I certify that the work included in this portfolio is my own original work. Work included which was conducted
Y a n g Zhang
as a part of a team or other group is indicated and attributed as such - the other team members are named and
IU Application Number: IU001564532
a true description of my role in the project is included.
01 ASUS 6 -I NCH eBOOK
UI Design
04 DI GI TA L STEAMER
Research + UI Design
09 SMART APPLICANCE
Design + Focus Group
15 HAIER HIGH-END REFRIGERATOR
Research+Visual Design
19 H E A LTH PLU S
Service Design
23 TAI JI ECO WASHER
Product Design
29 MOTION G RAPHICS
Digital Media Design
Portfolio Website: http://imyangzhang.weebly.com/
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ABOUT This project was designing an
ASUS 6-INCH eBOOK User Inter face Design
interactive user interface for 6-inch touch-screen eBook for ASUS. The goal was to provide an easy to use e-reader device to ensure a comfortable, portable and continuous reading experience.
Type: Individual Work + Small Group Work Team: Jun Liu My role: Market Analysis, Task Flow, Prototyping, Original Concept & Design of Graphic User Interface
USER INTERFACE DESIGN
ASUS 6-inch eBook
The display technology of this eBook was electronic ink.
Content
I conducted some researches on electronic ink and eB-
Zoom
ook products. Electronic ink could make reading experi-
Bookmark List Area Select book Reading
ence more comfortable due to it can reflect light directly
Search
just like paper. However, electronic ink had very low
Category
refresh rate. When flipping over pages, it might show
Sort
the shadow of the previous page. Moreover, it only sup-
Library
ported 16 level gray colors.
Online Content
Main Menu
News Reader
Thereby, 3 design criterias were defined:
2. Ensuring visual continuity. 3. Providing intuitive using experience.
Introduction
Application
1. Operation steps as easy as possible.
View Mode
More Info
Bookmarks Notes
Search by Letters Playlist Music
Albums Artists
Dictionary
Search Setting
RSS Reader Notepad Scrapbook Photo
Design Criteria
Wireframe & Sketches
Search Annotation TTS Music DJ Setting
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USER INTERFACE DESIGN
Based on research, the theme of user interface was 玀 (simplicity). Most of the texts, icons and buttons were designed as linear forms, because too much solid dark space could slow down the system when refreshing. For the final design delivery, I created the libray page, reading page, some application pages and all the icons.
01 02 03 04 05 06 01. Library Main Page 02. Application Page 03. Book Introduction 04. Reading Page with Keyboard 05. Reading Page with Music Play 06. Reading Page with Dictionary
Final Layout
ASUS 6-inch eBook
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ABOUT Rapid life pace has stressed out many
D I G I TA L S T E A M E R User Research + Interface Design
people in China. They want delicious & healthy dishes to relieve pressure. Yet, many cooking methods are not perfect, some end up with too many calories and some take too much time. The idea of steaming was proposed
Type: Individual + Small Group Work Team: Jun Liu,Angel Huang,Hui Wang My role: Interview, In-home Visit,
from our client Supor. They wanted us to dig deeper into steaming cooking,
Data Analysis, Need Finding,
unveil potential market opportunities
Wireframe, Prototyping
for fast paced life and user needs. This project involved user research, product design and user interface design. My contribution to this project was to conduct user research, in-home visit, data analysis and interface design.
USER RESEARCH + INTERFACE DESIGN
Digital Steamer
To better understand users’ perspective and behavior, we conducted a two weeks field research, including interview, survey and in-home visit. First we analyzed how consumers defining the idea of ‘Steaming’. We interviewed self-cooking consumers in Beijing, Changsha, Suzhou and Guangzhou.
A household more than 3 family members, at least cooking steamed food twice a week, 25-45years old. Work - busy, few spare time Life - cooking dishes & doing laundries at home Diet goals - Healthy, Nutritious, Light
Target Consumer Definition
Market Analysis
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USER RESEARCH + INTERFACE DESIGN
Digital Steamer
After conducting interviews, we also implemented in-home visits for 2 families per city, total 8 families. We requested them to cook 5 types of steamed food (fish, short ribs, eggs, stuffed bun and rice) in two ways, one was their traditional way (using gas), the other was using digital steamer. In addition, we observed their cooking behavior and had in-depth talk with them when they were carrying out the tasks. Above are in-home visit insights.
