Minor Project - Empathy Walk
26.04.2024 - 02.08.2024 / Week 1 - Week 14
Lim Rui Ying / 0358986Minor Project / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Empathy Walk
2) Contextual Research
3) Client Meeting
We followed Taylor's brand guidelines by using a red and black colour scheme
for the app and incorporating a duckie mascot into the design.
Xin Yee and I developed the wireframes in Figma including the home screen,
route screen and map screen, while other group members developed the AR
features in the prototype.
2) Final App Prototype
CONTENT
INSTRUCTIONS
Module Briefing
During the first week, Mr. Mike briefed us on the module and presented
various topics for the Minor Project. We were asked to choose a topic
and form groups to work on the project.
IMPORTANT LINKS
TASK 1: Project Proposal
1) Group Formation & Project Selection
In Week 2, I joined the Empathy Walk Group 9, consisting of 7 members. Our
project aims to create an interactive AR experience that simulates the
lively campus atmosphere for visitors during open days.
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| Fig. 1.1 Chosen project: Empathy Walk Project |
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| Fig. 1.2 Chosen project: Empathy Walk Project |
Group members:
UI/UX
Wong Khye Qing (Leader)
Teoh Gim Khoon
Tan Xin Yee
Lim Rui Ying
Lim Cai Wei
Graphic Design
Kan Ren Wei
Entertainment Design
Dzidane Bin Ziad
To start off this project, we conducted research on existing AR experiences
in museums and galleries to gain a quick concept of how they design these
experiences. We also downloaded Adobe Aero to explore its features and
determine its capabilities.
I researched The Art of London's "Augmented Gallery" and an AR indoor
navigation system using a mascot. I also identified the key venues at
Taylor's University and proposed two potential directions for our project.
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| Fig. 2.1 Contextual research |
Group contextual research
Fig. 2.2 Group contextual research
During week 4, our group had a meeting with our client, Ms. June from
Taylor's Marketing Team, on 15th May 2024. While my group members
attended, I was unable to join due to class.
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| Fig. 3.0 Meeting with client, Ms June |
4) Persona Research
To gain insights and validate the visitors' pain points, we conducted
interviews with two groups: students and campus ambassadors, with 3
interviewees in each group.
Interviews & Responses
We prepared interview questions for each group, covering general
information, challenges faced, their feelings and opinions about current
campus tours, and their thoughts on integrating AR technology into the
campus tour experience.
Interview Questions & Responses: Google Sheets Link
Fig. 4.1 Interview questions and responses for Student Ambassadors
Fig. 4.2 Interview questions and responses for Students
Empathy Map & User Persona
After analysing the interview responses, we created an Empathy Map and
developed three personas: Parent, Student, and Ambassador based on the
insights from the interviews.
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| Fig. 4.3 Empathy map |
Fig. 4.4 User Persona
5) Insights, Problem Statement & How Might We Questions
After completing our interviews and analysing the results, we developed
the Insights and Problem Statement with Mr Mike during week 7's class.
These were invaluable during the prototype design phase, helping us stay
on track and ensure our project met the intended goals.
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| Fig. 5.1 Insights Discovery |
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| Fig. 5.2 Problem Statement |
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| Fig. 5.3 How Might We Questions |
6) Design Direction
After discussing, we decided to focus on creating an interactive AR
experience designed for prospective students and their parents, offering
personalised tour routes and showcasing iconic campus areas. The three
programmes chosen for our app prototype include Design, Mass Communication
and Pharmacy.
At this stage, we focused on the Design tour route for our proposal. The
types of AR incorporated in the app were selected based on our research
and their suitability for the key venues highlighted in that route.
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| Fig. 6.1 Design tour route |
Design Style
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| Fig. 6.2 Design style |
AR Features
We thoroughly explored various types of AR, evaluating their suitability,
strengths, and limitations to determine the most fitting AR features for
each venue in the app. The selected AR features include a 3D mascot, 360˚
video, volumetric capture, geospatial creator, and image target.
Fig. 6.3 AR features
7) Lo-Fi App Prototype
Wireframes
At first, we were unsure about creating a seamless flow for the app and
the AR features to be included as there were lots of details that had yet
to be discussed. To address these uncertainties, we had an online meeting
to clarify the confusion and resolve any unclear aspects.
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| Fig. 7.1 Online meeting |
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| Fig. 7.2 Wireframes |
Prototyping
Next, we connected the screens to create an app flow that demonstrates the
app's concept and illustrates how it would be used by visitors during a
campus tour.
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| Fig. 7.3 Prototyping process |
Proposal Presentation
During week 10, we presented our proposal with two other Empathy Walk
groups on 28th June 2024 (Friday), from 10 AM to 12 PM via Microsoft
Teams.
