Milestone One

January 17, 2007

Project Description

For our project we will work with the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum and design our interface for their audience of children ages 6-12. Our interface will be for a mobile device (still deciding) and we are aiming to have a prototype that covers multiple collections within the museum.

Problem

Museums offer incredible opportunities to learn, yet often fall short of their potential. Museum suffer from two major challenges--firstly communication is usually one way and secondly, it is temporary. We hope to address this lack of interaction and temporariness through the development of an mobile device and interface that interacts with the museum.

One directional communication limits patron's ability to actually learn about the artist, historical event, or natural phenomenon. Children learn through doing and through repeated exposure. Both of these components are lacking in a traditional museum experience. Audio guides are enhancing this experience, but still fall short due to their one-way broadcast.

Project Approach

Communication Strategy: We will have weekly meetings and use a wiki and this website to manage all our progress.
Design Strategy: Research use of mobile devices in a museum setting, conduct several interviews and observation sessions to fine-tune design needs.
Literature Review: Topics covered will include: learning, mobile learning, elearning, museum exhibit design, mobile app design, interaction design, visual design
Contextual Inquiry: Observations of patrons at the museum, interviews with key stake holders
Synthesis: Make sense of data collected, identify constraints, develop solutions
Develop Prototype: Create prototype
Test Design: Paper prototyping and usability tests with target user
Refine Prototype: Make changes and refine design