Framework for Information Ergonomics in Industrial Design education: Application of a dynamic rapid prototyping method

Abstract

As more products become computer-embedded, industrial designers increasingly need to consider the interface in addition to the hardware. Since traditional design processes and techniques largely focus on hardware aspects, new methods and techniques must be investigated and developed. The aim of this study is to investigate new design education methods for information ergonomics. In particular, it focuses on ways by which designers can be assisted in problem identification, exploration and evaluation of information ergonomics design solutions by using a rapid dynamic prototyping technique. The technique is based on a widely used presentation software application, Microsoft PowerPoint. It can be used to develop fully functional prototypes of computer-embedded products without electronic engineering skills. The new design education method for information ergonomics involves three phases: i) Understanding user requirements using context scenarios and State Transition Charts; ii) Iterative dynamic prototype implementation of design solutions; iii) Analysis and Evaluation. A case study of the design of a portable information guide for the Museum of Welsh Life in an undergraduate module is presented. The results indicated that the new education method was well accepted by students and that the prototyping technique helped the student designers to address all aspects of product design for information appliances. A fully functional hardware and software prototype demonstrated the strengths of the method as a vehicle for the iterative design of interactive products. The paper concludes with the findings from our teaching experience, future work and recommendations.