UX Research in cross-functional contexts
I learn the most from my students, especially about the role of design and UX research in interdisciplinary contexts, where most of them come from science-related fields. In the Fall of 2020, I was chosen to create a new class about the Internet of Things for the Interprofessional Projects Program IPRO at the Illinois Institute of Technology. The initiative behind the new class was to move beyond the app trap -solving complex problems with the use of your smartphone - which is common in innovation and entrepreneurship classes.
My strategy was to incorporate a value-driven design scope with an adaptive complex systems analysis; the result was the Internet of Meaningful Things Class, a name I borrowed from a General Electric presentation a few years ago. The class included reflecting on the HCI waves as a historical context about how we understand computational technologies and the transition happening now, provotyping exercises early in the process, and studying how the interaction models proposed facilitated the creation of meaning with participants.
Below is a brief example of the class content that helped my students frame the project by exploring a value or a physical context to improve.
Primary resources to articulate the research question: 1. Historical perspective about the Human-Computer Interaction - HCI waves, 2. Moving beyond the tradition of Human Centered Design and post-positivist perspectives on technology.
HCI waves show the increase in complexity and paradigm shifts through time.
Framework used in class to show how each HCI wave doesn’t replace the previous one but builds on each other to reach maximum impact.
Visual framework to help students navigate human values complexity and include them in the project's early design.
Different environments with the potential to be interconnected under the umbrella concept of smart cities.
Design matrix to show students how projects can be structured.
Two main options to frame the project: tech-oriented initiatives selecting a physical context to explore or social-oriented choosing a human value. Both options are linked later in the project through the development of prototypes exploring synergies to enhance a meaningful, connected space.
Example of low fidelity prototyping by students used to collect feedback from participants in the first weeks of class.
Academic background in the use of provocative prototypes – provotypes.
Some opportunity areas to explore around IoT design.
Key questions to guide testing protocols with participants – qualitative approach.
Double research strategy, including descriptive and generative research, to organize research activities.
Overall semi-structured interview tips for students.