Sensory sensitivities in tool usage
Sensory sensitivities in tool usage
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The rise of 3D printing technology has revolution manufacturing and innovation. Yet, it brings challenges like sensory anxiety, which is heightened sensitivity to the sensory aspects of the 3D printing process, hindering effective engagement and adoption.
Role: Principal UX Researcher
Project Type: Master's Thesis
Timeline: Sep 2023 - May 2024
Advisor: Amy Hurst (NYU Ability Project)
Project Overview
Project Overview
Context: This is my master's thesis at New York University, Tandon School of Engineering.
Problem: There's a neglect of sensory considerations in 3D printing education and training, leading to avoidance behaviors and reduced confidence in utilizing the technology, ultimately impeding its widespread integration and adoption across various industries.
METHODS
METHODS
Literature Review
Participant-as-observer
Sensory workshop
Observations
Participant workshop interviews
Qualitative data analysis
Goals of this research
Goals of this research
My overall goal is to help overcome potential worries and anxieties, increase independence, and make student tool training more comfortable to hopefully inspire maker spaces to adopt sensory guides to their training modules.
Process
Process
Literature Review: Understanding existing research that has been made on sensory sensitivities and any correlations to sensory and anxiety.
User Research: Conducted a sensory workshop, observations and user interviews were made to understand more about sensory sensitivities and user experience.
Prototyping: Analyzed the results and created a tool to help those who experience sensory sensitivities.
User Testing: Tested the findings and got user feedback on how to improve my tool.
Why create a game as the tool?
Why create a game as the tool?
Doing background research on existing guides an important feature that stood out to me is that guides should be easily accessible through various channels, such as the park's website, mobile apps, and printed materials to accommodate various visitors.
I’m interested in games and I believe games can be used as a successful learning tool. I got inspired by this game called Satisgame. It’s a game used to create satisfaction and calm an individual during a stressful time. Every scene was crafted to simply give satisfaction when an individual is tasked to complete an activity given (such as tidying, jigsaw puzzles, anti-stress, puzzles, etc.) The game’s design is simple, and user-friendly, making it easy to navigate and understand. These games can help reduce stress and anxiety, creating a conducive environment for learning.
I decided to combine both the game and the importance of a sensory guide to create a virtual simulation of the printing process, individuals can practice and familiarize themselves with the equipment, procedures, and sensory experiences in a stress-free environment. Through progressive exposure to different aspects of 3D printing, users can gradually build tolerance to sensory stimuli and develop confidence in their abilities.
IDEATIONS
IDEATIONS
Figure 1: LEGOLAND® California Resort Sensory Guide
Figure 1: LEGOLAND® California Resort Sensory Guide
Figure 2: Summit One Vanderbilt
Figure 2: Summit One Vanderbilt
Figure 3: Satisgame
Figure 3: Satisgame
Figure 4: Satisgame
Figure 4: Satisgame
user research
user research
Participant-as-observer
Participant-as-observer
Goal: The researcher engaged in participant observation at a 3D printing lab, adopting the role of the researcher (master student) and the participant (intern) was aware of documentation which included interactions, sensory experiences, and projects for detailed analysis.
Observation list:
My field notes encompassed a wide range of topics of interest, including the intern's interactions with the 3D printer, their sensory sensitivities log, the projects they were working on, the tools they used or neglected, and their interaction with the 2D game.
FINDINGS:
Throughout the sessions with the participant, he …
experience texture sensitivities, he didn’t like the textures that were left when using supports. He described them as, “sharp, too harsh, and it’s going to cut me.” Due to this sensitivity, he is aware and creates resistance when being asked to add supports to a 3D model. In addition to support, a raft is also a texture problem.
first experienced annoyance of sound. The 3D printer's sound was described as a “microwave and scanner.” Sounds are an important part of knowing what that experience is like because it’s common for a 3D printer to make all sorts of beeps.
was unsure if the door to the 3D printer could be open when the printer was turned on. It caused worries that the inside would be hot and cause disruptions to the printer if the door opened while plugged in.
Sensory Workshop:
Sensory Workshop:
Goal: A 3D printer sensory workshop was conducted to educate participants on the sensory aspects of 3D printing, followed by hands-on practice to observe behavior and interactions, enhancing user experience and sensitivity awareness.
Agenda: Participants were asked to sit through a 30-minute long presentation where I introduced students to what they may expect when working with a 3D printer focusing on the sensory components. After, participants were asked to use the 3D printers as practice and explore sensory components that were mentioned in the workshop as I got to observe behavior and interactions from participants. This workshop acted as a practice training guide that shifted its focus to user experience and sensory sensitivities
Observation list:
How do participants react to the noise generated by the 3D printers?
Are there noticeable changes in their behavior or engagement levels based on different noise levels?
