Ford has a better idea.
Modern infotainment systems come in several varieties. In my research, I found out that while users enjoyed the numerous features of their infotainment systems, they were also intimidated by them. Many vehicle owners simply wanted a sunroof, or leather interior but often navigation or infotainment systems came bundled or packaged with those features. Even more interesting was the fact that while users had purchased this option, the complexity of the systems meant they were often bypassed. In a survey I conducted, several drivers admitted that they depended on mobile devices as a faster solution to perform a function. Ford has the opportunity to capitalize on a users free time and improve their interaction and relationship with their vehicle.
Competitive analysis shows that infotainment systems are available from practically every automaker. Ford is one of the only manufacturers that does not allow app functionality and provide the user with additional ways to interact with their vehicle. A recent study released by AAA revealed that while all systems are considered complex by owners, Chrysler and Toyota have the most highly rated systems because of their ease of operation. BMW, the first manufacturer to modernize the automotive infotainment system offers the most functions and mobile interactivity. Ford, one of the first to bring such functionality mainstream, now makes their system available on nearly every vehicle in their line-up. They must continue to innovate as it is expected of the brand.
I was fortunate to get the opportunity to spend the afternoon with a MyFord Touch "power user." This user was able to recite most voice commands from memory however, adding proof to my theory that trips and customization are best planned in advance or during down time, we had a close call resulting from distracted driving (and I have this close call on video).
This section of documentation in the owner's manual is dedicated expressly to the infotainment system of a Ford vehicle. Given all of the features, I found it surprisingly small however, upon further inspection, I realized more information is available online and in the "help" feature of the infotainment head unit. The takeaway here is that it's hard to take advantage of the time savings that technology offers if users can't understand or access the technology easily.
This looks like a lot of data because it is. I conducted an online survey and received responses from over 40 participants. The survey responses supported the findings I received from in several person interviews and ethnographic research among users of varying technical aptitude.
Research produced a persona who is busy, family oriented, and with a low tolerance for hard to grasp technology. They would like something that works well but they aren't going to spend a lot of time to learn it because they don't have an abundance of free time.
This is the storyboard for the persona's most requested user flow developed from interviews and research. Why must users wait until they are sitting in the vehicle to customize functions? With IoT it's possible to get a head start on technology and on the day. Plan trips during down time - the same way you'd write out a grocery list. It's better for the environment and keeps the focus on driving.
This site map shows the layout of this app. The details of using the app are covered in greater detail with the user flow.
The "hero" flow of the app illustrates the process for planning a trip and sending it to the vehicle to save time. The app has several other functions and these are detailed in other user flows. All of the research I performed demonstrated that users enjoyed the navigation function but had little patience for using precious travel time to input a destination.
All functions of this app are under development and will be updated as time permits.
The following sequence is the initial userflow illustrated by low fidelity wireframes. Later flows and wireframes illustrate a simplified process that came from feedback, testing, and continued iteration.
There are so many great tools to help user experience designers test theories and methods. One of my favorites is the POP app. I've had great success with this tool and it helped me test theories that led to refined user flows in later studies.
User flow affinity diagrams led to iteration and development of the final user flow.
The following sequence illustrates the revised user flow through use of a low fidelity mockup. After testing the initial flow using a number of methods and utilizing feedback from target users, increased functionality and a shorter user path was achieved.
A mid-fidelity wire frame work through allows me to further refine the user's journey.
Mid-fidelity wire frame work through continued.
Examples of some notification screens that a user is likely to encounter while interacting with MyFord Manager.
Serious consideration should be given to situations where users may encounter a malfunction or even danger. I have illustrated a few of those here.
Paper prototypes of the interaction design.
I've built two versions of the interactive model in AxureRP. One model is being used for remote testing and demonstration purposes (pictured), and the second has been loaded onto a handset for field testing.
Test subject performing a usability study on one of the functioning prototypes - feedback is collected and implemented into iterations of the original idea.
Continued iteration of the wireframe and prototype (landing page cont.)
Wireframe/Prototype continued
Before firefighters commit to the very serious task of saving lives, they must pass a battery of tests. This app and administrative system is designed to make the preparation for these exams fun and hold participants accountable. It's also designed to be easy to update and maintain by administrators.
Primary persona that the training platform is designed for.
The training program is also beneficial for firefighters looking to stay current with trends and firefighter technology.
The mentor or administrator that provides guidance and designs testing.
Sample user flow for administrator.
Available flows for test taker.
Low-Fi wireframes for administrative service.
Additional thoughts on Low-Fi wireframes and the administrative process.
Low-fi wireframes of a hero flow taking into account first time sign of the app to training process.
Hgh-Fi wireframe of one of the administrative screens.
Keep the shiny side up!