In-home Visit
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USER RESEARCH + INTERFACE DESIGN
After user research phase, the design team divided to two groups. The ID team was creating ways to propose product design. And I was responsible for the UI design. I defined the design criteria as Visible Gourmet, Locked Nutrition and Convenient Efficiency. Each criterion was also correspondent to unique control functions of the LCD panel.
Design Opportunities
Digital Steamer
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USER RESEARCH + INTERFACE DESIGN
Digital Steamer
Main Menu
Trays & Flavor Choice Page
10 default menus for users to conveniently start
User can choose 1-3 trays according to the way they
steaming; each has been preset with time, flavor and
place the food. Also they can choose flavor (rare, me-
heat level for best nutrition preservation. Users can
dium, well) to customize the needs.
click custom menu for advanced operation.
Heat Choice Page
Steaming Process Page
Task Finished Page
User can choose low, middle, high option for heating
Visual display of steaming process. Motion graphic in
Visual display of finishing task. Gourmet & nutrition
level.
the left mimics steaming task, and signs in the right
curve enters the best stage, and auto warming is ac-
indicate time and gourmet & nutrition curve.
tivated.
Selected Design Pages
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ABOUT The 80’s generation is becoming the
SMART APPLIANCES D e s i g n + Fo c u s G r o u p
main consumer groups in China; they are growing up under strong influence of technology, western culture and fashion. Thus, we were helping our client Joyoung to explore design concepts of smart appliances (i-series) and obtained feedback from 80’s users. In particular, the client wanted to test the potential market acceptance of i-series and determine future new products direction based on this.
Type: Individual Work + Small Group Work Team: Jun Liu, Hui Wang My role: User Research, User Interface Ideation, Focus Group, Presentation
DESIGN + FOCUS GROUP
First we conducted user research of the 80’s generation and defined the design criteria of i-series products. Thus, the i-series products needs to have touch technology, connect with Internet, entertaining interaction, social networking and caring aspects.
Design Criteria
Smart Appliances
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DESIGN + FOCUS GROUP
Smart Appliances
We designed a device called ‘Healthy Core’, which can connect Joyoung’s website and appliance products, as well as providing the firsthand health consultation and caring advice. In addition, users could also utilize computers and smart phones to operate on i-series products remotely through Wi-Fi.
Service Concept
Service Flow
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DESIGN + FOCUS GROUP
Smart Appliances
Next step was to create UI design. Users could download information like seasonal recipes, diet plan and cooking videos from the ‘Healthy Core’ , computers or smart phones to i-series appliances. The recipes were already preset with best cook time and heat level to preserve nutrition and flavor. When users cooked with their own habit, i-series appliances would save personalized data and upload it to ‘healthy core’ or computers. The data then would be shared with other iseries appliances for further usage. Other functions included notification, remote control and fingerprint identification. With easy interaction on the touch screen interface of i-series products, users could conveniently & efficiently manage recipes and cook dishes.
UI Ideation
Low-Fi Prototyping
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DESIGN + FOCUS GROUP
Smart Appliances
After design concept phase both for UI & product, we began to arrange the focus group research. Based on user interface ideation, the ID team proposed 3 design concepts of i-
We invited 2 groups of 80’s
series small appliances.
generation users. Each group was asked about their opinions, attitudes, and perceptions towards i-series products. *As a control group, users in group 2 have lower income than group 1. Other aspects of both groups are similar.
Product Design (conducted by ID team)
Focus Group - User Info
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DESIGN + FOCUS GROUP
Next, we arranged a brainstorming session. We gave them 3 minutes to fast browse design & fashion magazines. Then, they were asked to express their expectations of future small appliances. Then we presented design concept of iseries products, and invited both groups to show their opinions about the design. The feedbacks were surprising. Group 1 showed strong interest & recommended valuable suggestion. Group 2 almost possessed negative attitude.
Conclusion With higher income & job position, more acceptable of novel product, Group 1 represented impulsive consumer. They were passion about surprises when making a purchase, and willing to embrace life quality with the advance of technology. Possessing lower income & job position and budget saver ideas, control Group 2 represented cautious consumer. They were more pragmatism, focusing on usage value when making a purchase. The results and statistics of focus group showed obvious differences between two groups. Further interviews conducted by the clients reflected the market was not ready. The client decided not to launch i-series products.
