Jennie Zheng - Inspiring Interaction Design

3. The Velib bike rental system in Paris really inspiring me, it is a bike rental system that can allow user to rent the bike for long-term(a week) and short-term(day). Basicly, user rent a bike in one station and can return it at next station, and i think the distacne between each station is about 30 mins bike. When I fisrt knew the bike rental system, I thought it was very useful and green designed. It can work very well in high population density cities, allow citizen, tourist travell fast. From what I saw in the video clip, the bikes are very friendly designed, there are basket and light in front of the bike allow user to put stuff. It fulfills the need of short, long term transport for citizens and tourist in Paris.

4. Trustworthy - friendly designed
- every bike are the same
- provide basket and light

Appropriate - the system is very appropriate to fast living rhythm cities, it can help reduce traffic jam, and also the most important thing is it is green.

Smart - brilliant, very well designed, now it is not only about design, it is about the practice of everyday custom, habit of the modern mass.

Responsive - I haven't get the experience of the bike, but from the second clip, the paying machine works very well and the bike is easy to use, response well.

Clever - mentioned, the design helps get away of contaminate

Pleasurable - I think it is quite pleasurable to riding the bike on street of Paris and enjoy the view, and you can stop very where you want to.

Credists:
http://www.youtube.com/v/obuxx1bEPcM
http://www.youtube.com/v/d40gx_zZUnM

Here are some that I want to share
the ice bar in Dubai
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBRqM2bz9bo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n17YOg_2eD0&feature=related

the Morden Toilet Restaurant in Taiwan
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3sJCKRRmCIQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D883OhLb9SE&feature=related

Jin Weon Park- Inspiring Interaction Design

Jin Weon Park- Inspiring Interaction Design

This eye- catching design has impressive modern simple design. The current trend is toward eliminating complicated functional buttons such as I pod. This paper clip lamp which is common ubiquitous of consumer electronic appliance, is about to enter new age. This futuristic lamp design was inspired by paper clip that lends itself to being picked up and bent; also same tactile was applied to the structure of the lamp. The designers, Ben Collette and David Wykes, were successfully catches my attention while I was researching on the contemporary lamp design, All of the sudden, I went like “Wow”, this is what I want. Their idea of applying common tools into another tool like combination of existing product would look cleaver and simple.

Trustworthy- This lamp can be considered as trustworthy, because just at a glance it is made of steels same tactile used from paper clip. The firmness of both picked up and bent condition shows strong holding and reliable. This pipe-like design would remind solidity of strong pipes. Consumers may feel relief when lifting upward; the tightness of joint is safe, not falling down easily.

Appropriate- It is appropriate in terms of pursuing of futuristic design trend, make it simple and not just mere unsophisticated work but neat and tidy. As if we look around our contemporary design, there are some patterns, such that lasts longer and creates sustainable design. For instance, I-pod, mobile phones are now extremely thin. The basic needs of lamp; lighting for reading, decorating. This functions appropriately when reading in the dark, folding, and mobile use. Since it fulfills all these needs, this can be legitimate fordable lamp, so appropriate to the users and to the design trend.

Smart- Brilliant, awesome, unconventional, these words were burst out of my mouth, when I first saw this. Yes, it is smart idea, which combines the existing model with different product. This was possible due to precise observation, when you lift up paper clip; it forms Z-like shape. So by applying this characteristic into actual lamp, we get new type of collapsible lamp which is smart!

Responsiveness- This part is hard to tell, since it is just a lamp, it does not have time-based response.

Cleaver- As already mentioned above, this product meets all needs of users. Completely collapsible, moveable, new source of light saves energy (LED Light). It is clever not just because it has all these elements but also the idea they derived from ordinary paper clip which is delightful. This design leads long-lasting good feelings for those people who are looking for efficient storage, this flat collapsible lamp can be stored any place like thin empty shelf.

Ludic- This product is not playful; it does not provide any active things. But, if I play with this lamp, I will possibly find another motion while in the observation. So, improve some of defects found in during the observation. I can either bent this in opposite direction, or extend it so that I could approach to better product.

Pleasurable- This design is plausible, since it touches our feeling which is quite familiar to us, it’s paper clip!! When first look at it, we know what shape is this, but not lamp. But it works well functionally, the Z-shape has top light bar, pivotal, and base as well. This simple method of manipulating clip motions can people to face more aesthetically attractive, so forgiving some of inefficient part or mistakes.

