Notes on research project and poster options after UCD Teaching at a Distance Policy

The research project will still focus on disability needs/goals for the design thinking exercise.
UPDATED 2/4/2020

1. One or two groups may have already gathered field data, and may proceed as before.

For those who have not yet started fieldwork  the previous scope/instructions are no longer valid so we have to change. There will no longer be a requirement for group work.

2. It will now be an individual research exercise.
We will limit the investigation to visual impairment interacting with UCD's digital services only. No need for outside activities or to involve other people in the research exercise.

Your research project will study a limited number of defined actions/goals using UCD's digital services rather than physical on-campus activities. These objectives will be attained with the access/disability features on your own smart device (phone, tablet, PC or other).

Additional information:

For further notes on how to plan and produce your research project see the following page:
https://ucddt2.blogspot.com/2020/03/design-brief-poster-and-individual.html

Late Late Show Wheelchair Challenge (2017)

"Co-Founder of Mobility Mojo Stephen Cluskey challenged Kathryn Thomas and Kevin Kilbane to experience life in a wheelchair in Dublin City Centre. Stephen discusses how this came about and Kathryn and Kevin then join him to detail their experience."

Kevin Kilbane attempting to find a wheelchair accessible taxi (image source: RTÉ (2017))

From RTÉ's Late Late Show Wheelchair Challenge episode



Additional sources:
http://stephencluskey.com/

Big Life Fix

Q: Did you see this new series on RTE?

RTÉ series, Big Life Fix

"
Ireland's leading inventors create ingenious solutions to everyday problems for extraordinary people.
A brand new RTÉ series, Big Life Fix, challenges a group of leading designers, engineers, computer programmers and technology experts to create inventions that will transform people's lives. Filmed over the course of a full year, the group uses cutting edge science and technology to build practical solutions for those who need their help.
Based at TOG, a facility for makers in the Blackpitts area of Dublin city, the team harnesses the power of science to create tailor-made inventions for individuals and families. Between them, they can build everything from space satellites to life-saving medical devices and military hardware.
Made with the support of Science Foundation Ireland, this series marries real problems and human drama with science, proving that with a little bit of ingenuity – nothing is impossible.
"

Introduction to the Design Kit Travel Pack

The Design Kit's home...
https://www.designkit.org/methods

Introducing Design Kit:Travel Pack from IDEO.org on Vimeo.

Exercise: Research protocols for wheelchair driver + buddy

Research protocols for initial familiarisation driving a wheelchair and personally assessing the environment (physical, social, affective).

Roles:

• 1x wheelchair driver - the driver role is required to follow the Narration research method by recording their descriptions (e.g. using smartphone audio recording function).
• 1x wheelchair buddy- the buddy role is required to follow the Still-Photo Survey research method (e.g. using smartphone camera function).
• +1 extra buddy if needed following the same or another selected protocol.

Instructions:

Test Case #1. Basic movement skills - using doors

Time allocation = 10 minutes

Starting from Q280 ThinkLab

Outbound & Return

• Starting in Q280 ThinkLab.
• Practice driving the chair in Q280.
• Turn right/left.
• Make your way down the corridor.
• Turn around.
• Return to Q280 ThinkLab.
• Exchange driver/buddy roles.
• End.

Test Case #2. Navigating public spaces -  using lifts and doors

Time allocation = 10 minutes

Starting from Q280 ThinkLab

Outbound

• Turn right/left.
• Make your way to a lift.
• Take the lift to the 1st floor.
• Make your way to the print/copy room.
• Exchange driver/buddy roles.

Return

• Turn right/left.
• Make your way to a lift.
• Take the lift to the 2nd floor.
• Make your way to Q280 ThinkLab.
• End.

Save Data

Share data gathered (voice recording and photos) in the group folder.

Notes:

Narration method (Category: ASK)

" How: As they perform a process or execute a specific task, ask participants to describe aloud what they are thinking.
Why: This is a useful way to reach user’s motivations, concerns, perceptions, and reasoning."
(IDEO, 2003)

Still-Photo Survey method (Category: LOOK)

" How: Follow a planned shooting script and capture pictures of specific objects, activities, etc.
Why: The team can use this visual evidence to uncover patterns of behaviour and perceptions related to a particular product or context, as well as structure and inspire design ideas."
(IDEO, 2003)