Birdnerds

This project was carried out within a prototyping course. The task was to design and prototype an app (in the form of an interactive simulation prototype) for birdwatchers. The aim of the design project was to use and reflect on different prototyping techniques and prototyping tools.

Problem

Too many different apps with different functions aimed for birdwatchers, instead of having all the information in one app.

Design process

During five weeks, I collaborated with three fellow students from Stockholm University on a project to prototype a bird-watching application. We followed an iterative approach, employing various techniques to deliver both low and high-resolution prototypes for birdwatchers.

The project drew upon the following theories:

Houde and Hill (1997): traingle model, design space, types of prototypes, example prototypes.
Löwgren & Stolterman (2004): Design situation, Investigative and exploratory methods, Vision, Operational picture, Specification, and Valuation.

In this design project, based on Löwgren and Stolterman’s seven concepts, the focus was on bird watching. Investigative methods, including interviews and analysis of existing apps, identified needs. Exploratory methods like “future workshop” and QOC diagrams were used to generate solutions and create prototypes.

The prototyping was based on Houde & Hill’s “The 3 E’s” model which focuses on three important aspects: Representation (role), appearance and feel (implementation), and implementation and integration. However, the integration phase was omitted in this project. This model emphasises the importance of balancing these aspects to create a comprehensive understanding of a design concept, allowing for a more holistic and usable prototype during the design process.

The brainstorming method “future workshop” played a key role in generating ideas and solutions for identified problems. It is a creative workshop method that encourages participant engagement and collaboration by allowing them to collectively explore and visualize future possibilities and scenarios. This method involved a critique phase, an imagination phase, and an implementation phase. By using the future workshop, the design team actively explored different perspectives and possible future scenarios, contributing to shaping and improving the design concepts of the project.

Quality-oriented checkpoints (QOC) diagrams were applied to further explore and evaluate various aspects of the prototypes. This systematic approach allowed the project team to analyze qualitative dimensions of design, such as user experience, functionality, and efficiency. It contributed to a holistic evaluation of the prototypes, providing a deeper understanding of how design decisions impacted various quality aspects within the project’s scope.

Results

Role prototype

The role prototype shows how a user goes about identifying a bird using the app if they can hear it but not see it.

Look & feel prototype

To create our Look prototypes, we have utilized the prototyping tool Figma, allowing us to develop a relatively realistic representation. This prototype falls under the Look & Feel category in Houde & Hill’s Triangle, emphasizing Look since it is non-interactive and primarily visual. Our main feature, the “Bird Listener,” is prominently featured on the first page, occupying the largest space in the interface compared to other functions.

Final prototype

Initial visions shifted during the project, focusing on a specific function – a sound identifier. The operational image, developed during the implementation phase, was concretized through sketches and storyboards. Continuous evaluation of prototypes occurred throughout the project through problem-solving, feedback from seminar groups, and a dialogue with the target audience who tested the prototypes. Finally, a prototype was developed using Figma, resulting in the “BirdNerds” app with the main function of identifying birds by their sounds.