Client
Philips Design
Role
Designer
Delft University of Technology,
Delft, January 2008
Challenge
How might we help Philips deliver its first robotic vacuum cleaner into domestic environments of tech-innovators as smoothest as possible?
Approach
Ethnographic study, product conceptualization, wireframe design, prototyping, user testing, final product and interface design.
Understanding
The interaction between people and animals was taken as a role model. To get deeper understanding, several in-depth interviews with tech-innovators were run by the help of animal cards. Basically, interviewees were asked to create an order based on the level of ‘trust’ and ‘bond’.
Ideation
Verbal mind mapping gave initial insights to clarify major opportunities.
Ideation
Mind mapping continued with conceptual sketching.
Ideation
Following quick and dirty sketching sessions, I picked 3 conceptual alternatives for further evaluation where I studied technical aspects and interaction scenarios as well.
Ideation
Our face expressions had key role as they reflect our feelings and reactions. Based on the outcome of research phase, it was a good opportunity to help RVC express itself and interact with its owner as intuitive as possible.
Prototyping and Evaluation
Potential users were tested and surveyed about the new device and its user interface. A small LED kit, colored papers and a foam mockup were used for the simulation.
At the end, I had only 3 minutes to make final presentation through a self-explanatory movie. Curious about it? You can watch the entire presentation movie at Vimeo. :)
