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[piperelizabeths]

[yujiehong]

giant iphone

[yujiehong]

Inspired by the natural beauty of crepuscular parallel rays of sunlight that stream through gaps in the clouds, the Leaky lighting project aims to recreate this dramatic effect indoors. It works by utilizing a felt screen over a seemingly random, cloud-like shape to diffuse the glow, concentrating light only where the user desires. To adjust the direction, simply revel sections of the light unit by uncovering the felt.

[yujiehong]

DEMO Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxWEqQejtYM&feature=em-upload_owner

When we are running, we see same people frequently, but we often don’t have a chance to talk to them. We want to find a workout partner but it’s so hard to find people with similar activity preference.

By grabbing data like activity frequency from Fitbit API and visualize your matching level in an artistic way – such as a music equalizer.

According to people surveyed, the things they most look out for in a potential work out partner are: 1. Match in Schedule, 2. Match in Time Spent, 3. Match in Activity. Hence, our technology allows people to see how the match up. If there is a strong match in one activity, as in case 1, a uniform design will appear. People are then prompted to ask each other (if they chose to) what they are interested in.

If there is a strong match in schedule, a schedule icon shows up below match in activity as in case 2. If there is a strong match in time spent exercising per week, then a watch icon shows up below match in activity as in case 3.

Sometimes people don't run opposite each other and will be running behind someone. In cases like this, there will be an element on the back indicating that there may be mutual interest. If someone is looking for friendship (for a workout buddy) and has some strong match, then a hand (high five) logo will appear on the back to the person running behind as in case 4. If someone is looking for a potential workout date then a half red circle logo will appear on the back as in case 5. This way a potential workout buddy can be spotted either from the front or from the back.

There are also potentials with the coloring of the equalizer. Each column represents a different type of exercise based on the four common ones: Strength, Endurance, Balance, and Flexibility. Or it can represent a different type of activity: Running, Walking, Biking, Sports (for example).

[designsurvivor]

When we are running, we see same people frequently, but we often don’t have a chance to talk to them. We want to find a workout partner but it’s so hard to find people with similar activity preference. 

By grabbing data like activity frequency from Fitbit API and visualize your matching level in an artistic way – such as a music equalizer.

[yujiehong]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxWEqQejtYM

[designsurvivor]

When we are running, we see same people frequently, but we often don’t have a chance to talk to them. We want to find a workout partner but it’s so hard to find people with similar activity preference. 

By grabbing data like activity frequency from Fitbit API and visualize your matching level in an artistic way – such as a music equalizer.

[yujiehong]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxWEqQejtYM

[designsurvivor]

What I’ve Got - Uber User Experience

This week’s challenge has me thinking about user interfaces, and the link between desirable online experiences and desirable real-life experiences. It only took a few years for Uber to become a billion-dollar international company, and it has permanently changed the face of both urban transport and crowd-sourced business models. I decided to look at Uber’s app interface for a few qualities we could all use in designing user experiences.

Don’t reinvent patterns. Uber does not attempt a sexy new mapping system, instead relying on google maps we are all familiar with. They also use instantly recognizable icons, such as the dropped pin and different car silhouettes.

 Design simply. Uber has an incredibly simple app, with only two pages to deal with. Page one for location, page two for payment. Click twice and you’re set.

Provide feedback. The main page on Uber’s app constantly updates so that you know what you are seeing is real-time, a critical component for this specific business.

Now, what makes the real-life experience desirable? 

Clear expectations. When and where are you being picked up? Where you are going? How do you get there? How much will it cost? How much will you tip? These are all questions that must be negotiated and clarified on the spot in a typical user-driver experience. With Uber, all of these questions are settled effortlessly and ahead of time, with neither party needing to worry about miscommunication.

Seamless transactions. After the first few seconds of setting up your Uber account, you never have to think about payment again. Amazon might have one-click ordering, but there are few exchanges in real life that are so effortless. I am excited to see the Uber transaction system take over other areas of our lives. Imagine walking into a grocery store, grabbing what you need, walking out, and having your account automatically charged with whatever you are carrying. People enjoy not having to think about money (if they don’t have to, that is), and businesses certainly enjoy that lack of awareness as well.  

[yujiehong]

The left one is Kansas City Steak from SkyMall. In the original description, it contains words like aged to perfection, tender and juicy, the perfect choice to entertain friends around the backyard grill. But when looking at the picture, you feel it's very dry, not like the description at all! So the modified product (Right) describes the steak in the usage context(grill) and the smell air  conveys it smells very good. There are some oils coming out and the bottom part is more red, it shows the freshness and tenderness of steak. And there are textures on the top. My purpose is to use visual elements to give user clues about other sensations when interacting with the food. 

"Choose Kansas City Steak to entertain friends. The smell attracts everyone around the grill, and even your neighbors. A single bite of the steak allows rich-flavored juice to permeate all over your mouth. Feel the texture on the top and tenderness inside: elastic but easy to chew."