Theme 5: Design research, part 1

How can media technologies be evaluated?

Media technologies can best be evaluated by doing different user tests. There are a lot of different methods of analysing how users are using a technology, for example, focus groups, eye tracking, using prototypes and speak loud method. In the article written by Haibo Li, they used ISO recommendations, which says that usability of a system can be measured by evaluating effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction for the user to achieve specific goals.

What role will prototypes play in research?

By doing a prototype of the product, it can be tested on users before making the final product. There are both low and high quality prototypes, both as important to use. A design process should preferably be iterative, where the prototype is tested and adjusted again and again until a perfect final product can be produced. This process will both keep the costs down and result in a better product.

Why could it be necessary to develop a proof of concept prototype?

A proof of concept is a realization of an idea to demonstrate its feasibility and to verify if the concept has a potential. It saves money and time and is a great way of showing potential vendors, of the product, how it will work.

What are characteristics and limitations of prototypes?

Since a prototype is just a model of a specific final product, it will be of a lower quality than the final product. Some functions may by missing and the product can consist of a different material. Therefor the biggest limitation is that users may get a wrong perception and feelings towards the product. It is important that the final prototype is designed to meet up to the final products characteristics and quality.

How can design research be communicated/presented?
I think prototyping is a good way to communicate the idea of a product or a theory. The prototype can be of low quality at the beginning of the design process, using just pen and paper for example. Making a movie where the concept and idea is described is a good and easy way of showing the design idea. Data (diagrams, tables) and text can also be helpful. Also, I think it is important to be clear of what the purpose with the product is, what problem is it solving and why is it necessary?