Tutorial Session 7/2/2012

In the tutorial session, we discussed things such as my concept, HCI research and possible development options. I took a preparation sheet in which i wrote down everything that i wanted to discuss and it also had a visual timeline of what i'd been upto in the past few weeks. This proved useful and i was able to get through things very quickly and did not forget anything that i wanted to ask.

My tutorial prep sheet.

On reverse: My thesis written out for easy viewing. It has been annotated with notes from my tutorial session.

I had a list of things to mention: User testing, how to test the thesis

I had a list of things i needed help with:

• Implementation: Wireless xBee best for prototyping - flexibility and portability. However, Ethernet would facilitate and emulate the wider distances (xBee has a range of only 40 metres indoors).. However, the ethernet would require reconfiguration wherever it is used.
• Thesis: 'Transient memory increases the value of memories transmitted between two people. It conveys a sense of presence and  a feeling of being 'connected' to another person.
• Needs to be split into 3+ sections
• What are recommended ways to test these?

This is the feedback I recieved from the tutorial:

Conceptual

• Why did i choose a chair?
• Can you buy it in a packet with instructions?
• Expand to more scenarios
• Narrow down to 3 scenarios and sketch them
• So a dozen relationships: chair - device, object - person etc
• Thinks about where it is and who is there
• Think about security
• Think about possibly creating adverts for it, film it being used and do documentation
• Who is the 'converstaion'
• between who
• filling in a space that doesnt exist
• 'Walkie talkie'

Terminology

• Define terms properly
• Transient
• Computer memory? Is it both?
• Everyone needs to understand it
• Dont just simply it, however
• Is it embedded in props in everyday life

Communication 

Making things talk

Tell people what its about and remind them

WHY is it always transient memory?

• Justify use of concept
• 'Similar to the way you leave a note on a fridge?'

Testing the thesis

• When concluding and analysing
• Reflect on examples of transient memory theories, people you have spoken to, published definitions
• Informed analysis of how well you've represented that idea in a defined system or service or event
• Heuristic testing with system in place
• Target audience: who for?
• Couple, parent/child
• Make it appropriate

There are some things that can be done immediately for example defining terms, and others that can be done in the next few weeks for example user testing with a system in place. I will conduct a user test with a system in place this week, and the feedback this week has helped me make that decision.