How do participants respond to the odors emitted during the 3D printing process?
Are there specific moments or materials that trigger stronger reactions?
Are there instances where temperature impacts their comfort or engagement?
How do participants interact with the 3D printing equipment?
Are there challenges or difficulties encountered during their interactions?
Are there specific sensory factors that noticeably affect their engagement or negative? Like a pattern?
How do participants react to the introductory lecture about 3D printers, steps, materials, and software?
FINDINGS:
Participants…
expressed annoyance with the sound, shaking heads.
did not like the feel/texture of the material.
were unsure if it was safe to open the printer door while printing.
covered ears and squinted eyes.
tapped fingers, possibly in anticipation or checking for heat.
Workshop Participant Interviews:
Workshop Participant Interviews:
Goal: Before and after exposure to 3D printing, participants underwent interviews to gauge expectations, perceptions, and concerns regarding sensory challenges, providing insights into how a sensory guide workshop affected their experience and preparedness for 3D printing training.
Questions asked:
Before-Interview Questions:
What are your initial expectations and perceptions regarding 3D printing technology and its sensory aspects, such as noise, odor, and heat?
Have you had any prior experiences with 3D printing, or is this your first exposure to it?
How do you anticipate sensory challenges, like noise and odor, may affect your overall experience and well-being while working with 3D printers?
Are there specific concerns or anxieties related to sensory issues that you would like to express before your involvement with 3D printing and the Ability Project?
After-Interview Questions:
How has your perception of 3D printing and its sensory issues, including noise, odor, and heat, changed after your involvement in the Ability Project?
Did you encounter any sensory challenges that you had not anticipated before your exposure to 3D printing technology?
Have you developed any strategies or coping mechanisms to deal with the sensory issues encountered during your work with 3D printers?
Can you describe any changes in your well-being, comfort, or anxiety levels after your engagement with 3D printing in the Ability Lab?
FINDINGS:
During my interviews, the two most anticipated issues were noise and odor. Participants expressed concerns that the noise would negatively affect their overall experience with the printers and bad odors. In addition, participants mentioned using coping mechanisms for dealing with noise such as leaving, ignoring, or using headphones.
“I’m very sensitive to smells, so if there were an odor that was unpleasant or strong, I feel I might be affected, where I would need to take breaks or move away from the space. The same goes for the volume of the sounds from the printers” - Participant 7
“Leave the room after starting the print or put on headphones” - Participant 11
After the workshop was presented and I talked about the importance of sensory considerations while also giving them a 3D printer tour of the sensory considerations to keep in mind, participants experienced positive changes in well-being and felt calm.
“I think my well-being increased for the better actually because I learned the positive sides of 3D printing” - Participant 2
I learned about the printer’s movement and sensory expectations, which increased my comfort levels” - Participant 7
“I feel comfortable asking questions, getting engaged with the tool that they had in the Ability Lab” - Participant 8
“I think it’s not as intimidating as I thought it would be.” - Participant 10
PROTOTYPE AND USER FEEDBACK
PROTOTYPE AND USER FEEDBACK
Version 1:
Version 1:
The researchers utilized paper and digital tools like Canva and Illustrator to create mockups, icons, and visuals for a 3D printing sensory experience game, later implemented in Unity and C# script. The game interface focused on user experience, presenting sensory components such as sound with interactive controls and descriptive text based on real-life experiences.
Critique Round 1: Feedback highlighted issues with color contrast in version 1, leading to a shift to a black-and-white design for simplicity. The use of pre-designed icons from the Noun Project was praised for promoting accessibility and quick communication.
Version 2:
Version 2:
The game transitioned to a black-and-white design with simplified mechanics, using metaphorical scenes to enhance sensory understanding without traditional scoring or objectives.
Critique Round 2: Suggestions focused on refining design hierarchy, incorporating real user input for sensory descriptions, and addressing challenges in representing touch experiences like texture boards within the game interface. An emphasis was placed on creating a design framework to reveal the sources of sensory descriptions to tie choices to real people nd enhance user understanding and engagement.
The noun project
The noun project
Icons were used from The Noun Project for the final version of the game.
Version 1
Version 1
Version 2
Version 2
Final Version
Final Version
nEXT STEPS AND FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
nEXT STEPS AND FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
In the future, my goal is to continue working on this project. Below is a list of things I wish to further work on.
Using my completed IRB, I would like to have a sensory workshop that would let participants explore different sensory stations (real-life mockups) of what they may expect when working with or near a printer. I would also like participants to evaluate the tool (game) and get participants to provide feedback on how helpful the tool has been to successfully prepare them for their sensory experiences.
I would also like to take it to my university maker space and get feedback from student workers who help train students on campus for any feedback on my tool. I would like to ask for insight information about their experiences when training students and any obstacles they’ve encountered training students with sensory sensitivities.
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