Conceptual Design

Conceptual Design Process

Our process for coming up with conceptual designs focused on drawing out sketches which we thought communicated what StreetSmart is in our minds. We begun by synthesizing all our ideation and sketching results in order to achieve a high-level understanding of what the product is (interactive perspective), how it fits within its environment (ecological perspective), and how it operates with the user (emotional perspective). 

One thing we took into consideration when creating these designs was metaphors; an analogy which communicated the overarching theme which is expressed through the different qualities which are present. It might be easier for the user to understand the product through a metaphor, since it describes the qualities of our product by referencing it to something the user can comprehend. For example, one of the metaphors which we created for StreetSmart was it being a "home away from home." This established the idea that the app would be used whilst away from home, and during this time, it will act as a safety net where the user will feel safe and comfortable despite being in new territory. 

For each of the conceptual design perspectives, we created a number of different variations. We then looked through each of the designs as a team and commented on each, in order to discern which was most effective at bringing the designer's mental model to life. 

During this whole process, we also discussed the breaking points for users from older models. These breaking points were suggested from group members, TA's and our representative user. 

Description:

This model represents how users engage with this app in a simplistic view; outlining pretty much all features and in what scenarios they would use them. They will navigate around the app by using the three module tabs at the top of the screen which act as a physical affordance. When they click on a specific tab, it will take them to a separate webpage outlining that specific feature. For example, when you click on the journal button at the top, it will take you to a page where you can create a new journal entry or look at old journal entries. These three module tabs are present on all the different screens which a user may find themselves at, furthermore, acting as a convenient feature where users can comfortably navigate around the app. 

Description:

Each of the main tasks is accessible at any point from the navigation bar. This is important because the user's decisions on tasks are completely spontaneous and not sequential. The user may want to do any of the tasks at a given moment. This is indicative of the multiple arrows from the user. The larger circle circle demonstrates that you can enter any task from a task, not just the main home page.

Ecological Perspective Design #1

Description:

This model above describes how our app is utilized within its environment. It all revolves around the user to which he/she engages in different tasks whilst exploring a place which is unfamiliar to them. The user first engages with a survey to get the recommended suggestions, and then the user can begin their odyssey. They utilize the map feature to get around and the journal to document their trip. 

Ecological Perspective Design  #2

Description:

The user can use the app both on and offline. However, when online of course, the user has more options like activity selection, safety information, FAQs, and reviews. StreetSmart uses the user's internet access to retrieve information from its database. We also wanted to portray the ecology perspective of travelers that don't have access to the internet at certain points in time. Prime examples include traveling in airplanes and entering a city where you do not have a data plan. This frequent occurrence for travelers has to be considered. Without the internet, the user can still enter new journal entries, see upcoming events they planned on the app, and review any saved content from when they did have internet!

Emotional Perspective Design #1

Description: 

The initial survey serves as a way to emotionally draw the user by being able to relate to them. They will be curious after the survey to use this on trips once real suggestions can be made. When suggested trips appear, the user sees these as tailored towards them and gives them serious consideration. They make the user excited about the future and plans that they can make within the app. In a way, StreetSmart acts like a friend with local knowledge for the user! StreetSmart also makes it very easy for the user to learn more about their new environment in little time. Also, upon entering a new location for your trip, StreetSmart suggests creating a new trip to catalog your trip and even leave journals. The user has the platform to easily express themselves in a way they'll never forget. Their future selves can go back into in their cataloged past trip and relive the good times. The journaling feature creates a lasting relationship between the user and the app because they'll never want to forget their fond memories in detail!

Emotional Perspective Design #2

Emotional Perspective Description:

This diagram above highlights the emotional aspect of the user who is first unsure and confused about what he will be doing whilst in Paris for the first time. Thanks to StreetSmart, this experience becomes a lot more enjoyable for him. He is easily able to find an activity that sounds fun. He has a great time exploring Paris and loves using all of StreetSmart's features. This diagram also establishes a broader metaphor which is StreetSmart being a "home away from home," which takes someone from feeling scared and oblivious to feeling comfortable and aware.