Focus Group
Smart Appliances
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ABOUT This project was to provide design
HAIER HIGH-END REFRIGERATOR Research + Visual Design
concepts for Haier’s high-end refrigerator. The goal was to explore opportunities for high-end refrigerator in terms of market trend and the modern luxury, such as unique material, pattern and new interactive experience.
Type: Individual Work + Small Group Work Team: Jun Liu, Leo Liu My role: User Research, Ideation and Visual Design
RESEARCH + VISUAL DESIGN
Haier High-end Refrigerator
In order to obtain a well-rounded knowledge about high-end refrigerators, we conducted field studies, including visiting consumer electronics stores, collecting information from user behavior and needs. Based on the research, we synthesized 4 criteria that can reflect the value of high-end refrigerator: 1. Brand value, which Haier already possesses as an international corporation. 2. Material creativity. Applying materials such as borderless glass panel, natural texture (wood veneer, leather texture and marble effect), and metal effect. 3. Technology / Usability. Integrating product design with latest technologies like touch screen, large LCD panels, temperature sensor, and Internet of Things. 4. Additional Value. Applying elements such as light effect, pattern and Chinese style into the design.
Research & Design Criteria
01
01. Market Analysis
02
02. Design Criteria
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RESEARCH + VISUAL DESIGN
Personas & Mood Board
Haier High-end Refrigerator
From the analysis, we decided to focus on the user base of lady socialites who were emphasizing on quality of life. We defined 4 categories, each persona represent a design theme.
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RESEARCH + VISUAL DESIGN
Final Design
Haier High-end Refrigerator
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ABOUT This was a service design project in
HEALTH PLUS Service Design
Tongji University. We designed a service system aiming to exchange the health needs between urban residents and rural residents, in the way of leading people to live in a healthier way.
Type: Individual Work + Small Group Work Team: Song Song, Siyuan Shen My role: User Research, Ideation, Storyboard and Handmade Modeling
SERVICE DESIGN
Health Plus
We named the service company ‘Health Plus’; urban and rural residents were our considered customers. We cooperated with fitness centers to offer products & services, which guided people to live in a healthier way. There were 2 main aspects of our operation: For city residents, we offered chances for club members to experience healthy life style in the countryside with a paid membership, such as sun-circle timetable, natural foods, and outdoor leisure activities. For rural residents, we used the membership fee from urban residents’ to improve rural health facilities. Also rural residents could provide healthy diet advices to the urban residents.
How the Service Works
01 02 03
01. Logo
02. Core Business
03. Service Network
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SERVICE DESIGN
Health Plus
1. Urban customers register at fitness centers, they see Health Plus’s advertisement.
2. One nice weekend, Katie’s family take part in.
3. Health Plus shuttle takes them to Chongming Ecological Island.
4. Chongming, the island of natural landscape and eco environment.
5. Katie’s family arrived, villagers in Chongming are so warm hearted.
6. They stay in the local family hotels. The host of the family hotel also gets trained from Health Plus.
7. Katie’s family begins the adventure, they receive suggestions about health and nutrition tips.
8. In early morning, instructors teach them morning exercises such as Taiji.
9. During breakfast, the host provides natural organic food and introduces many healthy diet knowledge to them.
10. They attend various activities in the countryside.
11. Or relaxing and doing yoga in wheat fields.
12. Forget video games, internet and city pressure, let’s run in the fields.
13. The family also experience some labor work in the field.
14. They are fishing and mediating in a quiet environment.
15. Healthy dinner with fresh fruits, yogurt and vegetables keeps them delighted.
16. They can purchase local organic food, and bring the freshness home.
17. What a great adventure, they surely will come back again!
Storyboard
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SERVICE DESIGN
Health Plus
The concept was realized by handmade modeling. The modeling expressesed a strong contrast between crowed busy city and open quiet rural space.
For citizens, they can get rid of both mental and physical pressure from city, and
For villagers, training and health center are improved, so they can enhance their
enjoy activities such as playing Taiji and Yoga in large rice fields. Also they can eat
working capabilities and receive basic medical cares. This is a mutual benefits
healthy diet provided by villagers.
product service system.
Final Design - Handmade Modeling
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ABOUT This was a course project from
Ta i J i
Eco Washer Product Design
Politecnico Di Torino. The project was cooperated with INDESIT(an Italian home appliance brand) and the mission was to design an eco-washing machine by redesigning the components.
