Conceptual Prototype

Project

a) To develop specific user-scenarios about how careerists of the d-generation might interact and benefit from conceptual ISEE products.

b) To prototype an ISEE product to investigate the concept, and to collect user feedback for integration into the design development process of the ISEE system.

Scenario

User-scenarios were developed to demonstrate interaction and benefits of the iPad's ability for video conferencing to careerists. The iPad is a mobile device–your ticket to wireless access to media and information stored on a variety of servers. It also has the ability to conduct live audio and video conferencing.

Conceptual Prototype

Since it wasn't possible to create a working prototype of the mobile device (in 2002), a conceptual prototype was developed to to collect user feedback for integration into the design development process of the ISEE system.

By using conceptual prototyping, we did not need to fully develop an ISEE system. Instead, we simulated the type of information the iPad might provide to allow us to further investigate the validity of the concept and integrate user input in the design development process of the ISEE.

The prototype was created using a laptop computer and pre-shot videos of restaurants, and consists of a scenario that typical ISEE users might encounter in their everyday life. Participants were asked to imagine that their parents are in town visiting, it was dinner time and they needed to select a restaurant to go to. The participants were provided a list of three restaurants to choose from.

First, participants were asked to look at printed advertisements for the three restaurants and select one based on this information.

Second, participants were provided video footage (a simulation of what would be presented on the iPad). Again, they were required to choose from one of the three restaurants to go to for dinner with their parents. The two decisions were followed by questions to investigate their decision making process and the strength of their decision.

Five participants were interviewed. Four of the five were identified as being Careerists and the fifth was identified as representing the average, non-careerist user who might use ISEE.

Careerists

18-24 year olds of the d-generation that are career oriented. They are involved with over two activities, that will enable them to further their pursuit in getting a job. These activities range from school and internships to organizational involvement. They need to access all their information from home, school, work, and even on the go.

The ISEE System

Integrate: utilizing a wireless network, all the information that is used throughout everyday life.

Simplify: Simplify the access and synthesis of the information through integrated products and services.

Educate: through the synthesis of information via media and software

Enhance: the experience of using education to aid in the attainment of a career.

The ISEE system offerings include:

Servers: Main servers installed in homes, schools and at work would house all data. All other products (Ipad, monitors, speakers etc.) provide access to this data.

iPad: Your ticket to wireless access of media and information stored on a variety of servers. It also has the ability to conduct live audio and video conferencing.

iDesk: An interface installed on a desktop, it allows students full access to information on servers and may be linked to class presentations.

Monitors: Installed in the workplace and at home, they also provide server access. They may serve as entertainment devices replacing existing televisions.

Projector: Installed in homes, work, classrooms and anywhere that requires a projection system to display presentations or large scale video.