From this research, I found design process can be archived from very trifle intrigues. We see paper clips everywhere, but did not realize to transform it into fancy lamp. If I could work during its process, I personally want to get rid of electric wire charge, instead put long-lasting batteries. Solar-batteries would even better, since LED light does not take huge energy to emit a light. Therefore, it becomes completely movable and flat without tangled wires.


Credists:

http://www.behance.net/Gallery/The-paper-Clip-Lamp/57980

Inspiring Interaction Design

I decided to pick this design interaction because I thought it was very interesting! It was cleverly planned and organized. I love how every body follow the planned and properly played it out. Also, the way others reacted towards the frozen people. The original design was from central station in new york (first video). I believe it was actually a school of performing arts students getting together and applying their skills with the world. It was very well done! I love how everybody stayed in character( their frozen position for 5 minutes). Where the second video was a copy of the original but it was taken place in Toronto Eaton centre by the fountain. People were gathered together by a facebook group. There were hundreds of random people getting together to participate. There was no purpose in doing this but except to copy the original one. It was also poorly done. People were not into character nor were they making it less obvious. There were too many people frozen in one place, people did not stay still, they all obviously waited around until it was time to freeze and their choice of a frozen position was also poorly chosen because it did not look natural.

Looking at the original video( first one), apply all 7 of the "good interaction design characteristics". Trustworthy because the audience (people going around and about in central station) were confused and believed that there was something wrong. They did not understand why and started to interact with the frozen people by taking pictures, looking, pondering and pointing. Appropriate to the culture because New york is a very busy place. People are always going from place to place, in their own world, doing their own thing. By freezing on the spot, forces the other people to stop doing what they do, to all focus on this one even. It goes opposite to the culture normal busy life. It is smart because it's unique. Nobody have ever attempt nor dare to do this sort of event in the middle of a busy place. It shows creativity and organization. The responsive of this design are the other peoples reaction. They show interest and curiosity. It is a stammer respond because some people may not be able to notice right away because once again, they're in their own busy world. Shows cleverness because its unique. Ludie because people interact with curiosity by taking pictures. Finally, it is pleasurable because it entertaining. By posting it on youtube, other people all over the world can enjoy this moment. People at the sense are able to witness the 5 minutes or awkward moment.

Chris Tsang- TakeG toy

The designs that I have chosen are Take-G’s toys. The toys are made from a combination of different types of wood and are all handmade by Nakagawa Takeji. I really liked it because the character design are in a style that I really like and enjoy drawing myself. The thing that I like the most is the techniques, skills and the time it takes to make one of these toys.

7 good interaction design

Trustworthy
- Made from wood which is a strong material
- The edges are all smooth and tightly glue/combined together

Appropriate
- It is noticeably Japanese because of the style of character design so it is appropriate to the culture

Smart
- Not much for “Smart”, because it is just a toy.

Responsive
- Because it is a toy, it doesn’t really respond, but it receives

Clever
- The toy is pretty clever in the aspect of uniqueness, because there isn’t really anything out there that is so intricate and detailed that is made by hand.

Ludic
- It is a toy so naturally you can play with the different features that each different toy offers.

Pleasurable
- They look good therefore it seems like a very enjoyable toy even thought they really don’t do anything

Design Process

I would probably want to be on the mechanics, the brainstorming or crafting part of the product. Because they look so amazing that I want to know how each little thing is made and crafted. Also how the idea of the character designs are developed.

Cedit

http://take-g.com/crafts/big.html

Sfera Alarm clock

Sfera alarm clock is an alarm clock that hangs above you. When the alarm sounds the user gently taps it, to puts it on snooze for 10 min then the alarm sounds again. Each time the user taps the alarm clock to set it back to snooze, it rises higher making it harder for the user to reach. Eventually the alarm clock ends up in the ceiling where the user has no choice, but to get up and pull it back down, and to turn the alarm clock off.
I was attracted to this design because of its uniqueness. I think it’s a new approach to design and it has a nice concept. In the Sfera alarm clock, the touch sense allow the user to interact with the product, and when I first saw it I thought it was aesthetically appealing, because its simple and it can act as an art piece to bring style to the interior. And the product is a creative and an effective way to get people out of bed.

Trustworthy- it works like any other alarm

Appropriate- we are living in a society with rich technology and we are constantly looking for new invention and products.

Smart- yes, I think it does what it does to get people out of bed. In my opinion it’s more affective, because the user needs to physically get out of bed to turn off the alarm.

