Week 2: Analog – Group

The Challenge

We had 3 team members and 90 minutes to complete the following design challenge:

Create a quick, low fidelity prototype of an “EcoATM”, an interactive kiosk for recycling your used electronic devices like smartphones for cash or other value.

Assume this is a redesign of one component with a goal of reducing the number of distinct steps and moving parts in the interaction sequence.

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Requirements for your prototype:

This prototype exercise is not about focusing on cosmetic, look and feel, but rather basic physical format and arrangement of components and interactions. It does not need to be 100% scale, however it should support the design and evaluation of the following interactions:

  • Allow user to select options and enter text on a touch screen interface
  • Open and close a compartment for scanning, plug in and deposit of the device (must accommodate up to a full size iPad)
  • Have a mechanism to assure the user that the device has been securely deposited
  • Verify the users’ identity (scan photo ID)
  • Print and deliver a receipt and/or QR Code sticker

The focus of this exercise is not to design the digital or screen based UI, but rather to begin to explore the general sequence of digital and physical interactions at a high level, and consider:

  • How do you quickly and simply use basic low-fidelity materials to express form and create enough context to portray a kiosk experience without having to build the whole device? Can you do a scale prototype? Can you prototype just portions of the experience?
  • Where to position the physical affordances for interaction, such as the compartment, cash return, touch screen, area for company branding? What are the ergonomic considerations in order to accommodate many different potential users?
  • What interactions can and should be accomplished via digital touch screen vs. other modes of interaction and feedback (audio, haptic, mechanical, visual)? How will you prototype these to evaluate them?
  • For volume constraints, assume that the system needs to include the equivalent of a desktop flat bed scanner and a standard size laptop, as well as a compartment for storing devices.
  • This is a lot to tackle in a short exercise. Just pick one aspect of the experience to focus on and prototype a potential change or refinement of, then quickly start making and experimenting.

The Team

From clockwise:

  • Kyle Nesburg
  • Gail Thynes (myself)
  • Mark Stamnes

The Process

We had little time to apply an iterative approach, and that wasn’t the idea behind this assignment.  We conducted a brief internet search to understand the functionality of the EcoATM and brainstorm areas for improvement.

We decided to focus on the scanner bed for the imaging.  We felt the physical design of the ATM did not adhere to accessibility guidelines.  It was difficult to get close to if you were in a wheel chair which made is challenging to use the scanner.

We began sketching a few ideas.

IMG_1673

We decided to design a flat faced ATM that would allow users  to get up close to the machine.  The Scanner bed would roll out of the machine to allow the user to place the device on the glass bed of the scanner.  Then started building with our hands and troubleshooting along the way.

The Results

  • Flat face interface
  • Order of operations were numbers to improve speed and comprehension
  • Scanner bed rolls out so user can place device on the scanner bed and roll it back in.  This is easier to access for users in wheelchairs.

For a better understanding of how our EcoATM works, see the brief video below.  Please note, I was not prepared to speak to our project process and design and it was very impromptu.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/27327424@N00/16472070364/in/set-72157651853067432