products. Now this step is not necessarily a monetary form, but can be externalized. This means that yes, there is a price at the counter, but apart from that price, there are many other ways people pay. Free Trade Zone and low wage workers pay by their health and poor lifestyle. Children labourers pay by their life of illiteracy because they do not have the time to go to school. We all pay by destroying our environment through using up non-renewable resources. There is no way to measure the cost of someones health or lack of literacy so our society sees this are not a cost at all.

Consumption --> This is what the whole system thrives on and is the basis of what out society conditions us to believe. To buy. In order to be normal we need to by. There are many social conventions and institutions that reinforce this behavior. For example fashion, styles that were popular in the 1970's are popular now again? why? because trends change and if you keep up with the changing trends, then you are accepted by society. This is not just restricted to fashion but to everything else. There is nothing that does not change from year to year. Prof Littlejohn gave the example of her printer to which compatible cartridges are not being produced anymore. Why? There is no reason, just that she now has to go out and buy a new one with no guarantee that it will last longer then 2 years. The society we live in conditions us through channels or media and advertising to accept this way of life in order to be accepted and deemed normal by society. We willing give up our time and money to shop and shop and shop because we are conditions to dislike what we buy a couple times a year.

Disposal --> The stuff we buy, we find it hard to find a spot for...so we buy bigger houses, but what about the stuff that we do not buy. The stuff that sits on the self for several months and no one buys. its goes to waste. Not charity, but to waste it is thrown out. If we look back we just used all of our resources just so we can through 99% of these things away. Not only did we pay by externalities but we also financially and emotionally drained our people and our environment to consume more just to not consume 99%. Alot of things are not recyclable as well as well so we cannot re-consume these resources. The mass amounts of garbage that is being produced is so much that we dump it else where to get rid of it. We therefore pollute twice, once to produce the product and again to get rid of it. This whole system is flawed!

//Notes:// //The zero waste economy, up and downstream --> there is no or very little waste// //Material Economy --> extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal; this system is interacting in societies, cultures and the real world// //Missing in this system: people// //What is wrong with this system? f you dont own or purchase then you arent an important part, this is in reference to 3rd world countries// //Cost does not always money, but cost of health, environment and lifestyle.// //Exernalized cost --> are cost that are not captures by production// //perceived vs planned --> perfectly fine but not up to date vs. products that are made to last for X amount of time// up vs downstream --> products vs waste People have created this system therefore it is very easy to create another another system Synergistic --> combined in the term of chemicals, combined through incineration or other ways because extremely dangerous to the health


 * __LAB 5__**

Body storming can be described as a way in which people can develop products or processes that are relevant to the human process. The human process can be unpredictable and there are many variables to consider. By using body storming as method in design human interacting paired with the design process can drastically alter the product or process being considered---in a good or bad way. This process can bring to light factors that were over looked in the design process and/or allow the designers to gain better perspective on why or what needs to be done to improve the product/process.

I have taken a HCI (human-interacting class) and what we dealt with was mostly low fidelity profiles, which is one version of how body storming can play out. This involves a story board/pictures on different events that are encounters through different types of interactions with the product/process. For example, if there was a remote control, what would an individual do if they wanted to turn the volume up? what would occur as a result of those actions? what would be the reaction to that action (if any)? The purpose of this is not have a accurate encounter of the product or process at work; creating a better understanding of implementation in real life situations. Another spin in this would be a real like interaction between the fake prototype and environment. This would involve actors that would play out real like situations. This is a better way to understand the process/product because there are several people involve, therefore giving a wider perspective on what works and what does not work.

Another aspect of body storming would be the environment in which the product or process will function in. By doing this, the design will automatically incorporate things that maybe be overlooked in the non-function environment. For example, if the environment produces a lot of noise, then the design will automatically incorporate this factor where as if the design was created in a non-functioning environment (lab) this factor would be overlooked resulting in waste time and money (if may only be discovering in the low fidelity experiments).

Group Members: Rabia, Shaliah and

There was much deliberation in our group, although we did not get a final prototype finishes we though of many ways in which to alter the materials used in the coffee cup rather then the design. In our group we discussed low cost ways of metal and plastic cups that would integrated into large coffees hop chains. Consumers would invest in these cups and reuse them, like portable coffee mugs. The problem that we were encountering in this process is that it would have to be largely integrated in to many coffee shops before people would catch on. More importantly, this does not change the design or look at the recycling aspect, which as the two main problems.