Response- it only has so much function that it shouldn’t have any slow response. It should have a quick response like any alarms clocks that’s out there.

Pleasure- I think its aesthetically pleasing to the eye because it’s so simple, and it brings in new meaning of using an alarm clock because the user is so much more involved.

The process of brainstorming and outlining requirements is interesting because we need to analyze human function, movement and human factors; than we need to brainstorm and incorporate the idea to make a better and more creative alarm that stands out from the rest of the clocks already made.

Source: http://interactionthesis.wordpress.com/2007/01/29/sfera/

Allie Chiu: The Rinpa Eshidan

GARDEN:


1 week of art works:



3) When I first watched this video, I was amaze due to the work they have done. They keep painting the boxes, moving them around, and further erase the painting and do another one. I think they are courageous because they dare to erase the painting and paint from part of it, and create another new painting. If they do not design all the stuff beforehand and just do it, this would be really amazing. I found this interesting because it involves different individuals painting at the same time and to finish the works.

This group is called “The Rinpa Eshidan” which means "to bring people together, while "Eshidan" essentially means "art crew" (quote from website: http://rinpaeshidan.jp/ ).

4) Trustworthy: The activity is considered trustworthy because the use of traditional medium makes people feel much more comfortable. Also the surface they drew on are wood boxes that is another common material people use in life.

-Appropriate: I think this activity is very appropriate in OCAD community, not only because OCAD is an art and design school, but also because this activity reveals that art, illustration and culture are constantly changing.

-Smart: This activity does not involve mechanical tools to help people paint, so I think the smart here would be replace by human brain. It is true and always believed that human are smarter than artificial intelligence. So I think this activity would turn out really good because every individual have different ways to solve problems.

-Responsiveness: This part is basically same as the above “Smart” because during the creating process of this activity, it does not does not involve other mechanical tools such as computer program to paint. Despite the video recorder which record the whole process, the whole activity is done by human hands. Therefore, this is relay on the creators who do response to the work they create and further decide what to paint next.

-Ludic: This activity is no doubt, very playful. The activity allows the creators to experiment with different ideas, creatures, drawing, illustrations, and whatever the creators wants to do with the work. It would be really fun to see how individuals react and work on this activity.

-Pleasurable: Definitely, there will be pleasure when people create this work. It would be fun to see different image everyday because people are constantly working on it.

5) I would love to work on the graphics and illustration part. I think it would be fun to create the image. Also, I would love to create the boxes or other canvas that people are going to work on.

6) Sources:
http://rinpaeshidan.jp/
http://rinpaeshidan.jp/works/garden.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtzdxseO-gs&feature=related

Jan Mazereeuw: The “Sim City 4” video game and its fan websites

okay, so Blogger wouldn't let me post another video for some reason so here's the link to my second video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQlA0zHhlEo


3) I’ve always had a fondness for architecture and urban planning, in fact, I was at one point considering taking Environmental Design at OCAD. I’m also a very urban oriented person as I was born, raised and have come to like Toronto and similar metropolitan areas. I’ve always been interested in the concept of Sim City as a city building simulator and two years ago I received "Sim City 4" as a Christmas present. Everything from the concept to the packaging to the graphics attracted and still attracts me to the game. Because the game is designed to work with internet downloads, it made me last year (as nerdy as it may sound) join a fan website called http://www.simtropolis.com where I can communicate with other fans of the game as well as download buildings, check out profiles, city journals and much more.

4) -Trustworthy: The game is considered trustworthy mostly because of how it’s a game that has been well marketed and created by EA Games, a professional, large and well known gaming company. The name “Sim City” is also famous and people tend to put their trust in things they’ve heard about as mentally we think that if we’ve heard about something it must work and be trusted. Large online fan websites work in a similar fashion. As because of their size, people will put their trust in them. Also, these sites tend to have moderators that guarantee the site works properly, that downloads function and will not damage the game or your computer and guarantee safe online chat.

-Appropriate: The game is appropriate to modern cultures in the developed world as because of the Industrial Revolution in the past, we are a very urban dwelled society and are used to city environments. Because of online communities with downloadable material, one can download buildings that match the architectural style of their urban environment. For example, a person living in Paris can download a large array of old French style buildings, while someone living in Dubai can download many ultra modern buildings to match their city. The game also mirrors power distances (three social classes), the collectivism of a city community and has the ability to easily fix mistakes for a culture with a high uncertainty avoidance.

