WEEK 2 | Prototype As Artefact

In this week contact, we further talked about different aspect of prototype. We talked about the representation of prototype could be software or paper. There are different level of detail in prototype, the less precise, the more open for discussion. Different prototypes offer different level of interactivity to the users, which generate different experience and feedback. Lastly, we talked about the evolution, how long will the prototype exists for.

Then we move on to class exercise, where we have to think of a device at home and build variations on it. I chose microwave as the example and drew a mind map:

The microwave I had at home is a simple regular size that bought from Kmart. It is mainly white with a black door. There are buttons and timer display next to the door. Inside the microwave, there is a glass plate to hold and rotate items. I usually used it to heat up the and defrost food. Sometime I will look at the clock on it to check time and clean its surface.

Variations I thought of are adding voice control function, so that users could control the microwave without touching it. Another idea was auto-time estimate function, which the microwave machine would automatically know how long the food need to be heat up. Users no longer have to struggle with trying cold food or spending time to figure out the heating time. Lastly, reduce or minimise the microwaves used to heat up food. Lots of people avoid microwave due to health concerns. If the machine could use the less microwaves, it will increase the willingness of people to use microwave.

The prototype could be easily presented by using a box and draw the feature on it, for example, the buttons, the estimate timer and the voice detecting device. Using a paper prototype definitely do not show a very detailed and polished look, but using a box and pretend features could test the interactivity with the users. The lifecycle of the prototype is short since it is only a recycled box.