Considering why these coffee cups are popular. Consumers like convenience, things that are designed for their lifestyle. This means things that accommodate to a fast paced lifestyle. Coffee cups retain the heat of the beverage and have a lid which prevents the beverage from spilling out (for those that run for the train). Let begin with these 2 important aspects and build. - Convenience --> consumers need to be able to handle and easily get the cups, they cannot differ from the accept design much because it just wont catch on. If this is implemented widely though coffee shops, there is a chance that there may be a paradigm shift in how people consumer coffee. So this means that if only a few places change their coffee cups to a design that isnt smart, people may just go else where.

The idea discussed in class of the chinese container is an innovative design but the effort used to open and close the cup may be frustrating to the consumer. An easier design may be to have one flap that acts a lid and a cover. Once open the lid can fold down and be the lip to sip from. When folded up, the flap would be push through a slit, similar to a cereal box. This way its only one action that the consumer has to perform, similar to the present design. The silicone material that is mixed into the paper cup is something that need more research, maybe a biodegradable material that can be recycled with paper. In doing research there was nothing that was marketable/on the market that seemed to have the same properties that will keep the beverage hot and the cup less soggy. The only thing i can think of is having a thinker plastic cup

Notes : The coffee cup --> why is this a bad thing We cannot recycle, the cup itself has silicone in it that allow it NOT to be recycled The lid cannot be recycled because most people do not remove the lid from the cup Bodystorming --> similar to prototyping in HCI How can you create a cup of coffee and making sure that it is recycled entirely


 * __LAB 6__**

Biomimicry is an efficient way to help the environment rather than work against it. This takes into consideration the process and design of natural creations and uses them in a sustainable way. These designs are sustainable because they are part of nature. It optimizes the use of the product rather than waste energy and material. These design are also adaptable and can change easily because there is minimal energy use in the design as well as in the product itself.

The products itself are derived from natural thought processes which makes this product less harmful to the environment (nature does not product self harmful by product the way humans do). In the example of Columbia Forest Products, the glue created was to mimic the way mussels stick to surfaces under water, again non-toxic base. If companies continue in these footsteps, then the movement from toxic and harmful by products will be replaced with environment friendly, natural and effective designs.

Biomimicry is not only good for the environment but also good for the stability of companies as well. The reduced energy cost of manufacturing expensive designs leads to waste. Natural processes have little waste. Translating this into the a corporate mindset, little waste means less costs means more profit. By using less material and less energy while producing effective products only increase companies’ profit margin. Biomimicry also can create new and innovative areas that can help businesses grow and transform in the corporate realm. Not only do these things increase profits but also created a brand that people are willing to buy in to.

Notes : Nike --> how have they been transformed Sustainable and save energy --> think of the natural process of honey making...what is the waste? what is the process Little waste means more profit BM does for companies and the environment --> new way of thinking in a corporate matter but also thinking of the environmental consequences


 * __LAB 7__**

Design has become a collaborative process by the changes of practices in design, working with the people we design for then the contexts that we design around.

Design before was limited to the design in structure. By this we mean the physicality of design, like sunglasses, you need to know the average shape of the head that you wish to design these sunglasses for. Modernly, we are not just designing by physical design or a person. Now designing has been changed because people want to be connected and accommodated, this involved a process that involves designing how people relate to an interface (not just the physical aspects) and social differences.

Now previously, the individual mind was seen as a powerful told, but now the collective mind is seen as a greater tool. This means included the people people we design for; participatory design. In the video Bill uses the example of using a team of designers and surgeons in the brainstorming process. In this example the surgeons were involved int he process and agreed to the design being proposes because they were a part of the process but they felt that there were being understood. Not only the research and design but also the results. In the example of the blood drive, they design enables people to feel like the end results has benefited them and enhancing their experience (humanizes the process in an intimate way).

The changing the context is the movement towards personal to social welfare, social impact and smart space design; not only a useful and effective design but one that uses the CONTEXT in an innovative and creative way. The most interesting example used in the video would be the Gilbert cubicle project. This project was to prototype of an office space that would limit the mundane, unmotivating and boring space of an office. The idea behind this is the make the workspace more human. After going though ideas, a personal and adaptable space was created that allowed employees to customize their workspace to be more human and personal. This is not about just the space but also how this would impact society (workplaces, workplace practices).