-Smart: This is actually not a simple game and after a few years of playing it I still struggle sometimes during game play. The game will not prevent, but help players to not make mistakes, work harder than necessary or do things they have trouble with. To help beginners there are a number of tutorials that can assist players with everything from getting started to laying out good mass transit systems. The game also has multiple playing levels from easy to medium to hard to keep the game as simple or as challenging according to the player’s understanding and experience with the game. Fan sites also have tutorials and information and well as sections where users can ask questions to advanced players to help their understanding.

-Responsiveness: This is the only section where there tend to be problems. Because computer software tends to always have technical glitches and bugs, the game doesn’t always respond well to commands during game play. Usually, when a key is pressed or the cursor clicks an on-screen button, the game responds right away, but there can be delays lasting over a second that may cause the viewer to think there is a problem. The game also has a tendency to crash or freeze. Those two problems are common discussions on fan sites and there is a demand on EA Games to fix certain bugs.

-Clever: The cleverest feature to the game that creates positive emotions is the organization of on-screen buttons. These buttons are categories that group things up from roads to parks to government services and so on that are needed to properly develop and maintain a city. Also, the fact that the game was created to work with internet downloads allows the player to customize their gaming experience and get more out of the game creating positive emotions.

-Ludic: Well, considering it’s a video game, it’s very playful. The game allows users to experiment with different downloads, options and what ever else the game offers before one starts to seriously play the game. Because of the save options, players can have a little fun with the disaster options, which allows things such as tornados to wipe out their city and experience the sort of excitement one may find in a thriller or action film. If a player wishes to, they may save their city, then destroy it with a disaster, and then simply restart the game without saving the destroyed city so that when the game starts again, they’re back to their original city with no damage to it. The user’s play doesn’t trap them or have serious consequences.

-Pleasurable: A player will receive pleasure from “Sim City 4” in multiple ways. The graphics are aesthetically pleasing as they are realistic and support the simulation aspect of the game. The game also functions fairly well as it has many options to customize and add to he game play with the help of websites which are also pleasurable to the user. However, the only thing that wouldn’t create good emotions would be the responsiveness issues such as freezing and crashing. I know my self the amount of frustration that comes with software problems, especially when data is lost or damaged.

5) Two elements of the design process that I would love to participate in would include the graphics design element. I would love to create the buildings and textures in the game, it would defiantly be the most fun I would think out of the design process. Because of the game’s responsiveness problems, I would want to take part in the troubleshooting part of the game to try and fix the crashing and freezing problems as well as other bugs that negatively affect the game and its users.

6) Sources:
-The image of the "Sim City 4" video game box is from: http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu

-The commercial for "Sim City 4" is from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGwrPMm4yFs

Rock Band ___Rees

http://www.rockband.com/









I have chosen the game called Rock Band as my inspiring interaction design. I choose it because it is becoming a popular game and is part of our culture. It’s a great way for people of all ages to experience what it feels like to play an instrument and recreate a sort of fantasy of being a rock star; just without the talent. It also addresses the seven “good interaction design” characteristics

Trustworthy- The instruments involved with the game are built stable and have the feel of real instruments. They can be treated as one would treat a guitar normally without fear of falling apart.

Appropriate- Culture today revolves heavily around the music industry. Shows like American and Canadian idol are constantly spewing out new artists and singers. The game allows people without any actual talent to get a taste of what its like to be a star. It is also simplified so users do not get stressed over too many keys and buttons that need to be pushed. A normal 6-string guitar gets cut down to 5 stationary buttons.

Smart- once again, the imitation instruments are much simpler then actual instruments making them easier and more pleasurable to use.

Responsive- there is an instant reaction between the notes being played and the notes getting hit on the screen. Gamers don’t get frustrated over a slow loading time. With new versions of the game and an advance in gaming systems, response times and the fluidness of games increase.

Clever- Its very clever. There is a sort of interest sprouted in a gamer when they realize that when they strum the guitar and push the buttons they gain points.

Ludic- allows people to literally play and “rock-out” in a team. Songs can be re-played if they are “failed”. Band mates/ team mates can also “save” each other if one starts to loose points and fails.

Pleasurable- very.