Fig. 8.1 Final Proposal Presentation
Lo-Fi Prototype
Fig. 8.2 Lo-Fi Prototype
TASK 2: Design Management Protocols
1) TrueXR Visit
In week 12, we visited TrueXR, a virtual production company, on 12th July
2024 (Friday). Mr Mike arranged this visit to help us gain a deeper
understanding of AR technology and seek advice on the AR features to
develop for our project.
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| Fig. 9.1 TrueXR visit |
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| Fig. 9.2 Group photo |
2) Final App Prototype
Based on the client's feedback and advice from TrueXR, we improved our
app prototype by adding the remaining tour routes and enhancing other AR
features. To develop a high-fidelity prototype for the final product, we
prepared design elements to ensure consistency throughout the app.
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| Fig. 10.1 Design elements |
In the final app prototype, I created screens for the three tour routes:
Design, Mass Communication, and Pharmacy. Users start by selecting their
programme of interest, and then they have the option to customise the
stops provided in the tour route.
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| Fig. 10.2 Tour routes screens |
Next are the navigation screens, featuring an offline map that guides
users throughout the tour. The map highlights the route and includes
venues with interactive AR content such as Taylor's Duckie on the lake
and ongoing activities at Arcadia.
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| Fig. 10.3 Navigation screens |
From the tour, users are able to explore various interactive AR
features available in the campus. There are 5 AR features included in
the app. These features were developed by Khye Qing and Gim Khoon.
1. VPS + Offline Map
After selecting a tour, users must confirm their location at the
starting point, Block A Campus Central. This is done using the
Visual Positioning System (VPS), which asks users to scan their
surroundings to verify their location.
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| Fig. 10.4 Verifying location using VPS & offline map for navigation |
2. Duckie Mascot
The Duckie mascot serves as a guide, offering users information and
fun facts about each venue.
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| Fig. 10.5 Animated duckie mascot providing information for users |
3. VPS + 360˚ Video
Using VPS technology, users can explore AR content upon arriving at
key venues, such as Lecture Theatre 12, Mac Labs, and the
Photography Studio. When the venue is detected, a 360˚ video
appears, showcasing the environment and capturing the atmosphere of
ongoing activities.
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| Fig. 10.6 Venue detection using VPS & 360˚ video showcasing real-life activities |
4. Image Target + Volumetric Capture
This AR feature uses image targets and volumetric capture to
showcase ongoing activities such as event booths and club practices.
When users arrive around Arcadia, they can explore the AR content by
scanning the area to locate the image target, which triggers the
display of the 3D model. The 3D models will be created using
volumetric capture technology to showcase ongoing activities in a
way that brings the scene to life, providing users with an immersive
and authentic experience.
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| Fig. 10.7 Volumetric capture 3D model |
5. Geospatial CREATOR
Geospatial technology uses 3D maps from Google Maps and location
anchors to pinpoint a specific location. This technology is used
to create the iconic 3D Taylor's Duck on the lake, enabling users to
interact and take photos with the duck.
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| Fig. 10.8 3D Taylor's Duck on the lake |
TASK 3: Final Presentation
We had the final presentation on 1st August 2024 (Thursday) via
Microsoft Teams. All final documents are compiled below.
Final Project Tracking Document
Fig. 11.1 Final Project Tracking Document - PDF
Miro Board
Fig. 11.2 Empathy Walk (Group 9) - Miro Board
Final Proposal Presentation
Fig. 11.3 Final Proposal Presentation
Final Project Presentation
Fig. 11.4 Final Project Presentation
Final Application Prototype
Fig. 11.5 Final Application Prototype - FIGMA
App Prototype Walkthrough Video
Video: App Walkthrough
REFLECTION
WEEK 1
In Week 1, Mr Mike introduced us to the Minor Project, showing us
seniors’ work and providing a module briefing. For group selection, I
joined the Brandialogue group- Unicorns, but felt uncertain and confused
about the product we would be promoting. I realised that without
conducting thorough research and client meetings, we were unable to
start the project. We will have to do some research on Unicorns and find
potential products for our project.
WEEK 2
This week, we learned about several design thinking systems and their
application in creating human-centred products. From the video about
affordable incubators for low-income mothers, I learned how design
thinking is applied and the importance of empathy in understanding
users’ needs. With approval, I switched to the Empathy Walk group which
suits my interests better. We will work on an AR campus experience. Mr
Mike advised us to research AR features in museums and galleries and try
exploring Adobe Aero. I will research existing AR experiences,
experiment with Adobe Aero features, and apply the principles of design
thinking throughout the project.
