Idea Generation

Case Study | MFA Graduate Thesis Project

Academy of Art University Graduate School of Web Design & New Media

Week 8

This week I accomplished the following in the production of my project proposal and created version 5 of my slideshow presentation.

• Analyze ideation to production.
• Identify information architecture and flow diagrams.
• Define user scenarios.
• Explore the development of task flow.
• Define card sort.
• Introduce proof of concept.

Ideation to Production

Now, I need to work and formulate my project into a design sketch of what the user experience could be like. I will start to develop the idea further and think about the next stages in my Project's development.

Information Architecture

Information architecture (IA) is a blueprint of the scope and structure of a system. Typical IA is arranged in a hierarchy that shows the first level node, the second level of choices from that node, the third level node, and so on. IA structures can go deep or show breadth. It takes a lot of effort to organize content and the site navigation.

Good information architecture demonstrates exactly how you plan to construct your Project.

User Scenarios

User scenarios are narratives that describe how a target user will interact with a product or system to satisfy a need or to achieve a goal. I will use personas as the starting point to develop my user scenarios and context to satisfy a need or goal.

I will show the information architecture, the flow diagram, and even the wireframe page designs of what the user would need to satisfy the goal.

Task Flow

To start the process, it is helpful to draw thumbnail sketches that show how pages relate to one another and how the project will play out. Thumbnail sketches are helpful for planning purposes, but they are not very effective for conveying the details of your Project to others.

Symbols of a Flow Diagram

There are some rudimentary symbols we can use in our Flow Diagram. I have included them in mine.

Card Sorting

A Card Sort is a quick and easy way to spark conversation about what matters most to the people you're designing for.

My deliverables included the results from a three-card sort for three (3) task flows conducted using Trello.com and Optimal Workshop.

Try my Optimal Workshop Card Sorting Study!

 

Card Sort Slide

 

Card Sort Results Slide

 

Proof of Concept (Storyboard)

A hand-drawn storyboard that shows how my participants move through the scenarios of the installation

Storyboard Sketches Slide

 

I created a fifth version of my Project Presentation slideshow presentation with the addition of a Proof of Concept (Storyboard) slide.

Version 5 of Slideshow Presentation

 

Coming-Up Next...

Next week, I will look at different methods of UX research:

• Define a wireframe.
• Analyze sketching for wireframes.
• Introduce types of user testing.
• Identify testing techniques.

This blog will serve as a place to create my case study. I invite you to follow along with me as I journey through this process.

Thank you for reading and for your interest.

Julie A. Davis Veach