Jessica Nichols - Inspiring Interaction Design

Google Maps - My Location

To be honest, I was originally attracted to this design because of the simple, elementary looking video that they have used to illustrate the concept. Once I watched the video, I found the idea of being able to find my own location very appealing. I frequently get lost and make sure to carry maps with me, and the most challenging part of getting un-lost is finding out where I am on the map. The convenience of not having to type in an address is also appealing because it takes me a long time to text.

This design is good interaction design mainly because it comes from Google, a well-known and therefore trustworthy source. The Google name also portrays smart, fast, reliable service. Once it has moved beyond its beta stage, it will ensure uncertainty avoidance because users will be able to know exactly where they are. Like everything to do with Google maps, there is a high chance that users will play with the service as well, to see how it works and to show off that their device can support it, even if it doesn’t have a GPS system. This is related the clever, ludic, and pleasurable aspects of the design. It is very appropriate for today’s fast-paced and technology driven world.

The visionary aspect of the design process would interest me the most, because I would love to direct the idea process that resulted in this concept. Interface design would also probably be very interesting, because the challenge would be to make it quick, simple, and easily readable.

Big Art Attack!

It’s not in English, but the speaking is not important in this case.

I first thought of this because I used to love this show when I was a kid. Since it is only one person doing the project it may seem like it doesn’t give way to much interaction, but I think it would be even more interesting as an open, free-flowing group endeavor.

I think a design like this is very appropriate for the artistic community in and around OCAD. There is nothing about being asked to make a mark that would be deemed untrustworthy. A mass artistic project could also help to instill a greater sense of community as a work that everyone has produced together. Working en masse also allows the artists to create a larger work then they would normally be able to make on their own, making it a smart design. Being outside, the response to this work from passers-by would probably be immediate. This design would not only yield a very pleasurable result, but the artistic community would find pleasure in making it as well. This is just plain fun.

The best part of the design team for this project would be the crafting role, hands-down, for obvious reasons.


Credits:

Video 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6gqipmbcok
Video 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDjLHWwx0Zw

Inspiring Interaction- Katie Docherty

The Modbook.___Colan

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/05/modbook.png


http://techluver.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/axiotron_modbook.jpg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIPkWaR7jDw&eurl=about:blank

My initial reaction upon seeing the Modbook from Apple computers was one of excitement. I personally use a tablet that it connected to my computer using a usb cable, so occasionally i am stuck with a mess of wires depending on the work i am doing. Also at first it was difficult to get used to the tablet and the movement of the stylist in relation to what was on the screen. However with the Modbook, they have solved those certain negative points. This is also the only tablet screen computer that i have found thus far that runs on a Apple operating system.

(Trustworthy)

Apple computers are established computers that are a reliable brand. Possibly even considered more reliable then PC operating systems. Apple computers' operating systems are also set up so that they suit individuals in a more graphic field or profession.

(Appropriate)

Have said that. the fact that now with the Modbook, having a tablet screen operating on Apple computer could be considered a perfect fit; catering to the majority of individuals who use Apple products. Which would show that the design of the product is appropriate for its target audience with which Apple is gearing this product towards. Instead of having a separate tablet that takes up ports on your computer, and having a mess of cables, the Modbook removes those issues and creates a sleek, covenant product.

(Smart/Clever)

When looking at this product one might start to question the practicality of replacing the keyboard for a screen. What happens if you need to type something up? Well with the tablet screen, (as seen in the video) you have the ability to hand write what you with to type up on the screen, and the computer itself with take your hand-written text and translate it in to type. You also have the option to tap on the tablet onto a digital keyboard using the stylist as if you were using a real one. This design feature is also clever as it anticipated the possible problem with the design of the computer and how one would interact with it and provided two possible solutions to cater to their preferences.

(Responsive)

The Modbook has positives and negatives towards it responsively. Another feature of the Modbook is that the tablet is pressure sensitive allowing you to vary your thickness of line if you were using the tablet to illustrate something on your computer. However with this feature it seems, that there is a slight delay from when you move the tablet to create these lines to when the lines actually appear on the screen(shown in video). This personally would annoy me.

(Ludic)

The operating system for Apple computers itself offers a lot of play with regards to how a user interacts with the software on the computers. For example there are several different ways to open a document; dragging the icon to the program logo you wish to open it with, right clicking the file and selecting from a list of compatible programs, opening a program and then importing the file you wish to use, or pre-setting the computer so that it opens certain programs automatically when a certain type of file is recognized. The options give the user room for play with the options provided to them.

