Micro UX: Intertwingle week 4

Brief: Design, make and implement a collaborative working tool. Your task is to design a device, apparatus or set of interactions that reaches across disciplines. Your designed outcome should help people identify synergies and navigate practical issues.

Group members (reformed): Marty Chen, Jolin Ma, Mengdie Lu, Cristèle Sarić, Lingjia Fang, Reagan Bbengo

Introduction:

As our design project progressed into week 4, our team embarked on refining the matchmaking idea for our pivotal midpoint presentation. Inspired by our research at the Barbican Centre, we identified a significant limitation in our workshops—our dependence on subjective assessments of people's availability to answer our questions. In response, we explored the concept of a customizable dial that empowers individuals to shape their relationships and interactions within the office space. This blog post delves into the evolution of our design, addressing user feedback, and the potential impact of the matchmaking dial on workplace dynamics.

Customizable Modes:

Central to our concept is a dial featuring different modes or settings, representing diverse preferences and moods people may experience during their workday. These modes include collaboration, focus, coffee, and chill, catering to a range of interaction types. By simply turning the dial to their desired mode, individuals can express their current preference for the type of interaction they seek. For example, selecting collaboration mode signifies openness to working together on projects or seeking collaborative opportunities. While some concerns were raised upon testing of our very low fidelity prototype regarding the use of casual language like "chill mode," we decided to leave the final decision to partners and lecturers, considering the balance between professionalism and creating a fun and engaging atmosphere.

Facilitating Meaningful Connections:

The matchmaking dial incorporates a matching feature designed to foster meaningful connections among individuals who have selected the same mode. This feature creates an environment where people with similar preferences and moods can easily connect and engage with one another. For instance, two colleagues both in collaboration mode are more likely to collaborate on projects or brainstorm ideas, enhancing productivity and fostering teamwork.

Seamless Integration:

To seamlessly integrate the matchmaking functionality into the work environment, colleagues can download a dedicated mobile app on their work mobile devices. This app allows users to activate and control their matchmaking preferences either through the physical dial or directly on their mobile app. This flexibility ensures that individuals can effortlessly manage their preferences and stay connected with potential matches throughout the day, regardless of their physical location.

Visualizing Matchmaking Results:

The matchmaking dial introduces a visual and tactile feedback mechanism through a color-coded vibration system incorporated into a portable object. Each mode is associated with a specific color. When individuals are successfully matched with someone in the same mode, the portable object lights up with the corresponding color/vibration, providing a clear visual cue that a match has been made. This tangible feedback not only adds excitement but also reinforces the connection between colleagues, encouraging further interaction.

Time Constraints Consideration:

Recognizing the variability in individuals' availability and time windows for specific modes, our matchmaking system takes time constraints into account. Users can set the dial to specific modes during particular hours or switch between modes during breaks. This ensures that individuals are matched with others who are available and receptive to the selected mode at the same time, optimizing the likelihood of meaningful interactions and minimizing potential disruptions.

Customizable Visibility:

Respecting the importance of privacy and individual preferences, the matchmaking platform offers users the opportunity to customize the visibility of their matchmaking statuses. Utilizing the company's cloud-based system, employees can control who sees their current mode or status. This feature ensures a flexible and inclusive environment that respects personal boundaries while still promoting collaboration and connection.

Testing and Refinement:

To validate and refine our ideas, we engaged in body-storming activities, creating low-fidelity prototypes and simulating the user experience through role-playing scenarios within the office environment. The idea of the dial emerged when considering objects that could provide control over external factors. A dial was chosen as a suitable solution due to its familiarity and ease of use. To enhance the visualization of the concept, we created storyboards to depict a user's journey in utilizing the matchmaking tool, emphasizing the seamless integration and positive impact on workplace interactions.