Project guidelines and requirements were discussed, and the beginning of the initial research.
Creation and writing of a fictional press release. Components required for the press release were: Headline, Sub-headline, Summary, Problem Description, Solution, Quote from Designer, How to Get Started with the Fictional Device, Customer Quote, Closing, and Call to Action.
A multi-modal flowchart that illustrates how the designed experience will work. Also the creation of a component table for the fictional device, it will list all the necessary electronic components that the device will need to work properly.
Creation of mobile and website graphical assets such as mobile and website screens for prototypes.
Project review before presentation day, it also covers feedback from other designers.
In-person presentation day with required deliverables video demo, web-case study report and a presentation slide deck.
Busy schedule? Maintain a fresh and scented environment before and after you arrive home with E-Sense, an Electronic Fragrance Warmer.
Working Parents and Single Professionals with a busy schedule now have the opportunity to maintain their living spaces with the perfect scent. E-Sence is connected to your Alexa device and you can activate it anytime you like. Set a timer so you can wake up in the morning to your preferred aroma, or activate it through your mobile device 30 min before you get home, and arrive at an environment that breaths relaxation. Not only that E-Sence is Wi-Fi enabled and you can also set a playlist that will allow you to match music to your preferred fragrance. E-Sense is best used to wake you up in the mornings and to help you sleep at night.
Third Party Alexa infused Product (E-Sence Oil Warmer Device)
E-Sence is Wi-Fi enabled and can be connected to your Alexa device anytime you like. Set a timer so you can wake up in the morning to your preferred aroma, or activate it through your mobile device 30 min before you get home, and arrive at an environment that breaths relaxation. E-Sence can also be set with a playlist and you can match the music to your preferred fragrance. E-Sense is a device that can create an atmosphere of relaxation, tranquility, and balance. E-Sense is the central part of your family's environment.
Electronic Heater/Warmer: Heats up the oil so the scent can travel throughout the house
Air Filter: The filter make sure that no small particle gets to the Electronic Heater/Warmer
Heat Sensor: Make sure te Electronic Heater does not exceed recommended heat levels
Wi-Fi Enabled Sensor: Sensor allows for E-Sense device to communicate with Alexa Echo Dot and also sends notifications through the mobile application
Bluetooth Sensor: It allows the user to utilize bluetooth headphones during afternoon relaxation hours
Small Ventilation System: Small fan that activates when the device becomes too hot
LCD Display: Display can show time, the type of oil that is in use and song information during playtime
One USB Port: USB port, used to connect the device to a computer and upload songs to create a playlist
Small Speaker: Speakers play songs during playtime
Internal Memory: 2GB RAM / 12GB Storage space
Alexa Echo Dot
The Amazon Echo Dot communicates with the E-Sense device whenever the user wants to make manual changes that are not preset through the mobile application or Website account. The user can interact with the echo dot to give commands such as setting up a timer, turn on /off the device, and to start or stop a song playlist.
Echo Dot: Wi-Fi Enable sensor Data Link Protocol: IEEE 802.11.a/b/g/n Wireless Protocol: 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth Built-in speaker for voice feedback Microphone array along the speaker's ring for 360 degrees of voice input
Amazon Skill: E-Sense Skill tool written in javascript with Amazon mark-up language
Smartphone - Mobile Application
Primary function of the mobile application would be to maintain the user up to date regarding the device's health and status.
Secondary function would be to promote online sales through the use of One-Click purchase or add items to the cart for the E-Sense oil and filter supplies.
Third function would be to provide options to update E-Sense settings on the go such as timers, playlist, and devices on/off functions
The E-Sense application will only be available in: IOS Operating System Android Operating System
The application will only be available in: The App Store from Apple The Google Play Store for Android
Website - Desktop/Laptop
The E-Sense device will have an online presence through its website www.esense.com and new users will have to register and open a new account. Users will be able to interact with their devices by performing various actions such as setting up playlists, timers, turning their device on or off. Users will also have the ability to purchase oils, filters, and E-Sense products in general. Additionally, users will be able to connect their devices to their computers via USB or Wi-Fi to upload music to their devices
The E-Sense website will be compatible with the following Websites Browsers: Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox
The website will be compatible with: Mac Operating systems devices (iMac, MacBookPro, etc.) Microsoft operating system (PC, Microsoft Laptops, etc.)
After showing storyboards and explaining the main idea about the "Electric Oil Warmer" users were able to point a few imperfections about the device. Some of the most important feedback received was if the device was going to be pet-friendly, knowing that some scented oils are harmful to pets. After careful evaluation, it was decided that the website would have a specific page dedicated to the education of usage of oils around pets. Another design feedback asked if the device was going to have a way to control the amount of scent released. After studying other similar devices e.g. humidifiers it was concluded that the device could use a control switch that would allow for mild, medium, and strong outputs.
I would have to say that the most challenging aspect of the project was creating a functional video demo that could speak coherently about the idea and describe what the device was capable of. As a UX Designer creating, shooting, and editing a video was remarkably challenging for me. I was able to picture the whole video in my mind and I was able to create the UI and VUI assets, however putting the video together was a whole different story.
Starting with the research then creating the multimodal flowchart, component table, the high fidelity mobile, and website screens were the part that I enjoyed the most. It was easy for me to create all the assets I just mentioned, even writing the press release was something that I enjoyed. The part that I enjoyed the least was creating storyboards to come up with a working and believable video. Putting together all the assets to come up with a short video was the area that I had trouble with all the way to the end of the project.
On previous projects, I only had to worry about designing for websites and mobile applications. However, this project added a new layer of difficulty to the mix. Previous projects felt 2 Dimensional, this new project, however, felt 3 Dimensional. Trying to design an ecosystem that would work with multiple devices was definitely a challenge.
Prototyping, the mobile, website and the Alexa skill was not as complicated as creating the video demo. After doing my research, and looking at other similar devices for ideas creating the necessary prototypes was a simple task.
I usually enjoy designing for digital, however, this last project showed me new ways in which UX design can be applied. In my opinion, designing for connected experiences will be how most of UX design will be in the future. With the increasing advancement in technology, the internet of things and 5G speeds device connectivity will be in demand soon. I enjoyed designing for a connected experience, as it allowed me to think on a whole different level. Trying to maintain a balance between all the devices and human interaction was a challenge that I would like to take again.
For this project, I was able to manage my UX Research and Design responsibilities appropriately. I was able to do proper research, create digital assets, and working prototypes on time. I believe that creating and designing an ecosystem where all connected components would live was one of my strengths. The only section where I saw and experience difficulty was in the creation of a working video demo. Collecting and lining up all the devices appropriately was one of my weak areas, and I know I will have to improve in the future.
Thank you for reading, hope you enjoyed !
MC
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