(Pleasurable)

The overall design, aesthetically for the Modbook is a sleek portable feel. Now not possessing a flip up screen the computer itself is one solid unit, that gives the individual using it most likely the feel that is its a notebook or possible sketch pad. This type of feel or recognition the user might have with the computer suits its purpose as it is meant to facilitate a more comfortable experience with a tablet on a Apple operating system.

If I personally was involved in the development process of the creation of this product, I would have liked to participate on the brainstorming and troubleshooting of the product. I feel that these two elements of the design process I would enjoy because when it comes to brainstorming related to something i am familiar with to this degree as with the Modbook, I enjoy comming up wth new ways or ideas to view a concept and to witness the creation of t from start to finished. Having said that, in order to see the concept or creation from start to finished I would probably need to do a fair amount of troubleshooting which I find an interesting challenge; trying to come up with solutions to possibly anticipated problems in order to continue with whatever process the concept may be in.

Candy Chang - Inspiring Interaction Design

My interactive would be Online game interaction. The one I found great about is this Korean online game called Ragnarok. The reason I have chosen this online game beside the other ones is because I have certainly been experiencing this online interaction game for a long time (2years). And I found the graphic of this interaction game and the level of Response from this game is very immediate if you have a game card, even if you don't have such game card (a memory storage card to increase memory space in computer to let graphic go smoother), it would still work smooth yet would still have a little stammer from huge number of online player goes online. 

This one below is the first version of ragnarok. This is the one which I have experience in terms of interaction from. It is strong for it's immediate response in terms of it's speed level. It is also appropriate for all age levels for there will not be any gory scenes even if there would be opportunity in people to people battling or monster battles. The graphic is very "cute" and the use of color in all of the settings and characters are very pastel and suitable for many characters. You get to also choose your own "careers" in which the first video have shown.

As for online chatting, it formulates as regular online chat, the name of the user would always appear below the character as you draw your mouse/arrow towards the character. And for what's different about other regular chat is that beside it appear the text above the character's head, it could also appear different kinds of emotions like "msn emotion small pictures". 

Job opportunities

First Ragnarok function.

This one below in which I'm showing is the second version on Ragnarok online game, some people might not like it for it's 3D graphic explore feeling. (due to dizziness) But it would still be strong in terms of interaction from the similar function of the first one. (The difference would just be more option in characters, more kinds of monsters, monster pets, and clothing to choose from.

Overall I think what's strong about the game over is it's level of variety is huge and it really get to meet many different kind of people's needs in terms of suiting their attitude and even if user's attitude may seem obscene, it still is available to pop up. (Instead of some online chat they forbid swear words or a certain level use of language) 

Credit: Thelalakers000, Hoto74

E4 - Limeback

- OPTALERT -

Glasses for Safe Driving

http://studio.optalert.com/

"Optalert measures the movements of your left eye and eyelids, and from that derives a measure of your level of alertness/drowsiness every minute while driving (http://studio.optalert.com)."

___Optalert Glasses with lenses removed___

"Optalert is a personal safety device that warns users to their early signs of drowsiness, before it becomes dangerous (http://studio.optalert.com)."

___Glasses with USB Cable______________Dashboard Indicator___

INITIAL ATTRACTION TO THIS DESIGN:

When I found this design initially at www.core77.com, I immediately thought of the countless times I have driven to London with my mother and father to visit my brother at the University of Western Ontario. I'm sure anyone who has taken the 403/401 route will agree that the long stretches of 2 lane highway between Hamilton and London can be a very dull drive. Often, my father and I will debate over who is in a better position to drive and we constantly have to struggle to convince my mother that either of us are fit to handle the two hour trip.
Even for the best of drivers, being well rested and having a cup of coffee in hand may not be enough to keep one alert while driving late at night. Most of the roadways are unlit by overhead lamps, and the surroundings are mostly farming fields (IE. a lack of buildings only add to the poor lighting situation). The white dividing lines, illuminated by the cars headlamps, speed by and become so brain-numbing that they almost seem to put you to sleep.
The Optalert glasses seem like they would do a great job of bettering the safety of the driver, as well as comforting the passengers within the automobile. With that being said, if these glasses can better my saftey, as well as stop my mother from pestering me while driving... well then it's a win-win situation!... SIGN ME UP! (*just jokin' mom*)


