Extra Material

Part 1.1

Part 1.2

Part 1.3

Part 2.1

Part 2.2

In this course, I was introduced to methods that can be applied to obtain information from and about users to guide design decisions. I participated in a design case to obtain hands-on experience with applying the methods in a short design project.

The design case was to develop a concept for an app that helps apartment owners find roommates.

Our concept is something like Tinder, where you swipe right to like a room or a roommate, depending on what you are looking for. If the info you get does not match your requirements, you swipe left. After setting up your account and giving your preferences you can start swiping. You will see some information and a picture first and then if you swipe up you will see additional information. If you like a room and at least most of the room owners likes you as well, there will be a match. From this moment you can chat with each other; ask and send additional info via text or e.g. images, also you can start a (video) call. If there is no conversation for a certain time, the match will be lifted. When you have a new room(mate) and no longer need to use the app, you can easily put your profile on hold. 

Then we prepared paper and digital prototypes for user testing. The research questions of our testing are:

• How satisfying is the overall experience of finding a roommate for users of the app? 

• Does the app ensure that users use recognition over recall while performing the tasks provided? 

• How effective is the app in helping the users find their ideal matches for their roommates? 

• How efficient are the users in finding a match from the profiles provided on the app? 

• To what extent do the users find the app engaging to use?