Ashish Chaudhary Design Portfolio

AC

Ashish Chaudhary HYBRID INDUSTRIAL INTERACTION DESIGNER

UW Application for Master of Science in HCDE

Design Portfolio

2016

INTERACTION

1.

CONTEXTUAL RESEARCH Contextual inquiry, market visits and shadowing activities helped us gather the following insights:

LG Touch Enhancing brand perception through an interactive retail experience.

1. Cultural diversity in the Indian market has led to multiple CMF preferences for each product model (For e.g. each LG refrigerator model has 5-10 color and pattern variations). This creates a problem at the shop floor where only a limited number of products can be on display due to space constraints.

As a result, most of the options are always not displayed creating a negative shopping experience.

2. Often salesmen are busy or not able to answer questions at length. Hence, buyers feel unassisted to discover the right product 3. When it comes to color/pattern/finish, the buyer wants to see it as realistically as possible.

1b. DESIGN DIRECTION

1

2

3

RETAILER

BUYER

SELLER

PAINS: - Storage issues - Cluttered floor space

- Wants to compare all options - Likes to explore different features

- Point-of-sale material is ineffective - Relies on salesman for information

PROPOSED INTERVENTION

GAINS:

1a. CONTEXT OF USE

Team: LG Electronics India & manufacturing vendors in Seoul, South Korea

OVERVIEW The home appliance market in India is flooded with multiple color and pattern variations for each product model. The basic premise for this project is to uplift LG’s shopping experience in such retail scenarios, where there is a lot of clutter logistically as well as aesthetically.

Duration: 6-8 months

KEY LEARNINGS This project helped me explore the digital and physical aspects of interaction design. I learnt how simple tangible interactions (for e.g. RFID cube) when coupled with digital interfaces, engages users for a longer time and creates a more delightful experience. Understanding the different touchpoints and varied needs of stakeholders, helped solidify a fluid visual narrative that maximizes efficiency.

Responsibilities: Research, Concept, Design detailing

- Better management of floor space - Better Inventory management

Navigation designed for full scale touchscreen

- Customized product suggestions - Better understanding of features - Better visualization of finishes

- Assistance on sales pitch - Directed conversations that save time

Integration of RFID technology to scan swatches

Digital & physical display of finishes

1c. DESIGN DETAILING

1d. IMPLEMENTATION KEY PHYSICAL DESIGN ELEMENTS

Kiosk Body User Testing

Note: Average Indian female height is 5.2”

PLACEMENT Utilizing corner space Height 4.11”

Shortest

Height 5.1”

Height 5.3”

Height 5.5”

KIOSK BODY DESIGN We did research and testing to define ideal screen size and body dimensions based on Indian ergonomic factors. Detailing for the kiosk structure was centered around various physical components (such as large interactive screens, RFID scanner, swatch rack, printer etc.).

KEY DESIGN DECISIONS A lot of deliberation went into why we need a life-size kiosk versus any other solution. Even though small screen displays can deliver information, potential buyers desire a realistic experience of the product. The use of physical swatches and RFID scanner helped visualize the product on a 1:1 scale. A printer was installed to give buyers a memo of the product suggested by the intelligent guidance system. The product suggestions were based on factors like family size, food habits, budget, feature preferences etc.

RFID CUBE To scan color swatch

COLOR SWATCHES Actual product finishes

PRINTER To print user selection

KEY UI SCREENS

IMPACT The final solution effectively communicated the diverse LG product range. It was perceived as a trendsetter because it was the first interactive retail experience for home appliances in India. Potential buyers greatly appreciated the use of interactive elements coupled with customized product suggestions. Various LG retail outlets reported a significant increase in footfall and sales within the first month.

NEXT STEPS The second phase of this project is expected to scale this system for other products apart from refrigerator (such as like microwave, washing machine etc.). Challenges foreseen revolve around how to incorporate more physical swatches in the kiosk and the number of kiosks in a shop.

INTERACTION

2.

HEALTH Manager A smart refrigerator UI that enriches lives by enabling healthier and happier living for families.

USER RESEARCH We conducted rapid user research through multiple rounds of in-depth interviews and observation studies to uncover insights around food consumption and healthy lifestyle. In parallel, we ran a usability study within the organization by assigning few employees to use existing web/mobile health apps. This helped generate and prioritize features for our application. We also brought a food nutritionist on board to create a nutrition database for popular Indian food items and healthy Indian recipes.

CONCEPTUALIZATION Our design goal was to create a family-centric planning tool that monitors daily food consumption based on BMI goals and tracks progress in a simple and playful manner. We were conscious about creating a visually calm environment, rather than producing stress with constant overdue notifications or pop-ups. In line with this thought, various information structures and navigation patterns were explored.