GOOD INTERACTION DESIGN
-Trustworthiness-
Upon first glances, this product seems as if it is very well crafted and manufactured. If well cared for, this product looks to be durable and long lasting. The images of the internal workings/mechanics of the product let the user know that a lot of work and time went into researching the dangers of drowsy driving, and that a solution to lower these dangers was arrived at. I suspect an object like this would inspire the viewer to look further into its design, history, and manufacturing processes. If so, the website that was developed to describe the product is clean, nicely compiled, and is very informative.
-Appropriate-
This product appears to be exceedingly appropriate for any society/culture in which driving is deemed a necessity. Although we are currently witnessing an urgent need to decrease the strain felt by our planet, like that caused by our vehicles dangerous exhaust emissions, it appears that the need for automobiles will remain high for the foreseeable future. Since automobiles remain an important means for transportation, I believe it is important to not only consider the health of our planet, but the well being of those that live on it as well. By designing an object like the Optalert glasses, it is possible to decrease the number of deaths caused by drowsy driving.
I think this design may be most appropriate for those in the transport industry (IE. Truck drivers) who are often required to drive long distances with little sleep in order to make delivery deadlines.
-Smart-
This design is very smart because it was designed to constantly assess the drivers alertness which requires some pretty serious technology! I have seen other products that claim to measure driver alertness, but many seem to be primitive in nature when compared to the Optalert glasses. Instead of measuring the drivers eyes/eyelids, the products that I have seen in the past merely detect when the drivers head falls forward or to the side. In many cases, alarming the driver that his/her head has fallen may be too late (IE. in that time, one may have already driven into a guard rail, off the road, or even into oncoming traffic).
The only problem with this product may not be the design itself, but with the user. Because the glasses are so technologically sound/smart, the driver may decide to drive even though they are not physically/mentally suited to do so. Instead of using them as a precautionary safety device, some users may instead use them as a 'crutch,' believing it will enable them to drive.
-Responsiveness-
The device is fitted with a dashboard indicator to let the driver know that it is online and functioning. When the driver becomes drowsy, the glasses detect a change in responsiveness, and the dashboard indicator will respond with a visual, as well as auditory alert. To ensure the highest level of safety and security, the dashboard indicator responds imediately.
-Clever-
I'm sure this product will most definitely envoke a sense of delight in the user. Just as a seatbelt creates an added sense of safety, these glasses should do the same. When used in combination with a safe automobile (ex. 5 star safety rating), I'm sure the driver and passengers will be very pleased to know their safety has not been taken for granted. If the driver/passengers experience a 'close call' where they could have been in a serious accident had it not been for the utilization of the glasses, I'm sure the sublime feeling of utter saftey would only be greatly magnified.
-Lucid-
Because this product revolves around safety, I don't believe there is much play involved, and I'm sure the driver and his/her passengers would understand and respect its importance. The only way I could see play involved is if the driver were to test the product before using it while driving (ex. pretending to be drowsy/tired in an attempt to trigger an alert).
-Pleasurable-
These glasses look to be well crafted and allow for alterations (IE. the lenses can be changed depending on the conditions - tinted for daytime driving, clear for night). I'm sure many would find them to be attractive, but if not, I don't see a need for them to be. I don't believe safety needs to be beautified. If the product decreases the number deaths due to drowsy driving, I think that's attractive enough as it is!

INTRIGUING DESIGN ELEMENTS
If I was present during the design process, I would have loved to take part in the initial idea formation. I love to sketch how product might look when it is later produced. I know I said that appearance is not necessarily important when it comes to a safety device like the Optalert glasses, but if I had some say, I think I would have changed the shape of the frames and lenses. In my opinion, they look to similar to a style that Oakley would produce. I think it may have been better to go with something a little more unique, but that's just my opinion...

References:
www.core77.com, http://studio.optalert.com

Post by: Kurt Limeback.

Common Interaction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIQksoqXdK0

Our video presentation. Posting just in case.

Ellie

Devin, Ellie, Irina

BHATT

holmes_tan

Nguyen_Nicholson

Kwan Khuziyev

Nichols Rees Photoshop Tennis 2

Background:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elsie/2214825944/

Squirrel Pose 1:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gillesgonthier/2214822832/

Man:
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=410860830&size=o

Squirrel Lightsaber:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimmiey/740887119/

Man Lightsaber:
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=21364038&size=l

Darth Maul Face:
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=793888232&size=o

Squirrel Pose 2:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/squirrelhugger/20649301/

Death Star:
http://www.eyeonstarwars.com/trilogy/vehicle/images/death_star.jpg

Chiu_Zheng_Jang inclas_ Animal War