UX Project Assignments

Task

Your task will be to eventually develop at least a prototype or mockup of a software, an app, or a service in a user-centred design (UCD) process. You will use several different methods throughout the UCD, and finally - most probably in part two of the module in the winter term - test the mockup or prototype.

Remember: We want to mainly think about the interaction, the user interface, and/or the user experience. We are not concerned about the technology which might be needed in the background and how this technology is implemented. E.g. If your app is supposed to use AI-technology for some kind of matchmaking, you will not need to implement the AI. You will just suppose the AI works fine and work on what the app looks like for the user and how the user can interact with it.

To get the project started, each group will have to

• define the objective, purpose or function of their planned product, or app,
• look for other comparable or partly similar products or apps,
• describe these other products and apps in terms of what is good and what can be improved or should be changed (strength & weaknesses),
• write down their ideas below in the project description.

Examples

Here are some possible ideas which you can take up. But you might as well want to define your own idea. Talk about it in your project group.

Vaccination planning, appointments and tracking

Organising vaccination quickly and efficiently is a daunting task, How could a platform be offered that would support the different actors involved in vaccinations and coordinate them with the patients to be vaccinated.

Remote caretaking for the elderly

During the pandemic, caring for relatives in need of care has become more difficult when direct contacts pose a risk. How could support in everyday task be organized remotely?

Remote concerts

In what way can online concerts be conducted and billed so that visitors are satisfied and artists can earn a living.

Personal algorithmic investing support system

Private investors who are interested in investing in the stock market often have little or no knowledge of investment strategies and behavioural economics. Design a platform that supports such investors in pursuing informed and rational strategies, making investment decisions and mitigating typical drawbacks of heuristics and biases.

Covid-19 Tracker

Develop a COVID-19 tracking device or app that would allow to warn people if they have been in contact or somehow near a person infected with COVID-19. This is a very tricky example, as there might be a lot of concern about privacy and data protection issues.

Integrated remote teaching platform for a medium sized University with three different locations

You have now seen a couple of Video-Conferencing and distance learning tools. Now the task is to integrate different functions into one platform and at the same time provide an easy and pleasant to use tool. What would it look like and which functions should be available.(Besides: This could also be used to improve Trainex.)

Integrated Tourist Site-Seeing and Mobility App

Where are the nice places and how do I get there? This is what tourist often ask when exploring a city like Berlin. The BVG-App does provide some nice features and Google Maps has surprising function. And what if this is integrated with a travel guide and access to several different mobility services, including bike-sharing etc.

Projects - Summer 2021

Group 1 (Berlin) - Remote Concert

This project is about in what way can online concerts be conducted and billed so that visitors are satisfied and artists can earn a living. The main objective of the project is to overcome the in-site aspect of concerts, while keeping all the salient aspects of the real-life experience, for both artists and concert attendants.

Group 2 (Cologne) - Project Title

Please describe your project in a paragraph or two.

We aim to establish a uni platform forming a hub for all tools a student might need. This will be intuitive and aesthetic including functions such as a responsive timetable, canteen plans, tools for students to collaborate and supplying learning materials.

Projects - Summer 2020

Group 1 - Student Support System for Uni-related Projects

We want to create an app or platform which will support students in doing their assignments in a more productive and enjoyable way. Our idea is that this will be achieved through a tracking and reward system while also including psychological aspects like motivation. So far we think that it should be able to be included in already existing platforms like Trainex or StudIp. Ideally, teachers could add assignments or projects as well. Furthermore, the connection to existing To-Do apps and calendars should be integrated. Our contextual inquiry shall include a survey for finding out about people's typical apps used and which features they like and miss. Then, a simulation / interview shall be done, where we give people a scenario or make them think of a project they did in uni and walk through it with them to find out more about feelings, tools used, processes and more. Furthermore, we also want to do interviews at their "workplace" with shem showing us how they plan/ned uni assignments in front of the camera while we are able to ask questions.

Group 2 - Investment Portal for Beginners

Simple step-by-step information sharing portal giving an overview of financial investing, investment strategies and steps to invest for novices/beginners i.e. people who have never invested before and don't know how to go about it. We will be using 3 methods for our contextual enquiry. The first method is using a questionnaire to understand the needs and goals of the participant. The next method includes a detailed interview with the participants using the survey to dig deep into their motivation to invest. The third method used is observing the participant as they use other online platforms to gain information via screen sharing.

Group 3 - Student support system in HMKW

A platform for the HMKW University students which enables them not only to enhance their knowledge base by sharing notes with each other but also is a networking system which works like a support group, buddy app, and job portal when required. Formal in its approach with the section which allows them to gain notes from their fellow students as well as their seniors. Informal because it is a medium to connect with friends, share information about events around the city, and also have Job opportunities from the alumni.

Group 4 - Get Together App

We want to build a platform that connects people who are physically close, by activities that they would be interested in doing together. It could be for cooking, exercising, playing board games, learning a new language, etc. In order for us to structure the app, we created a survey that would make us understand better our target audience and their wishes. Afterwards, we want to observe people using apps who have similar goals and see how they perceive their usability. Based on all the informations acquired, we want to enhance the ideas we have for the Get together App and make it the most user friendly possible.