The teddy bear prototype will be removed from the 'teddy share' context, and will be introduced to users as a 'prop' with the purpose of illustrating how the system would work. They will then be asked to discuss contexts that it could be used for.
Electronic development for this prototype has fortunately been conducted already. Batteries need to be added to both to make them portable.
The next step is to solder an extra LED onto longer wires.
The next step was to put the circuitry into the teddy bears. This was quite difficult. I had to insulate the wiring using cloth and insert it into the arm. The red presence signifier was embedded into the nose of a bear. The bears definately need to be bigger as the circuity doesnt fit very well into the prototype at the moment.
The next step was to do a pilot interview with the prototype in preparation for the focus group. A sample user was selected and introduced to both bears. The system was explained.
Immediate problems:
1. Hardware: Wires kept on falling out of place and the teddy bear stopped working twice and needed fixing. The hardware needs to be secured better.
2. Interaction: It was a little difficult for the user to press the switch embedded in the hand, as it was difficult to both locate and manipulate it. It could benefit from labelling 'please press here' or 'press here if you miss X person'. The button should also be larger and easier to manipulate.
Findings:
My interview style: I over explained slightly.
User feedback: User really liked the prototype. Contrary to what I'd expect, the user liked the fact that she had to actively press the button. This was preferred to passive sensing because so the other user would be sure that they intended to send the message.
She also likes the fact that you had to hold it down rather than pressing it once and a message lasting for X amount of time. She said that the flashing light could get annoying if it lasted too long and you don't really NEED the message to last very long to know that you're thinking about them-just a short space of time is enough!
Context of use proposed: 'When i was away from home', on the sofa
Other 'props': cushion/pillow or even a pen or a stress ball. A pen was proposed because the user said that she would use it more often as she couldn't always carry the teddy bear around with her. However, the teddy bear was the preferred idea. She said that there's not a lot of times that the people would be there to view the message.
Other signifiers: sound could be good, but smell could be difficult and would work less 'if you had a blocked nose or something'.
User liked the idea that when the user gets the bear they can record whatever sounds they want for example 'i miss you'.
Below is the clip on audioboo.
listen to ‘Teddy Bear Interview’ on Audioboo
I really like the concept of i'm missing you', and it will be taken to the focus group. What i've learnt from this is firstly that i need to be more concise in my questioning, that the prototype needs to be sturdier and that the controls need to be more easily manipulable. I will work on the physical housing of the teddy bear before taking it to the focus group, and then plan how to structure it. I was not 100% of what to ask, so a list of questions and rough structure should be drawn up so that i get what i needed. A list of goals would be useful.
I really like the concept of i'm missing you', and it will be taken to the focus group. What i've learnt from this is firstly that i need to be more concise in my questioning, that the prototype needs to be sturdier and that the controls need to be more easily manipulable. I will work on the physical housing of the teddy bear before taking it to the focus group, and then plan how to structure it. I was not 100% of what to ask, so a list of questions and rough structure should be drawn up so that i get what i needed. A list of goals would be useful.
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