a_capstone_project

byseen <3

[capstonebyseen]

current status + tools_and_technologies + current_status + my_challenges_and_solutions

At the end of week 11, I received feedback from Aldo, the Emerging Technologies technician and Mairi, my stream supervisor, regarding my solution. In the figure below, I have displayed their feedback with possible solutions and mitigations I could make to develop my prototype further.

fig. 1 Feedback Session Notes

With the time I have, however, I feel that I may not be able to achieve some of the objectives listed above to its full extent.

The images displayed below illustrate the current visuals of the prototype. Although the minimalist and brutalist aesthetics that I've incorporated are visually appealing to those belonging to my target demographic, I also think that further research and justification as to why these aesthetics are the strongest in conveying my message and reaching my objective is needed.

fig. 2 Visuals of 'MONA'

I reformatted the ratio and sizing of my Figma prototype from an iPhone 11 sizing to an iPad 11.2". This was done due to realising that my physical prototype for the ReDesign exhibition would be displayed on an iPad screen and not a phone. I must admit that doing this had taken some time due to already having a previous wireframe and having to re-do it. However, it was also relatively straightforward in that I already had something to refer to.

fig. 3 & 4 Current State of 'MONA' Prototype

Lastly, I revised and evaluated the current state of my prototype. Even with the short time I have left, a time to step back and reflect on what I have produced so far was necessary. In the image below, I have further described why I had done this task.

fig. 5 Revision & Evaluation

16.10.2023 9.13am

[capstonebyseen]

happy_thoughts_04 + sad_thoughts_04

I am pretty relieved that I have accomplished what I have with the overall project. Although a tremendous amount of tasks still need to be completed for me to produce my prototype successfully, I am happy with what I have created so far. I am excited to complete the project that I have been putting a significant amount of time and energy towards.

Simultaneously, I, again, feel relatively low over the fact that this will be my final project in my design degree. With regard to the project, I could have completed some major tasks much earlier and avoided the ongoing waves of anxiousness that formed as a result. Due to not having kept up to date with my Gantt chart and, instead, mindlessly completing tasks and activities based on my intuition and feeling, I have fallen off track a bit with my process and may need to proceed with the rest of my project at a faster pace.

15.10.2023 10.39pm

[capstonebyseen]

sad_thoughts_03

I don’t think any part of this project has mainly made me sad. I feel pretty tired and sometimes overwhelmed. I will meditate more. Maybe I will do some of the tasks and activities I plan to implement into the application.

2.10.2023 11.55am

[capstonebyseen]

happy_thoughts_03

In designing my graphics and branding for my application, I was happy that I could do this part of the application. In the past, having prototyped UX/UI designs, I haven't been able to produce the graphics for the design as that had been assigned to another member of the group. Having created my logo and made my own decisions for the visual imagery for my application, I am happy with what I have accomplished with my solution's prototype.

2.10.2023 11.53am

[capstonebyseen]

tools_and_technologies + current_status + my_challenges_and_solutions

The program I am using to wireframe is Figma. My skills and experience in Figma are solid. My current knowledge in creating my application will allow me to produce a prototype, allowing user testers to understand how the application will be used. However, the weakness of this program is that I won't be able to produce a fully working application. The extent to which the users will be able to interact with the application will be very minimal, and the prototype won't be able to fully fulfil its properties in being an application that would enable users to complete tasks and activities and achieve the objective of gaining a calming and meditative mental state.

fig. 1 Possible Activities/Tasks

Above, I have iterated the tasks that will be featured on the application. The properties and functions of the activity/task have been illustrated. The challenge with this function is how I'd be implementing this on my prototype. Whether this be through a working prototype or not. My current options involve integrating a video of how an active task would look like or linking an existing application/plug-in as a substitute. With this being said, my current challenge is conveying my objective of providing calming and meditative services through art-based tasks and activities. As Figma will only enable me to produce a semi-working prototype, I won't be able to provide a fully working application.