2b. STRUCTURAL UI BRAINSTORMING & ANALYSIS

INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE

2a. PRODUCT VISUALIZATION

Team: LG Electronics India & South Korea Duration: 4-5 months Responsibilities: Project Management, Concept, Interaction, Prototyping, Testing

OVERVIEW ‘Health Manager’ is LG India’s first smart refrigerator. The aim of this project was to establish LG as a brand ‘that cares’. The growing concern over high obesity rate in Indian middle class paved the path for a product designed using health as a platform.

KEY LEARNINGS As project manager, I teamed up with a UI designer to execute this project from research till final prototype. This was the first UX project handled by our team and it helped me establish UX and UI practices in an industrial design department. It gave me exposure of the various roles played by UI, ID and R&D teams in tandem to deliver an engaging interactive solution.

WIREFRAMES

NAVIGATION ARCHITECTURE

2c. UI METAPHOR & GUI SURVEY

2d. PROTOTYPING & TESTING

UI METAPHOR : THALI (INDIAN PLATTER)

PRIORITY GROUPING Similar value elements

SHALLOW LAYERING Layer within functions

1. Core value: Indian Cultural Context

FLAT STRUCTURE

Elements on surface

2. One serves to many = Multiple users

BUILD, TEST, REPEAT Low fidelity visual prototypes helped us extract deficiencies and suggest improvements to refine the content and design of our application. The second phase of user testing was on an actual touch screen with Android native UI design. The final prototype was tested using a screen with actual tech specs installed on a full-scale refrigerator mockup. Due to cost parameters, the screen was resistive touch. Hence all UI interactions were designed to be touch and tap based rather that drag or swipe based.

NEXT STEPS The final UI concept was handed over to our HQ team in Seoul, South Korea to implement based on LG GUI guidelines and integrate into product roadmap for manufacturing.

UI METAPHOR The interface was based on a UI metaphor: ‘The Indian Thali’. A typical thali (platter) comprises of one main dish along with various side dishes. This related to one main feature in the system (Health Manager) and various sub applications (photo gallery, audio/video recipes and calendar). Minimal layers of navigation, flat structure and priority grouping were derived from this metaphor. Understanding the role of ‘a mother’ who takes charge of family health, this interface was designed to empower. one key user to track multiple profiles.

INTERACTION

MICROWAVE Enriched

Through iterative testing we refined the navigation architecture, information structure on display screen and TUI elements of the proposed concept. User-centered design principles helped in designing step-by-step guiding navigation. This approach supported user at each step and reduced early failures.

Enhance user skill modes for features & functions to optimize usability through steady learning.

SEGMENTATION

3.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT Our key objective for this phase of the design process was to map users mental model towards microwave usage. Task flow analysis, paper prototyping, one-on-one interactions with users and documentation through video recording helped align proposed concepts with user’s mental model.

3b. CONCEPT TESTING ONE-ON-ONE IDI’S

BLANK PANEL EXERCISE

PAPER PROTOTYPING

EXPRESS COOK Feasible

FEAR OF FAILURE HIGH

NOVICE USER

COMFORT OF USE HIGH

INTERMEDIATE USER

COMFORT OF USE LOW

Desirable

Usable

HELP COOK Feasible

EXPERT USER LOW

FEAR OF FAILURE Desirable

MAXIMUM EVOLUTION

MAXIMUM FAILURES

Users explore features to maximize utility for diverse cooking options.

Steady change in usage and knowledge of users.

Negative experiences cause significant reduction in use.

- Flexibility of use - Increasing affinity between product & user

- Learnability - Help & guidance - Instilling confidence

UI PRINCIPLES

MAXIMUM EXPLORATION

- Experimentation - Exploration - Sharing knowledge

Usable

TASK FLOW ANALYSIS

MY COOK Feasible

Desirable

Usable

3a. DESIGN DIRECTION

Team: LG Electronics Design + R&D Duration: 2-3 months Responsibilities: Project Management, Concept Identification, Product Interaction, Prototyping, Testing

OVERVIEW This project targeted first-generation microwave users and eased their learning curve by focusing on learnability, flexibility and exploration. This assisted microwave owners through their journey from a ‘Novice’ to ‘Intermediate’ to ‘Expert’ user.

KEY LEARNINGS The mental model for Indian cooking is quite different from western cooking methods. As a designer, the responsibility to minimize this steep learning curve for a user was my biggest challenge. In such scenarios, a guiding system that can mitigate early failures, improved motivation. A better audio-visual feedback mechanism enhanced usage and understanding.

CONCEPT TESTING

Neutral Liked Disliked

7d. Prototyping & Testing

3c. PROPOSED SOLUTION

LEARNABILITY

DEMO RUN

HELP BUTTONS + VOICE HELP

MY COOK MENU

STEP BUTTON + EDIT BUTTON

CUSTOMIZABLE AUTOCOOK

INNOVATIVE SPATIAL TIMER

FLEXIBILITY

EXPLORATION

SKILL MODE BUTTONS

PROPOSED SOLUTION: ‘GUIDE-ABILITY The journey form learnability to empowerment was achieved by segregating features and functions based on the 3 user skill levels. This optimized the usability through steady usage of the product over time.