WEEK 3
During week 3, we did contextual research on existing AR experiences and
the features of Adobe Aero. After consulting with Mr. Mike, we realised
that our identified pain points were not accurate. All our assumptions
about the pain points and needs were just assumptions. Mr Mike suggested
doing a campus walkthrough to identify areas that could benefit from AR
enhancements and to determine what types of AR are suitable for each spot.
Additionally, we need to explore the boundaries of Adobe Aero's features.
At that point, I realised that we lacked empathy with the visitors and did
not have integrated planning for our project. This process is essential
for learning and gaining insights.
WEEK 4
After meeting with our client and consulting with Mr Mike, we identified
three potential directions for our project and decided to focus on
creating personalised tour routes. We then developed two sets of
interview questions tailored to students and student ambassadors.
Without a specific guideline, we created these questions on our own and
only filtered them during classes. I realised this approach may not have
been the most effective for generating comprehensive insights from the
interviews. We plan to refine the interview questions and include
visuals to gather more valuable insights and make it easier for the
interviewees to understand augmented reality.
WEEK 5
After finalising the interview questions, we conducted interviews with
some students and student ambassadors from courses like mass
communication, food science and pharmacy. During the first interview
session with the student ambassadors, I did not manage to take control
of the interview flow, which limited insights gained. Fortunately, the
following interview sessions went smoothly. From the interviews, we
gathered in-depth insights and uncovered the users’ pain points that we
had not considered during the campus tours.
WEEK 6
After completing the interviews, we compiled and analysed the responses.
We identified common themes and uncovered valuable insights from the
interviewees’ feedback. We discussed and created the empathy map
together based on the insights from visitors and student ambassadors.
According to the empathy map and interview insights, we developed three
user personas with different needs and pain points, and user journey
maps outlining the emotions, challenges and opportunities for
improvement in the current campus tours. These insights provided a solid
foundation for developing a product that caters to users’ needs and
addresses their pain points.
WEEK 7
This week, we developed several key themes for the top 5 issues to
develop the insight statements. We also completed the customer journey
map and prepared our presentation slides. We started discussing the
design system for the app prototype including the colour scheme and
typography to make decisions on the design direction of the app.
WEEK 9
After finalising the key themes, we discussed with Mr Mike to develop
the insight statements, problem statement and how might we questions.
During the discussion, Mr Mike guided us by asking questions to refine
the insights statements. However, we could not really answer some of the
questions. I realised we might have missed out crucial information
during the interviews and did not conduct the interviews as thoroughly
as needed. This was my first experience with interviewing, and I
acknowledge there is room for improvement. Not only interview, every
stage of user research is important and should be executed thoughtfully
to obtain comprehensive and accurate insights from users.
WEEK 10
We presented our proposal to the client, outlining the insights gathered
and the ideation for the app, including the proposed app flow and AR
features. While the client was satisfied with some aspects of the app,
she noted that the parent persona was based more on assumptions. We
received feedback from both the client and our lecturer, which we will
use to address the gaps and make adjustments to the prototype.
Additionally, we need to further explore the availability and
limitations of certain AR technologies to determine their feasibility
for developing the app’s AR features.
WEEK 11
We finalised the AR features to develop in the app for preparation of
the TrueXR company visit to identify whether the features are
achievable. We also started to develop the hi-fi prototype by making
some amendments based on feedback from the previous prototype.
WEEK 12
Mr Mike arranged a visit from TrueXR, where the company provided an
in-depth session on virtual and augmented reality, especially focusing
on Volumetric Capture technology. This is the technology we'll be using
to develop the AR features in our app. It was an invaluable opportunity,
as it was the first time TrueXR had hosted such a session for university
students. I gained a lot of insights into virtual reality and volumetric
capture, understanding both its advantages and limitations. The good
thing is that we have confirmed our AR features are feasible after
receiving advice and consulting with the professionals from TrueXR.
WEEK 13
After confirming that the AR features are executable, we proceeded to
develop the final prototype by incorporating the three planned tour
routes and AR features. We added GIFs to demonstrate concepts like 360˚
videos. Given the time constraints, Mr. Mike recommended focusing on the
most effective methods to demonstrate the concept's feasibility, which
served as a valuable reminder for us.
WEEK 14
We finalised the hi-fi prototype and now preparing for the final
presentation. Each member collaborated effectively and completed their
tasks, which ensured our progress and achieved the desired outcome.
Based on feedback from our last consultation with Mr Mike, we refined
the prototype once more to ensure everything was executed properly. Next
week’s presentation will focus on clearly demonstrating the AR features
and conveying the concept behind the app's development and design. As we
wrap up this module, I feel relieved and grateful for my collaborative
team, which contributed significantly to the success of the final
product. I also deeply appreciate Mr Mike's weekly guidance throughout
the project.
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