To resolve these challenges, I will research how to reach my objective and properly convey my solution through the application to a high standard. Furthermore, my next steps will be to look at all my objectives and see how I may prioritise them to properly and successfully showcase my solution.

2.10.2023 11.44am

[capstonebyseen]

current_status

Currently, this project is in the middle of its prototyping phase. At present, I am towards the end of wireframing my application. Usually, when doing this part of my design phase, I have been eager to complete the entire wireframe in one go. However, now that I have had to consider multiple aspects of the application, such as the different features and functions of the system, I have had to go through the process in fragments. In doing this, I am making decisions more deliberately and with intentions that would benefit the subsequent phases of my design process. An example of this is that rather than spending a tremendous amount of time on minor details such as the writing or the colouring of a shape, simply inputting the base shapes on a page has gotten me much further with the process but has also allowed me to think about the user experience of the application much more extensively.

fig. 1 Wireframe of 'MONA'

Above is a screen capture of my current wireframe. My existing wireframe is quite strong regarding interactiveness and simple user navigation.

However, before having jumped on to my wire-framing, I had gathered and iterated my application's visual imagery and branding. When considering the colouring and imagery of my application, I'd like for it to convey a fun and creative approach while still keeping it minimal and embodying meditative and calming visuals. Below are screen captures of my process, from curating a Pinterest board to iterating my chosen brand, 'MONA'.

fig. 2 Pinterest Board Screen Capture

fig. 3 Screen Capture of Miro Board

fig. 4 'MONA' Brand Iterations

2.10.2023 10.34am

[capstonebyseen]

sad_thoughts_02

not a sad thought this week no sir !

26.03.23 8.19pm

[capstonebyseen]

happy_thoughts_02

I'm relieved and happy that I have finally chosen my solution/final product. One thing I made sure that I was including was the element of art and its possible opportunities for positive impact. Art and the practice of it have been a large portion of my life for as long as I can remember, so integrating this aspect into my final project has made me feel very attached and emotionally tied to my current concept. In making this decision, I feel more confident and secure in pursuing my research and creating my solution to a high standard.

I feel as content like this little Welsh Mountain sheep.

via Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.nz/pin/811422057853322941/

25.08.23 10.46am

[capstonebyseen]

current_status + my_challenges_and_solutions

After many re-iterations, further ideating, and brainstorming, I finally chose my final outcome/solution. I plan to go towards a new direction towards UX/UI and 3D modelling rather than VR/AR and 3D modelling. Furthermore, after looking back at my past ideations, I have planned to re-integrate the use of physiological sensors into the solution. And so, how did this re-direction begin?

fig. 1 Contacting Research Area: Lynda Gerry

With the information I had received from Joy regarding 'Paint with Me', I suddenly realized that the direction I was going in for my research could have been more organized and clear. I had too many components that I wanted to intertwine and integrate into my study and solution. Furthermore, after speaking with another student, she told me to 'play with your strengths'. While redirecting my research/solution, I will also be looking toward a direction I am more familiar with. In saying this, I'll revise my core values and critical aims. I will begin this by creating new HMW statements. My next step will be gathering the fundamental research/case studies on which I will base my research/solution.

fig. 2 Revising Past Solutions

Above, I looked at what key elements I had found strong in my past solutions/ideation rounds. Furthermore, I've taken note of the opportunities that I have been presented with for possible solutions/outcomes.

fig. 3 Core Values

In a previous class, we had looked at our core values and what we wanted to represent and project onto our research and project. I found this to be quite a good activity in better understanding what matters and ethics I'd wish to my solution to produce and present to others.

My greatest challenge is still properly managing my tasks and following through with the plans and timeline I had assigned for myself. I find myself following a whole other plan and timeline rather than going through with what I have planned. This is not necessarily bad, so letting things occur and flow as long as I'm still meeting deadlines is all right. However, because I have been on the verge of falling behind schedule, I will need to change my plan and timeline to have more room for re-direction and non-linear methods in completing tasks.

