Caitlin Atteberry
T-mobile questions
Feb 19th
I am creating an application that would aide backpackers plan for and execute a European backpacking trip.
1. I am having a bit of trouble figuring out how not to just show information (i.e. what subway to use, whether a plane or train would be cheaper). Do you have any advice on a way to give people information without simply showing so that the application facilitates learning?
2. I am also trying to figure out how this application will facilitate social interaction among the traveler and other travelers & locals. Have you been in a situation (perhaps during a group ethnographic study) where facilitating interaction among like-minded strangers was key to the project? What strategy did you use in this situation (or hypothetically what would you use).
3. Finally, I am trying to figure out how much information I should bombard to user with, i.e. should it pop-up all the time or should I make my user search for it within my app. Have you ever dealt with a situation like this? If so, how did you figure it out (ethnographic studies?)
Backpacking//Outcomes
Feb 18th
WHO: Travelers (mainly novice, but also could work for seasoned)
WHAT: An iPhone app to help travelers plan for and travel through Europe. The app will show the ups & downs of each means of transportation, attraction, and accommodation (i.e. hostel facilitates social interaction at the expense of your privacy), teaching you how to make the most out of your trip through each choice you make.
OUTCOMES
Knowledge, Skills, & Attitudes Learned
The ability to pick your best option according to many different factors (price, duration, social vs. isolated, etc)
Confidence in a completely new situation
Way finding in a foreign language and culture
The ability to get the most out of a situation for the least amount of money
Describe Something Observable & Measurable
Money spent/saved
Way finding successful/unsuccessful
Quality of trip
KNOWLEDGE
The user is going to have the ability to identify various means of transportation, accommodation, attractions, and supplies required for traveling abroad. The user is going to be able to discuss the pros & cons of each means of transportation, accommodation, attractions, and supplies based on different factors (like price, duration, social vs. isolated, etc). The person is going to be able to carry out their plans based on their decision. The person is going analyze the different means of transportation, accommodation, attractions, and supplies in order to get the most bang for their buck. The person is going to develop a plan of action for backpacking Europe tailored to themselves based on their recent experiences. The person is going to assess each step along the way to make sure they are leading a valuable and rewarding trip for the least amount of money.
Backpacking Europe
Feb 16th
WHO: Travelers (mainly novice, but also could work for seasoned)
WHAT: An iPhone app to help travelers plan for and travel through Europe. The app will show the ups & downs of each means of transportation, attraction, and accommodation (i.e. hostel facilitates social interaction at the expense of your privacy), teaching you how to make the most out of your trip through each choice you make.
WHEN: A traveler would use the before and during a trip.
WHERE: Planning takes place in the US, online, in the store…Traveling takes place in Europe, on the street, on the metro (or other means of transportation), at attractions, at restaurants
WHY: There are tons of apps that show you how to navigate the metro or find a hostel, but there are none that teach you how to do it so that you become more independent at the act. This sort of frugal traveling also has a lot to do with social activities, whether it be finding like-minded travelers in your hostel who share their experiences and tips or learning from your couch surfing host all the best places to eat in Italy. The existing iPhone apps act as crutches so that you don’t need to socialize to thrive, but the goal of this app would be to get the most out of your experience for the least amount of money.
HOW: I think the “how” is written in a few places above but…the app will teach you how to travel smart and how to get the most out of your experience by almost weighing your options (with gear, accommodation, transportation, attractions, food, etc). It will help facilitate social interaction by suggesting the more social of the activities (couch surfing vs. hotel, metro vs. taxi).
Design Revolution
Feb 12th
| The Colbert Report | Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| Emily Pilloton | ||||
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I thought this was relevant since we just read Design Revolution. Emily Pilloton was on the Colbert Report showing some of her designs.
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/262000/january-18-2010/emily-pilloton
Mobile Application Project, 3 ideas
Feb 8th
(1) Navigating a Foreign Country/Backpacking Europe
(2) Understanding the Food Production Industry (similar to warm-up)
(3) Self-Diagnosing Car Problems, Fixing Flats, Changing Oil
Naked Juice, Who knew?
Feb 4th
I just opened up the Naked Juice website since I’m sick and want to see what is offered at the C-store. Who knew this website would be so Flash intensive? I love how it has a mini explosion when you open it up, in fact great energy through out the whole site. I guess they hired a really good Flash programmer with all the money they make from their overpriced juice.