With the project already in progress, I was approached by software developer Eric Bateman in San Jose, California to consult on a score keeping app for LeMans Karting. Located in Silicon Valley, LeMans Karting is the premier lunchtime and after work motorsports resort for local companies such as Apple Inc. and Tesla Motors.
LeMans has online presence but nothing in the form of a dedicated mobile portal and this was the task presented to Eric. LeMans wanted to provide a way for the highly connected customers to view and compare scores.
My input revolved around use case scenarios, user flows, increasing app functionality and identifying areas for new business.
The persona for this project, Jake (pictured center), is 35, works for a local software company, and likes to get in a few rounds of karting with friends whenever he can. Because of busy schedules, they aren't always able to go together, but they love to have bragging rights, and keep tabs on one another. An app to allow them the opportunity to buy time races, and keep track of records even when they aren't at the track presents the perfect opportunity for LeMans to harness their existing data and introduce a new revenue stream.
The user flow for this app illustrates the consideration given to first time users and my concern for thinking through the entire user experience. A "hero" flow is the ideal situation but as a User Experience designer, it's my responsibility to think through all facets of a user's journey.
Always explain why user information is necessary and the outcome that will result from their work when possible.
Sign in screen
Post app launch landing page
Racing options screen
Android "Tray" functionality
Presented with an opportunity, I wanted to see how much I could accomplish in 24 hours. Ethnographic research? Low and high-fidelity wireframes? How about a working prototype and executive deck? Check, check, and check!
Opportunity: http://business.comcast.com/internet/business-internet
Redesign: http://qtnwsz.axshare.com/#c=2
Empathize, define, ideate, iterate, prototype, test (and get cozy with your diagramming software)! This is the process that I follow to make a user's experience effortless but productive.
In addition to numerous publications, I attend as many industry conferences and workshops as I can. As a UX professional, this keeps me current on techniques and trends and allows me to further my skills. I learned this process from Chris McQustin at a recent workshop.This foam core mockup mobile device allows quick sketches of user experiences without the need for Xcode, Eclipse, or any other IDE. Quickly sketch the steps and walk users through it moments later in your hand. The solution is extremely simple but the value it brings to the rapid prototyping process should not be discounted.
The completed product. The iPhone 9! The user has total control over their experience and can make any experience exactly the way they would like.
A quick view of the mockup being used to develop an apartment finding app.
Teachers pet? Not necessarily, but I always work hard and continuous classroom education combined with real life experiences has provided me with a very applicable skill set. (pictured: note from a professor that is now on my fridge)
Mind mapping is another process that can be used to frame a user's experience and works well for organizing ideas of clients and internal teams.
Card sorting comes in many varieties. Does the process need to include words? This method that I learned involves images and is an effective technique for the process.
Affinity diagraming anyone? This process is used for combining many thoughts that may have seemed wild and abstract into patterns and categories.
User flows are one of the key components to a solid user experience. Carefully thought out user flows are a fundamental step to producing a successful wire frame and ultimately, a sound end user experience.
Storyboarding at the most basic level, this idea will be tested and iterated until businesses can fulfill a user's need in a manner that is unobtrusive and pleasant.
I don't think that user experience design is limited to the web. This device is used to gauge the tactile preferences that users have in regards to keyboard keys. Each key in this cluster feels and sounds different than the one it's next to. This is one way that details can be used to produce a delightful end user experience.
The kitchen is a workplace and a hobby where style is welcomed.
The modern kitchen has changed from a workplace to a gathering place. Cooking is now a full fledged hobby for millions with television and content channels dedicated specifically to its purpose. The enthusiast chef will spend for the right tools and wants nothing but the best.
The shark is a sinister but beautiful creature. Every fin, gill, and surface has a function and with multiple rows of teeth, they certainly know how to chew their food!
A premium compact food processor with tremendous style. Fun and modern, it pulls key styling inspiration from an imposing figure and places those elements into the modern kitchen aesthetic with bright color, modern materials, and whimsical interpretation.
There were dozens of sketch models produced and over 150 drawings. The final three models explore conventional and unconventional packaging and "footprints."
A slimline footprint with the motor and drive as part of the container.
A combination of packaging and styling features that would drive the final design direction.
Further development of the chosen styling direction. The initial elements are beginning to develop in this sketch with ergonomic concerns to be addressed at a later date.
Styling exercise and planning for canson drawing.
A conceptual sketch as the final dimensions were drafted and frozen into place.
This canson drawing is over 3 feet long and demonstrates the features of the food processor. It was a key exercise in developing the final styling for the end product.
The finished product in a view that displays all of the sharklike elements. The handle and container top mimic fins and the controls, now mounted high and within easy reach, gain functionality and mimic an eye from side profile. The "gills" provide cooling and heat extraction for the electric motor and drive system.