Overall, this re-direction is an excellent opportunity to research and produce an outcome with a new template and fabricate new ideas. I can follow through with the research with much more confidence and stability rather than feel unsure and unconfident about my thoughts and processes. The only disadvantage I see coming out of this is my lack of time to research and produce my final product. With the amount of time I spent in my first research phase, I might fall into the same pattern and routine as I had previously. However, understanding now that that stemmed from my lack of confidence in the project, my process and practice will improve and change to overcome this disadvantage.

24.08.23 11.16am

[capstonebyseen]

tools_and_technologies

In finally deciding what I want my final outcome/solution to look like at a base level, I have chosen the tools I plan to use. I'll be using the following tools/technologies:

In using Figma, I can prototype the application I have envisioned for my final outcome. This tool has no weaknesses as it is pretty well-equipped to support all the features and aspects I plan to include to build my final prototype.

With Blender3D, a strong point with this program is the amount of tutorials that are available online that will enable me to produce specific outcomes and elements that I will then input into my application. I plan to utilize its high-quality rendering and animation properties. The weakness this program has, however, is the lack of interactive stimulation. This feature is essential for the outcome I am planning on producing. Nonetheless, because I do have some experience with Blender and am not entirely unfamiliar with it, navigating through the software will be a good learning experience.

For project management, I'll use Miro Board to plan my project and document the process. I am familiar with this program, so it will be easy to navigate it and use it as my central platform for the entire project. The only weakness this program has is the lack of navigating through particular tasks and managing them throughout the program. Initially, I planned to use ClickUp as a third party to manage my tasks, as navigating and managing tasks was a strength that ClickUp had. However, I'd be more comfortable using a customizable timeline only Miro could provide. What ClickUp lacked, Miro made up for and vice versa. Miro has just won me over for the familiarity and more customizable features.

References Kanai, P. (2023). The pros and cons of using Miro software. Articles for Project Managers - the Project Management Network. https://projectmanagers.net/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-miro-software/#:~:text=The%20Cons%20or%20Disadvantages%20of%20Miro&text=No%20way%20to%20save%20custom,standardize%20processes%20within%20the%20team.

24.08.23 10.25am

[capstonebyseen]

late_night_01

I hope I don't do this last minute again for the next check-in. I've had a looooong night.

via Pinterest - https://pin.it/2WmEX95

6.08.23 11.14pm

[capstonebyseen]

current_status

At this very moment, I believe I have done an immense amount of work planning and refining my research proposal. But in all honesty, it doesn't feel like enough sometimes. There's this guilty weight on my chest that I thought I should have done more in the past three weeks. Regardless, below are a few screen captures (plus annotations) of my research process's significant aspects so far.

fig. 1 How Might We? Part One

fig. 2 How Might We? Part Two

These 'How Might We' statements have greatly shaped the direction in which my solution to the challenge was heading towards.

fig. 3 Ideation: Brainstorming

Using pen and paper, I broke down the brief and and integrated my main objective in using meditation and relaxation within a VR environment to support and help individuals with a depressive disorder. From here, ideas and possible concepts sprouted. A plan was in fruition.

fig. 4 Iterations and Rapid Prototyping

Doing a rough sketch and putting down the basic information I have for a possible solution was an effective way in iterating and getting my ideas down. I found myself struggling with this part in the past as I had usually done this step through a digital platform.

fig. 5 Chosen Concept and Mood Board

I like where I'm at now. The integration of art and it positive impacts into this brief feels very strong and will only continue to evolve and develop as I progress through this research.

6.08.23 11.04pm

[capstonebyseen]

sad_thoughts_01

I wish I could say nothing about this project has made me sad so far. However, the thought of this being my final project for my undergraduate design degree saddens me immensely. Time truly has flown. Just two years ago, I sat in my first year's hall, sitting at my desk late at night, trying to complete an assignment due the following day, just like I am right now. This realisation has made me reminisce about all my memories solely because I had chosen this pathway in 2020; I don't think I even imagined my final years at this institution. I hope this final project can bring me the happiness and contentment that this degree has brought me for the past three years.