NOVICE

INTERMEDIATE

EXPERT

CONCERN

Fear of failure, Perceived complexity of UI

Inability to use product beyond basic cooking

Customization is difficult, Lack of knowledge sharing

OPPORTUNITY

Clarity, Learnability, Error prevention

Flexibility of use, Support cooking methods

Tool for exploration and experimentation

KEY BENEFIT

User is more comfortable and confident using product.

User can use microwave to prepare cooking ingredients.

User can customize pre-set options and create database.

1. NOVICE (BEGINNER’S BENEFIT):

2. INTERMEDIATE (ASSISTANT CHEF):

3. EXPERT (GAS REPLACEMENT):

Fully automated guide with voice help for basic cooking.

Prepares ingredients for main cooking on gas stove.

Geared towards complex Indian cooking methods.

Achieves results with least effort and cognitive load.

Acts as a supporting device for conventional cooking.

Facilitates complete cooking replacing the gas stove.

Requires minimum expertise and involvement of user so that they can accomplish hobby cooking.

Highlights tasks that can be done simultaneously in microwave, so the cook can plan their preparation.

Extensive knowledge base through layered menu with custom multi-step recipes.

INDUSTRIAL

4.

INDIA Multi-Door India’s first Multi-Door refrigerator designed specifically for Indian food habits and usage patterns.

4b. RESEARCH ANALYSIS HOME VISITS & FOCUS GROUPS Food storage analysis

Dry condiments

Usage Visualization

Observed Storage Patterns

Comparative analysis ICE

Soft fruits

BOTTLES

Milk containers

8-10 litres of water

INCREASE (water)

Usability based opportunities

Customs

•

Satvic Rajasic Tamasic

Veg/fruit storage

•

Unity in Diversity

Masala section

PROTECT Eg. Milk zone

Separate from others food

PROMOTE Eg. Dry fruits

Abundant water storage

Usage communication

DESIGN UPGRADE FACTOR

• PLACE Water zone

Eg. Seasonal drink Religion

Coverage National

WATER ZONE

MASALA ZONE

Responsibilities: Design Research, Industrial Design, Project co-ordination

Quick access

• PRESERVE Veges & Fruits

Regional

Eg. Condiment Tray .

VEGES ZONE

CONCEPT TESTING WITH USERS ON FULL SCALE THERMOCOLE MOCKUPS

KEY LEARNINGS This project really helped me sharpen my design skills especially around co-creation, in-depth user research and physical prototyping. Collaborating closely with other teams such as development, manufacturing and marketing, right from the start helped us deliver this complex project rather smoothly.

IMPROVE (veges)

DESIGN DIFFERENTIATION FACTOR

Cultural Characteristics

Panchgavya

Duration: 8-10 months

CREATE (masala)

INTERSECTION & OPPORTUNITIES

Culture

OVERVIEW This project aimed to strengthen LG’s foothold in the Indian market through India-centric product offerings. Applying UCD processes, we designed a Multi-Door refrigerator catering to specific Indian needs.

DRY ITEMS

WATER

SOCIO-CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

Team: LG Electronics India (Design + Marketing+ R&D)

FROZEN

VEGES

Climate

4a. C0-CREATION WORKSHOPS

ICE

TEMP ZONE

Nutrition retention Comfort loading

SOFT MOCKUP STUDY

BODYSTORMING Frequently accessed zone Most frequently accessed zone Least frequently accessed zone

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY A pan-India ethnographic study was conducted to uncover refrigerator usage patterns in our socio-cultural context. Co-creation sessions revealed unique user-product interactions. Bodystorming and scenario testing using full-scale mockups helped us define user behaviors. The key concerns were ergonomics, storage access, storage duration of food items and culture perceptions around food.

4c. IDEATION & CONCEPT SKETCHES

FINAL DESIGN CONCEPT 1. Quick access pantry: The ergonomic cooling drawer was identified as a frequently accessed section of the refrigerator and promoted as a health zone. It is a dedicated section for accessible storage of healthier food options. The visual accessibility and convenience of use of this pantry door makes it easier to retrieve frequently used items while minimizing loss of cool air (enhancing energy saver feature).

2. Refrigerator layout: The new layout aids better organization and segregation for small sized items like cosmetics and spices. The format bears correlation with kitchen cabinetry based on user testing insights.

3. Localized design elements: Contextual insights highlight low usage of the freezer section (contrary to western usage) because of the large vegetarian population in India. Also, the need for a large water dispenser emerged from the insight that cold water consumption from the refrigerator is high in tropical parts of India.

