WEEK 8 + 9 (10/29-11/11)

The Importance of People 

This talk discussed very actionable steps on design research methods. Things like email writing, in the past have just been an assumption, but these are important skills and to know best practices is very helpful. The lecture was also very concerned with the user. I think it helps to understand why were designing something, and what function it will have in the world. I think a distinction between art and design is function, so having the user in mind at every step of the design process is a good method to integrate.

Cultural Probes

I was unfamiliar with the term "cultural probes" (self reporting method of research), but not the concept. While I've done surveys for UX design before, I like how this lecture tied in the analog work we've doing in this class. The activities like journaling or legos were so unexpected to me.

The Promise of Empathy: Design, Disability, and Knowing the “Other” by Daniela K. Rosner

This paper explores misconceptions around accessibility in design, and how designers often miss the mark while attempting to empathize by doing things like disability impairment simulations. Lilli Irani characterizes this approach as the "design savior complex", and critics have pointed out that this may reinforce stereotypes and ignore more relevant challenges.

Gaver, Dunne and Pacenti, Cultural Probes

The reading that was referenced in the lecture, and gives several examples of cultural probes. I would like to integrate them in the next stages of my project because it's a creative and effective method for gathering feedback and data. I think my favorite was the postcard survey. It's so approachable.

Hanington & Martin, Universal Methods of Design

As I skimmed through this book, I loved the visuals. It had helpful examples of graphs and brainstorming techniques, but I also loved the aesthetic of the designers working at their desks and whiteboards with sticky notes and going out and being interactive in the world.