The real time aspect of the Tangible Globe allows you to see people experiencing the earth in real time. For example you can see which areas are experiences night or dawn or sunset. It is interactive so you can see what part of the world you would like. Not only can you see time zones but you can see wind and water currents as they move. Similar to the weather network you can see temperature changes in the water. Significant natural events such as the Tsunami allows you to see the bigger picture; the water currents during the event. The magnifying glass allows you to see the actually effects of the Tsumani in the country.

The movement of air pollutant shows the way the wind currents move pollution around; this is why globally everyone has to cooperate. This Tangible Globe can also predict future environment conditions; global warning and the melting of the ice caps. This design allows us to understand information in an innovative way. An individual has control because they are operating this design themselves.

Notes : Design is dependent on people (physical) -->how big the body if Now design is much more (HCI, interactive) Example of the intel phone Project rooms --> everything on the design put into one place, that way all the information is there Humanize the process --> Just personal product


 * __LAB 8__**

Service design is based on the context that the user is in while using this product or service. This involve the start to finish mapping process of the experience that the consumer has with the service/product; it is this overall journey that makes the experience pleasant or horrible to the consumer. The journey is broken up into stages in which description are made about the service elements. This involve time, sequence of actions and the process of the actions. The line of interaction is the actions and events that happen with the consumer present (line of interaction). Those that happen out of sight from the consumer are considered to be backstage and is still imperative to the delivery and functioning of the service/product (line of visibility).

Context mapping and participatory design is a good way to involve the user. This is a good way of understand what the consumer way without experimentation. The use of lo-fidelity profiling, personas and storyboards are ways in which the consumer can be put through a real life experience that is cost saving and effective in relaying information about the service and the product.

Any scenario where a product or service is tested by a consumer is a good way to use these methods. In a previous HCI class, we had to create a functioning prototype of a innovation dog collar (measures the temperature of a dog and the environment for safety purposes) in which we used personas and storyboards. Members were required to create their own personas which allowed the group to have a solid understand how different personalities and their needs and expectations of a product.

Storyboards are important because it takes these personas and uses them in real situations; Using the personas that were created with the dog collar, we put each persona is realistic and different situations. We then thought about how these people would react/act in each situation and what the consequence would be because of this. This helped us understand what the product was lacking and way to improve this. Storyboards and personas act as informative ways to inform the innovators pre production/implementation with reduces costs. Real world implementations is also another good way to have real people interact with a product/services. This involves a prototype/ trial period of the product/service which does involve cost. These can are lessened so depending on the industry/firm, it may be worth it to get real reactions. Also real world implementations give feedback on how the service/product work in the environment; is it noisy? is it loud enough? can people notice it? This is something a storyboard cannot give feedback on and is very useful to the innovator.

The reasons why microfinance’s are so beneficial are due to sheer need and innovation. Those in Kenya that use this service is because this has become a bottom- top way to understand the dynamics of the market and business strategies. In class the example of a fisherman being able to instantly know the market price of his product was used. Analyzing this, the mobile device has become a way of empowerment on many different levels. The used of cellphones and micropayments allow instant money, better then travelling 3 hours to get to the city in order to get or transfer money. Even today, the conveniences of online transfers allow people to do personal and commercial banking from the ease of one’s bed. With the use of cellphones, money can be transferred from the convenience of one’s own community; although not as advanced as the developed west but extremely advance for those that are living in undeveloped nations. With the issue of resources in third world countries, the use of cellphone has made possible for the poor to use all their resources. For example, say there is a farmer whose crops are ready for harvest. Usually the farmer would harvest his crops, ask his neighbours for sales and then make his way to the city to sell his produce. With the use of a cellphone, the farmer now can connect with not just his neighbours for sales, but those who live in the city, creating clientele possibly as identity for his products; this is a perfect example of bottom-up learning that can stimulate entrepreneurialism and economic growth. I believe the real problem is the institutions that create this top to bottom ideals; this has stunted the growth of the economy by limited the ability of the individuals who need the help the most. These same institutions base everything on literacy. Think about education as an institution; reading and writing are fundamental to succeed. What these capitalist ideals fail to understand is that there is other ways that people can communicate, through symbols, hearing and seeing. These same individuals that are the ones that are just as competent as those that are literate; there are different ways to get to the same end. This revolution in economic and social growth is what makes cellphones (micropayments) successful.