CCT333+Labs

 Week 1: Lab (Due January 11th, 2010)
==//**__Compare and contrast a Sony Walkman with an Apple iPod, and describe the differences in their physical construction, interface design, technology and delivery of sound. __**// ==  The Apple iPod has changed the way the music industry operates and has come a long way from the original Sony Walkman. The main function of both of these devices is to listen to music which both can accomplish but with different methods. The Sony Walkman has many restrictions in terms of being able to carry a complete collection of music in one device. The iPod allows the user to keep all of their music on one device, sorted in a variety of methods. Whereas, the Sony Walkman only allows one to listen to a cassette of music which can carry a maximum of 90 minutes of music on it. On the other hand, the Apple iPod has a built in battery which is rechargeable yet the battery that goes in the Walkman is an added expense to the end user. The physical construction of the iPod is very simple and sleek. There are very few buttons on the iPod which is excellent for single handed use. The physical construction of the Walkman is more difficult to use with one hand. Similarly, it is difficult to be able to carry many cassettes alongside the Walkman, which makes the iPod easier to carry within the user's pocket. The Interface contains the same main buttons and functions: Play, Pause, Next and Forward. iPod has eliminated the button of Stop and added the features of holding the Pause button to turn it off. But with the large screen and touch pad buttons, there is a very effective design for the user. The biggest design flaw within the Walkman is the cassettes that have to be changed at wanting to change songs. With the cassette elimination there is a change in technology, with the development of a built in hard drive within the iPod, the technology of the Walkman has become obsolete. With the change in technology, ultimately the sound experience has changed as the 21st Century's most standardized format of music has become MP3 and is able to deliver cutting edge sound quality.

Week 2: Lab (Due January 18th, 2010)
==//__**1. Under each of the six categories **, shelter, health, water, education, energy and transport, choose one project which interests you. For each category, describe how it is designed to alleviate poverty for the project's stakeholders. (6 categories x 1 paragraph = 6 paragraphs)__// ==

====Shelter: //Katrina Furniture Project// - This project allows for the people that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina to learn to take workshops for designing furniture with the debris that had been left behind from the catastrophe. This is a way that the community can get together to help each other out in order to help settle down again. These workshops not only allow individuals to put their home back together, but to train them and give them enough business knowledge. Health: //Lifestraw// - This project allows for the people in countries where the water is not clean enough or simply there is not enough water, there is a straw that has been designed for its users to be able to drink any surface water through this specially designed straw which allows for the water to be filtered right away. This method is extremely helpful for those individuals in countries where water related diseases are increasing and in order to prevent diseases this personal water purification tool is making the lives of many children easy as well with this easy to use tool. Water: //Q-Drum// - This is a project in which the transportation of water has become more efficient. This project highlights a drum in a cylinder shape which allows one to roll a drum full of water, rather than carrying it in their hands. This is very effective in situations where individuals must travel far to the water source and then carry buckets back for the rest of the family. This system is in effect in many areas of Africa and since the capacity is much more than of a bucket, this makes the //Q-Drum// an effective way of transporting water. Education: //Solar Home Lighting System// - This is a project that helps distribute the gift of light across many areas across the world that do not have enough light or means of producing electricity. This is a wireless solar power system in which families can increase their productivity and can allow their children to study as well as use that light for income-generating activities when the sun goes down. Not only will this project allow growth in income, but also in education, giving children in the countries without light, brighter futures. Energy: //Kenya Ceramic Jiko// - This is a design with a portable charcoal stove which can be used in both indoor and outdoor locations. This is able to reduce the level of fuel consumption in order to help the users save some money. Furthermore, environmentally it is preventing the amount of toxic gas that is being emitted. With the cost-effectiveness, there are many more individuals that are now adapting to this project in order to save money and use it in other important areas. Transport: //Worldbike Prototype// - This is a design of a bicycle that is able to carry larger loads while riding a bicycle. In third-world countries, or developing countries, either the vehicles are expensive or the infrastructure is not capable of allowing transportation of larger items, the //Worldbike// allows the users to travel quickly and effectively by carrying a lot of stuff with them. Since bicycles are not expensive, this bicycle is also very cost effective with bonuses of having a bicycle that is comfortable, safe and stylish. ====

