Learning From the Experts
Class went on as scheduled this week, even in the midst of the polar vortex sweeping across the Midwest. The class started with learning the logistics of the video chat software we were using, and after that, we moved into a presentation by representatives from Milestone Studios. One of the main points I took away from their presentation was how important it was to design a product that would actually be useful for the user. They told a story of a product they had worked on in the past for a user who was blind. In their initial brainstorm stage, they designed a prototype headgear motion sensor that would help their partner move around her apartment. However, when they talked with her they found that she had little trouble moving around her apartment, but what she really struggled with was not knocking her yogurt over when eating it. They were able to develop a simple yogurt stabilizing base that helped solve her problem and improved her quality of life. This tangible example helped underscore the importance of Human-Centered Design and interviews in the design process.
Assessing Our Ideas
After the presentation from Milestone Studios, each team presented on a few of their potential ideas and the mentors they wanted to work with. I had come in with the assumption that many of the teams would have noticed the same problems as our team and brainstormed similar solutions. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of the needs seen and the potential ideas given to address them. After sharing our thoughts, we broke back up into teams to think more critically about our ideas using the Challenge Definition. I really appreciated this exercise because it forced us to define our opportunity and our solution. Working with Jenna and the members of Milestone Studios we were able to define our opportunity statement as “We want to protect Jenna’s leg, while still maintaining or even improving her full range of motions.” This statement challenges us not just to protect Jenna’s knee, but also make sure we are not providing her a solution that limits her in some other way. Doing this will ensure that Jenna will actually use our solution instead of forgoing it because of any other negative effects it might have. Overall, this class was very informative and it was great working with the representatives from Milestone Studies!
I am a Senior majoring in Finance with a minor in the Hoeft Technology & Management Program.
Hi Nathan,
I agree with you about the Milestone labs session. Their methodology is very beneficial and helps pinpoint a focus area(s) of opportunity. Additionally the opportunity statement challenge was also super helpful It seemed to really guid us in some direction. I like the statement you and your team came up with, but it does pose a few questions for me in particular. How exactly are you guys going to “protect Jenna’s leg, while still maintaining or even improving her full range of motions.” Im aware we’re all just in getting our feet wet with these ideas, but I’m unclear as some ideas you guys have persay of completing this innovative method. Excited to see what you guys come up with!