4d. PROPOSED DESIGN Cosmetics Large capacity Water Dispenser Regular storage

Protected Spice Zone

Freezer optimized size for Indian usage

Quick access pantry for easy and quick retrivals

IDEATION & CONCEPT SKETCHES We visualized over 100 ideas that emerged from the usage and behavioral patterns study. These ideas were refined into concepts through filters of usability, uniqueness and manufacturability. Armed with models and partially formed concepts we received rapid and effective feedback from co-creation sessions with users and experts. This process was incredibly rewarding and I found the exercise of storytelling, synthesis and design opportunity identification an incredibly effective way of understanding true consumer value.

CODING

5.

DRAW; Me

5b. PROCESS COLLAGE ‘DRAW ME’ APP ON AN ANDROID TABLET

CODING THE APP IN PROCESSING

AN 8-YEAR OLD CREATING ABSTRACT ART FORMS

A 6-YEAR OLD EXPLORING SIZES

A 4-YEAR OLD BEING TAUGHT COLOUR & SHAPES

PLAY OF SHAPE, SIZE & FORM

Open source app for young children to explore simple art forms using shapes, colors and sizes.

5a. APP IN ACTION

Team: Self (with help from online forums) Duration: 4-6 weeks Responsibilities: All

OVERVIEW ‘Draw Me’ is a Processing based application developed for Android platform. It is designed to let children explore shapes, sizes and colors to create simple art forms using scale, move and rotate function.

KEY LEARNINGS ‘Draw Me’ was a self-initiated project. I had always been keen to learn how to code and create interactive apps. The idea came into being when I started learning a new coding language (Processing) and building on the basic knowledge of functions I had gathered from online courses. I combined this newfound knowledge with my core interest area of learning and education to build a seemingly simple yet effective learning app for children.

IMPLEMENTATION This Processing sketch primarily uses conditional and nested ‘For/If/Else’ functions. As part of building, testing and refining the code, I tested the app with children from ages 4-9 years to understand if the designed interactions were simple to play with and fun to explore.

CODE UPLOADED AT: http://openprocessing.org/sketch/283602

SOCIAL

6.

STORY Makers Community development platform for local artists to interact and build on each others work.

6b. CONCEPT TOUCHPOINTS DESIGN CONCEPT

THE EVENT POSTER

local community community space

StoryMakers

a collaborative platform

creative talents

6a. COLLABORATORS AT ONEHUNGA LIBRARY

Team: In collaboration with Auckland Council NZ, Onehunga library & Writers Inc. Duration: Ongoing since August 2015 Responsibilities: Conceptualization, Implementation

OVERVIEW ‘StoryMakers’ is an idea I pitched to the New Zealand Auckland Council library as part of their community development initiatives. It is a platform for artists in a locality to come together in a community space to express themselves, connect with others and collaborate to create work together.

KEY LEARNINGS This exercise was very rewarding for me on various levels. As a photographer, it gave me a unique chance to collaborate with writers and find different expressions originating from my work. As a designer, it encouraged me to conceptualize and design similar localized platforms for global creative communities.

THE PILOT EVENT This was a collaboration between two writers (Katerina Patitsas and Amelia Homs) and a photographer (me). The writers took inspiration from imagery generated by the photographer and created literature based on the feelings the images aroused. Since they did not have any context to the images, their interpretation was highly imaginative.

After they presented their literary work (poems and short stories), the photographer shared his perspective on the photographs and why he had taken them. The output of this fusion art project EVENT VIDEO LINK: https://vimeo.com/151079773 left the creators and the audience spell bound.

NEXT STEPS The StoryMakers platform is now a successfully running platform for various Auckland Council libraries.

Based on the excitement it has generated in local communities, I am now scaling this experience for a larger audience. I am currently designing an online service that helps artist and creative communities work together locally and globally.

AWARDS

7.

Awards & Achievements 7a. KEY AWARDS MEDIA MENTION IN THE TOP NATIONAL NEWSPAPER: INDIRA INTERNATIONAL ‘TOP 10 DESIGNERS UNDER 30’

DESIGNBOOM FEATURE: SEOUL DESIGN AWARDS 2010

SPECIAL JURY AWARD: OPUS DESIGN AWARDS 2009

SPECIAL JURY AWARD BY THE EMINENT DESIGNER: Shunji Yamanaka

YANKO DESIGN ARTICLE: FEATURED DESIGNER

VARIOUS NEW ZEALAND NEWSPAPERS: EDITORIAL & CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHS

MY JOURNEY AS A DESIGNER I see these awards as recognition of my hard work and passion towards the field of industrial design.

I hope my education at UW helps me create my mark in the field of interaction design.

End of document

Thank you

AC

Ashish Chaudhary HYBRID INDUSTRIAL INTERACTION DESIGNER