DesBase is a methods tool created for Center of Integrated Design students meant to be a valuable resource for both novices and experienced designers who need guidance through their design research process.
DESIGN RESEARCH, UX/UI, BRANDING
Background
The project aims to develop a tangible resource for design research methods tailored to CID students, with accessibility for a range of experienced design practitioners. Drawing inspiration from the IDEO Method Cards and Universal Methods of Design (UMD), the goal is to create a versatile tool that aids in discovering, studying, and implementing design research methods within the context of the design process.
The Problem
Taking cues from the IDEO Method Cards, emphasis will be placed on portability, intuitive layout, and content richness. The resource will offer quick reference points for various methods, making it easy for users to recall and apply them in their projects. Similar to the UMD, each method entry will feature a concise definition, summary, and visual aids, ensuring clarity and depth of understanding. Additionally, citations for further exploration will be provided to encourage deeper investigation.
Balancing the tactile nature of the IDEO cards with the comprehensive content of the UMD, the final design will strive for a middle ground that fosters engagement and learning. Interactive elements such as flip cards or a modular system will enable users to customize their learning experience, catering to different levels of expertise and specific project requirements. Furthermore, the resource will integrate feedback mechanisms to promote continuous improvement and refinement of design methodologies.
By synthesizing the strengths of both the IDEO Method Cards and UMD, the resulting tool will serve as a valuable companion for CID students, offering practical guidance and inspiration for effective design research practices.
Problem Definition
Working with a team of 18 designers, we quickly broke up into smaller groups to synthesize process between the content and design of our proposed solution
User Research
Content
Our interview pool consisted of a range of people in the design space ranging from industry professionals, design students, and students who have specifically taken the introductory design thinking course
Interview Highlights
Students are more likely to rely on interview based research due to its convenience and accessbility
Introductory classes in design thinking do not have enough of an emphasis on different research methods
There is a server lack of real-world application examples to utilize tools in personal practice
Insights
Designers are more likely to be drawn to visual forms or information, especially when in the process of learning a new topic for the first time
References are helpful in moving the process along when experiencing slow momentum
Outside of interviews, methods will not be used if. not in accessible to the researcher nor will be sought out because of the lack of practice
Design
Design research consisted of learning about different modes of learning information and how that interferes with the type of methods of digesting information
Comparative Analysis Highlights
Most of the IDEO Cards are repetitive and lack significant information to stand out against its similar method card
The functionality of the cards is interactive and compelling for its convenience
The textbook holds extensive information and resources for designers
Categorical organization of both resources are direct and useful for deciding approach to research methods
Categorical organization of both resources are direct and useful in desiring approach to research methods
Insights
It is important to mix and incorporate different learning methods to reach the most amount of people
Digital resources provide an accessible experience for all people
Current resources vary across means of communication and depth
Rapid Prototype
At this point, out team broke up into smaller groups in an exercise to create rapid, lo-fi prototypes using research we had gathered thus far in our design thinking process.
My team was interested in guiding users through a deductive questionnaire that would lead them to a possible solution method for their current stage of design research.
Prototype 2
Prototype 3
Prototype 4
Feedback
Following our division into smaller teams, we reconvened to analyze our lo-fi prototypes, meticulously noting similarities, disparities, and valuable insights guiding our next steps in platform design and defining its essence. Common threads emerged in our focused inquiry, alongside the recognition of ample resources available to users seeking research methodologies, underscoring our collective progress and strategic direction.
Brand Guide
Clean. Colorful. Bright.
As the design team, we collaborated on a mood board for a website with similar brand voices to the clear yet playful platform we were building
Color Palette
Based on our discussions on brand voice and approach to design, I further developed these bright color palettes for the team to deliberate on
We unanimously felt that the third palette was most compelling and offered great contrast for design elements
Typography
On researching the Center of Integrated Design resources and media, it was evident that the center does not rely on single branding and encourages a variety of type
Designers were mostly compelled by the clear and consistent font of League Spartan and Spartan to be used for brand voice through its geometric sans-serif design
Rapid Prototype - Pages
While advancing in the development of the ultimate website copy, the content team concurrently assigns particular pages to kickstart the design phase, exploring the integration of the official branding elements.
Home
Explore
Questionnaire
Results
Or
User Flow
Our aim is to ensure accessibility for both online and in-person students, prioritizing interactivity and portability. We appreciate the functionality of a card format and are also exploring the incorporation of relevant resources to enhance user experience.
High-Fidelity Prototype
User Testing
Our users valued the design elements used throughout the website, but the most common feedback we received with each interview was having consistency in brand voice throughout the entire website. There was also a lack of context for how users got their results and understanding its importance in their design research process.
Final Proposed Prototype
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Questionnaire