Type: Individual Work + Small Group work Team: Niaoniao Li My role: Idealization, Sketches, User Research, System Design, and Product Design
PRODUCT DESIGN
China had the largest population and the fastest growth of elder people living by their own, we chose the elders as our target user. After a thoroughly research on the life style of Chinese elders and mechanic structures of washing machine, we based our concept on 3 design criteria: Culture. The culture life of elder population is focused on keeping traditional life style, such as doing Bonsai (Chinese gardening), playing Taiji and petting birds. House system. The washing machine and phytodepuration are connected with bathroom facilities, which can generate a water cycle through the whole house system. Less resource. We dismiss the heater component and directly use cold tap water, because we can use nature detergent such as Sapindusmukorossi (Sapindaceae) that doesn’t need heating.
Target & Design Criteria
Tai Ji - Eco Washer
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PRODUCT DESIGN
Normally, there are two processes in each laundry task: washing process and rinsing process. The traditional washing task is a linear process. Most water is used in rinsing process and the wastewater flows into sewage directly, which is not reused or recycled. Also, most electrical energy is used for heating and spin dry. We redesigned the washing and rinsing process. In the washing process, water is coming from tap water and phytodepuration. After washing, wastewater is drained into phytodepuration. Bathroom wastewater is drained to phytodepuration as well. After phytodepuration, clean water flows back to washing or rinsing process and grey water is utilized for flushing toilet. To optimize the energy flow, we added a Tai Ji thruster to generate and save the electricity in batteries for future use. The output of washing machine vibration can also provide gently massage for elder people.
Task Flow
Tai Ji - Eco Washer
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PRODUCT DESIGN
We named the washing machine ‘Tai Ji’. The core is the micro component of washing, which includes detergent ball, washing drum, water counterweight, pump, electric valve and pipe for clean water. The phytodepuration component is divided into two parts, the right part is used for storing and purifying wastewater, and the left part is for collecting clean water. After each laundry, wastewater flows into right part of phytodepuration for purification; the purified water flows into the left part and is pumped into water counterweight. Some water in the water counterweight is used for anti-vibration, some flows into the drum for washing or rinsing.
How The Product Works
Tai Ji - Eco Washer
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PRODUCT DESIGN
The lower part of water counterweight contains the energy components, such as batteries, motor and plug. Batteries are connected with Tai Ji thruster. Balance belt can be used for hanging birdcages and plants. Massage component is located on the left surface, which is designed according to elder people’s ergonomics.
How The Product Works
Tai Ji - Eco Washer
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PRODUCT DESIGN
Tai Ji - Eco Washer
01 02 03
How The Product Works
01. Operation Process 02. Rendering
03. Details
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ABOUT This section displays my motion graphic
Motion Graphics
design works. The video links are also provided.
Digital Media Design
Type: Individual Work My role: Director, Scene Setting, Idealization, Filming, Music and Video Editing
DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGN
Finger @ Shanghai
Fingers are the most flexible organs of human body. People may tell lies, but fingers never tell lies. They are disclosing our true thoughts directly. For example, if people feel nervousness, fingers will tell us by trembling. The animation is a story of a new immigrant to the modern Shanghai for the first time. He is wandering in all kinds of streets, feeling surprised, puzzled, mocked and acted even funny. Just like a metropolis by Charlie Chaplin, the finger animation is worth of meditating. This work joined the Student Exhibition of Shanghai Biennial. The main line of this animation was constructed by finger animation and real scene.
http://youtu.be/nP4ZeCUrwFE
Video URL
Finger @ Shanghai
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DIGITAL MEDIA DESIGN
TV Channel Broadcast
TV Channel Broadcast Design
This was a broadcast package design for ‘Weekly Express’ of Taicang TV, including the head leader animation design and title background design. I used combination and deconstruction method of visual graphic elements as a tool to build active dynamic effects. The design was to build up a strong brand identity for Taicang TV.
http://youtu.be/FzRm-PYlpKM
http://youtu.be/0YssV2hKNy0?list=PLFllAZh4Cs17uj4gjUU70GuEdD1zWWn2p
More Motion Graphic Works
Video URL
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T h a n k Yo u Por tfolio Website: http://imyangzhang.weebly.com/