Download DESIGN BRIEF 1 Final Project Thoughts PROBLEM

DESIGN BRIEF 1 ­ Final Project Thoughts
PROBLEM STATEMENT
My Target Audience needs a way to use technology, specifically computers, without losing a connection to
themselves and their bodies. The history of this problem is that humans have had to physically adapt to the
usage of computers. For example, keyboard and monitor height have a significant effect on computer users’
posture and the development of musculoskeletal disorders and back pain. Computers started out as a
technology marvel but have now turned into a possible health concern.
When researching the context of this problem, many other designers have addressed this problem in a
number of ways. Ergonomic chairs may have been the first attempt to address this issue, with different
types of seating options, from big rubber balls, to kneeling pedestals. The feedback produced from this
option is entirely within the user. Alternatively, there are products that provide external feedback for the user
in the form of vibrating alerts. These devices have to be worn on the body in order to collect posture data.
Instead, I propose a visually based monitoring and alert system built within a computer. While it doesn’t
address the issue of posture when users are not using their computers, my hope is that the product is
effective enough to influence users’ behavior at all times.
When testing my idea with my target audience, I found that they preferred a visual solution over a solely
tactical or audio solution. I decided that they would respond well to visual alerts and since I began this
project during Major Studio 1, have been able to test some initial prototypes with my target audience and
was pleased with the results, though I would like to make some large alterations to the project and continue
testing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
My aim this semester is to improve the general look and feel of my project and the make the functionality
more reliable as well as branch out from just posture and possibly address aural and visual ailments or
stress caused by prolonged computer usage. Currently, to monitor posture, my project utilizes face
detection using the computer’s webcam and I would like to explore alternative ways to measure posture.
The look and feel will address the preferences of my target audience by relying heavily on obvious visual
cues and alerts.The current iteration of my project is web­based, using HTML/CSS and javaScript.
Ultimately, I am interested in transitioning this project to be a desktop application.
I plan on continuing the user test process on each further iteration of this project. The project will be tested
in the context of use by the target audience and its role in their lives. Implementation will be tested, as
prototypes will be achieved as prototype resolutions become more refined and robust.