Talko App
My Role
For this class project, my group and I were tasked with identifying a need and developing a solution. We chose to focus on facilitating healthy communication between parents and children. As part of the team, I contributed to the creation of an "app" designed to train parents on how to help children identify emotions, engage in activities that encourage open communication, and view video examples of effective interactions. I was responsible for editing the filmed videos, ideation, and design.
When did I do it?
September 2021-December 2021
What I've learned
I have learned a great deal about the design thinking method, particularly in areas like ideation, prototyping, and using empathy data. One key lesson is the importance of understanding your audience, as their needs and perspectives are central to developing effective solutions. I also discovered that projects don't always work perfectly from the start, but the process of ideation and continuous improvement is essential for refining and enhancing the final outcome.
Experience Design Principles Used
Ideation
We employed a variety of ideation techniques throughout the project to identify and solve the key challenges. Using sticky notes and setting specific parameters, we encouraged the free flow of ideas, ensuring that every suggestion had a chance to be explored. Our process was iterative—we brainstormed, prototyped, tested, and then refined our ideas based on the feedback and insights gained, continuously improving our approach until we found the most effective solution. This cycle of ideation and refinement helped us develop a well-rounded, thoughtful solution.
Prototyping
After the ideation phase, we moved on to prototyping our ideas to bring them to life. Building a prototype helped us assess the feasibility of our solutions, allowing us to identify potential flaws and refine our concepts. Prototyping also provided a tangible representation of our ideas, enabling us to share and test the experience with others. This hands-on approach gave us valuable feedback, helping us determine whether our prototype was the right solution and guiding further improvements.
Testing
Testing is where your prototype truly comes to life. It allows you to present your creation to an audience, uncovering specific pain points and identifying areas for improvement. This phase provides valuable feedback that can lead to small adjustments or, in some cases, a complete redesign. Testing gives you a clearer understanding of the problem and equips you with the knowledge needed to refine your solution, ensuring it better meets the needs of your audience.