Stage 1: Empathy / POV
Time Observations
• Phones are convenient to check the time, except they can be distracting as well (thus taking away productivity time)
– Checking notifications, responding to messages etc
• Some of us use our phones to schedule events/homework (such as google calendar)
• Checking the time felt stressful, especially since it feels like it goes by too quick and there’s too much to get done in the day
• The feeling of time going by fast makes it seem like we aren’t being as productive as we want
• Time management (like reminders and planning) helps to keep a sense of control and being responsible
Problem Statement
How might we create an academic oriented time management tool that helps reduce distractions and stress while increasing productivity?
Summary
A lesson learned is that most people have the same feelings towards time, especially regarding academics. We found that while our phones are extremely beneficial, they can cause a lot of distractions which takes time away from being productive in our studies. We can all feel stressed and anxious, and its root cause is from the feeling of not having enough time to complete tasks. A commonality is wanting a sense of control over our time management.
Stage 2: Ideation
Brainstorming
• There are apps that track how long and how you sleep
• Calendar apps to know when events are/ homework is due
• Want something that can tell us how long we study for/ how long we need to study for
• Make it easier for students to stay on top of school work
• Fitness and health apps that track how long you exercise
• How can we combine elements like these into an academic time tracking tool?
• Homework / test planner
• Track/time studying
• Manage class schedule
• Keep track of group meetings
• Reminders for upcoming exams and other important dates
• Schedule study breaks since it’s a healthy habit to get into
• Music is very important for relaxing which also helps to keep track of time since the user isn’t under stress
• Blue theme because the color blue enhances cognitive performance when it comes to creative tasks such as brainstorming
– used for learning situations which are challenging
– can be used to help improve reading comprehension too
Possible App Name Ideas:
• iStudy
• Study Buddy
• Path to 4.0
• Road to 4.0s
• My Collegiate Life
• to.do
• BoldMind
• Planiversity
• ScheduleMe
Summary
By discussing apps we already knew existed, we were able to find an area where a time tracking tool was missing but needed. During brainstorming, we built on each other's ideas to create bigger and better ones. Collaboration was important because it led us to narrow down our focus and decide what the purpose of our app would be.
Stage 3: Paper Prototyping
Vera's Prototype Design
Caroline's Prototype Design
Sophia's Prototype Design
Anya's Prototype Design
Summary
Paper prototyping gave us a chance to visualize our ideas. While our individual visions are similar in a lot of the core ways, each of us had a different creative touch that we added. Seeing each other's different visions enabled us to realize different features or aspects we had not thought of before, further enhancing our final product.
Stage 4: Digital Prototyping
Summary
Digital prototyping helped us bring our visions and drawings to life. Being able to experiment and add in animation and implement color. We individually each created a digital prototype so that we could each fully express our individual creative ideas and visions, before coming together and creating the final product. This allowed for all sorts of ideas to take form which enhanced our final product.
Stage 5: Final XD Product
Summary
Working on the final XD product definitely taught us how to find alternatives when it comes to collaboration. We couldn’t work on one document efficiently, so we decided on working on our assigned menu items and sending it to one person to merge together. Another lesson learned was not just about collaboration, but also about the actual challenges when it came to our designs in XD. We learned how to match themes and aesthetics, and applied what we learned in class to make iStudy appealing through interactions, like scrolling and empathizing with possible users and our own experiences with time.