Close up shot of the functional heat extraction "gills."
3/4 view shows more elements of the low-profile design and full volumes used to carry out the styling theme.
All components prepped for primer.
Primered and prepped for paint. A two stage base coat and clear coat was used.
An exciting shape to spice up everyday chores.
Just because the modern family is busy doesn't mean they don't have time to stop and appreciate handsome design. As modern technology creeps into all aspects of life, consumers notice the details. For an item as simple as an iron, it's important to keep it straight forward but take advantage of opportunities to make the difference in the details.
Swans and ships are graceful and majestic, yet purposeful. Nautical cues provide inspiration for the final design of this product and are intended provide escape from mundane daily chores.
While hardly in its element on the beach, it's easy to notice the nautical influences in the final product. While the iron certainly serves its purpose as a workaday tool, the aestetics that have developed from careful attention to detail present a design that anything but ordinary.
The process of incorporating the desired design cues began with the process of developing empathic sketches. Well over 100 thumbnails were developed (this sheet alone measuring more than 5 feet in length) before computer assistance was enlisted to explore additional options.
Here an earlier option demonstrates consideration given to other concepts. Even at rest, I wanted the iron to display unconventional qualities.
Additional development of forms and their necessity to not impede function.
Continued development of shapes and volumes.
The implementation of computers to develop hand sketches was used to explore shapes and move them to the development phase. This is one of several shapes that would be explored in later mockups.
Another variant of computer aided sketch development.
I developed 1/2 scale models from the many computer assisted and paper sketches. From Left to Right: A lighter take on traditional elements, heavy elements, a combination of elements, very heavy and full volume exploration.
Derived from hundreds or simple empathic and more developed sketches, in this sketch we begin to see the elements of the final shape develop for the first time.
Continued development of the preferred styling direction.
Often a designer's best work is done in the heat of the moment. These pen sketches on simple lined paper explore the non-traditional approach I wanted to use for interacting with the iron. Why does a premium iron need to be analog? Additionally, the silhouette and details of the overall shape are closer to finalization.
Continued exploration of shapes, styles and details.
I took the opportunity to explore the details with something as overlooked as the base plate and heating element. In these baseplate mockups I continued to explore a nautical theme and a more conventional one as well.
The final shape shows the ability of a surface break and means for construction to be turned into a styling cue. The lower, dark portion of the iron resembles the water line of a waterfowl or ship moving swiftly through a body of water.
The baseplate was designed to resemble the movement of water as disrupted by the bow of a ship.
Function must still be present but the need for these details must not detract from the overall design. The cord and power/hot light are hardly glamorous, but they are necessary and consideration was given to their placement and integration.
Viewed from head on, the intent of all elements is visible. The break of the bow is very present when viewed from this angle however the consideration given to other surfaces are readily apparent as well.
A light render and further development.
The process of devising the final design was an act of exploring the options in full scale models. More than three models were developed however, these most closely demonstrate the elements that would be see final production.
Another early mockup exploring lighter styling elements and handle design.
Perhaps the closest to the final design, this version explores surfaces and control placement. This shape was put through the rigors of ergonomic testing as well (and the handle with re-glued to the body no less then 4 times!).
The baseplate was constructed from grade 36 steel. I cut, drilled, and polished this to the drafted specification used for the final design.
Made from several pieces of Renshape, Bondo, and blueprints that I drafted, the form took shape over several weeks.
The handle was developed into an ergonomically pleasing shape through many studies and trials.
The completed form before the final epoxy construction and paint.
I sketch non-web stuff A LOT. I think it's good to dabble in other areas because it keeps the mind sharp and the dreams big.
Before there was the Sony Dash or Amazon Echo there was Maestro. This sketch utilizes my vision for smart cards, gestural remote operation and storage. Much of concept is still relevant despite advanaces in technology since the idea. (marker, ink, ballpoint pen)
A sturdy and low cost mobile device for developing economies. (canson paper, marker, and colored pencil)
Pre-Wii Nintendo game console styling exercise. (canson and colored pencil)
Further development of game controller for Nintendo Merlin. (canson and colored pencil)
Quick recreational sketch for tall city vehicle showing maximization of space. (ballpoint pen)
A toaster with personality! (ballpoint pen, colored pencil, marker)
America's sweetheart, the Mustang. This sketch from the fall of 2000 shows a styling direction that is not dissimilar to the one Ford has taken recently. (ballpoint pen)
This projector sketch is visually entertaining and full of automotive styling cues. (ballpoint pen)
Mobile device for extreme conditions (ballpoint pen, marker, colored pencil.
My tribute to the the owl. A majestic and careful observer (charcoal).
Study of simple forms (charcoal)