6.08.23 9.54pm

[capstonebyseen]

happy_thoughts_01

The most consistent thought I've had throughout this process so far is that I am delighted with the fact that I can integrate my love for art into the challenge's brief. My original proposal had been quite different from what I knew, so there was this constant weight on my chest that I'd be capping my design degree off with a project I wouldn't have my whole heart in. I feel more comfortable and content now that I can incorporate art and the concept of using art for a positive impact into my final project.

Below is an image that makes my heart feel warm and content, and I hope this feeling is also conveyed when my solution is used and tested.

John Brett The British Channel Seen from the Dorsetshire Cliffs 1871 oil paint on canvas

6.08.23 9.43pm

[capstonebyseen]

tools_and_technologies

In creating the final solution, I'll first test different programs and software to understand their capabilities and scope out what features and functions I would need.

Below I have created a checklist of the different softwares I plan to use/test out, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Blender3D: A 3d modelling software. I'd like to learn how to use this software more as it's free and there are plenty of resources online that I can use and has numerous features that I can utilise for the solution. The disadvantage to this software is that although its a good starter in learning to 3D model, I've already found the UI of the program to be quite hard to navigate through and there are possible better alternatives.

Procreate - A drawing app. This software I am already very familiar with and have a good understanding on its capabilities and features, however, they are very limited. This app will definitely be useful in creating iterations and prototypes, but the final solution may need to be produced through a different software due to its limited capabilities e.g. vectors and 3D elements.

Adobe Illustrator - A graphic design software. I'm not too familiar with this program yet, but I am very interested in learning how to use it due to its vector-based software that I believe will be very useful in learning for the project, and outside. My only limitation is that there are limited resources available in learning how to use it and the limited time I have.

Garageband/Logic Pro - Both are DAWs (digital audio workstations) that I have little to no experience with. However, I feel that it will be useful, and even essential, in producing my sound element for a VR environment. I'll have to learn how to use either software which might require some time and a great amount of attention. Although I do have available resources (my boyfriend) that will be able to teach me how to use Logic Pro, I believe that I'd possibly have the capacity to fully utilise this program into my solution.

Oculus Quest VR Headset - A VR Headset. In all honesty, I don't have much knowledge on this product, let alone any other VR headset. This headset is also the only option available for me when testing out my solution. Although, from what I've gathered from online resources, this headset is easy to use, portable and at a cheaper price range in comparison to other VR headsets. The downside being its limited performance and a limited screen sharing.

Reference Pilgaard, M. L. (n.d.). Should you use Oculus Quest in your business? 3 pros and cons you need to know. www.linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/should-you-use-oculus-quest-your-business-3-pros-cons-pilgaard/#:~:text=As%20with%20any%20technology%2C%20Oculus,methods%20of%20circumventing%20these%20issues.

6.08.23 9.14pm

[capstonebyseen]

my_challenges_and_solutions

As stated in my previous post, I've had a problem with keeping up with my timeline and completing tasks at an appropriate time. Another habit I've picked up is being hyper-fixated on specific aspects of the process that don't need too much time, such as the project timeline.

Now with only a few days left to complete both my planning and refinement phase of the research process as well as the 7 out of 8 modules I have yet to do, I've decided to create an intricate timeline with the goals I plan to achieve in a day and as well as the amount of time I will spend on a task. Using this method for the rest of the research process will be beneficial.

Above is a timeline I have planned for the week. Any tasks that cannot be completed will be moved over to the following day. 1.08.23 11.55pm

[capstonebyseen]

intuition_and_its_challenges

Having almost completed three out of four years of my degree, I can evaluate and indicate my work ethic at this point. My work ethic is completing nearly every one of my assignments to the last minute, which I prefer to label as 'intuition'. With a project as big as this one, I greatly hope and pray that I stick to my timeline or at least complete my tasks within the given timeframe I have given myself. That being said, I have a week to get through the rest of the tasks, bringing some stress and anxiety into my mind.

via Pinterest - https://pin.it/6x9RyQu

31.07.23 1.10am