//__2. How does stakeholder analysis allow for a sustainable and socially responsible design? (1 paragraph)__//
 Stakeholder analysis allows for a sustainable and socially responsible design through the introduction of such projects that allow for individuals to be able to see from an individualistic perspective of what is needed. A developer would be able to see which designs are needed and what improvements they must be able to make in order to be successful. A socially responsible design is one that is one that helps society and rather than personal financial gain, the community should come first in terms of what they need to better their lifestyle which is part of a sustainable design.

__//3. List 5 characteristics of socially responsible product design. (List of 5 points)//__
 - Cost Effective - Easily Accessible - Environmentally Friendly - Simple Enough to Use - Long Lasting

Week 3: Lab (Due January 25th, 2010)
==//__**1. **In three paragraphs, describe the role of Jan Chipchase in defining the role of cellphones in the developing world for Nokia, and the benefits of analyzing and defining their use in different cultures as part of their market expansion.__// == <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Cell phones are a widely developed technology which is used worldwide. The role of cell phones is developing further as many people use it to remain in contact with one another just like the way Jan Chipchase is using. In India for example, Jan plays an important role in understanding their culture and understanding what would make their product successful. Ultimately, by assessing their lifestyle, he is able to report back to his team back at the head office what their technology is lacking or what they should include in their next phone. For example, the poor family that is living in Mumbai, India, the father uses the cell phone to help out his boss and after Jan is able to see their lifestyle and the way they live, he realized that everything is hanging off the roof. Chipchase could report back to his creative team that there should be some sort of adaptation for developing countries that could put hooks on their cell phone to hang off the roof. Furthermore, he could adapt other technologies that are built into the phone where he could possibly send some sort of early SMS to the phone 13 yards away from his home to talk to his wife, so that he does not have to wait or get charged for the call while she is on her way over. By analyzing their use and understanding their culture, Nokia can find a way to penetrate the market to the point where it can be the phone in which all individuals can be targeted and have a larger turnover in terms of revenue and profits.

Jan also learned that in Kenya, certain questions pertaining to sexuality is taboo. Thus, a service outsourcing cost effective Short-Messaging-Services (or SMS for short) could allow private messaging to Health Experts who can reply promptly to questions regarding AIDS, Breast Cancer, and other STDs for no charge. Similarly SMS messages can also be sent to patients with Tuberculosis reminding them to take their medication. These low cost features allow Nokia to continue their strategy to help individuals get a cell phone and increase their efficiency. Chipchase and his team may have spoken to many individuals in very diverse cultures throughout many third-world countries and developing nations including rickshaw drivers, prostitutes, shopkeepers, day labourers and farmers. Ultimately, all of them concluded that with access to a cell phone their income increases. This in turn is exactly what is helpful to Nokia's revenues and profits as more individuals will use cell phones, depend on them and when new features are embedded within the device, more people will be able to buy them as they will be able to afford them.

Jan is also able to use his skills to analyze the culture of areas such as china where he is able to report back to Nokia what their phones lack in terms of helping people's productivity in places like China. For instance, Jan and his team are able to research various factors and their culture which is why he carries such a big camera to be able to show pictures and provide a PowerPoint presentation to the other teams that he is to report back to. In China, Jan was able to study the live-in housekeeper's day by seeing that with the accessibility of the servant to the cell phone could allow for other customers to call and book her services. This in turn means that she will profit mostly because she is becoming more easily accessible to the market in which she represents. Similarly, the situation with the porter who no longer needs to wait around department stores but is able to get hired remotely and go only to those locations where he is required. Cell phones are a part of one's identity as the fixed identity point where an individual is always on the move. This is what the most attractive feature for cell phones is in a market with a nation that is still developing.

==<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//**__2. How does the idea of micro-finance support the two of the key themes of sustainability as outlined in the diagram posted on your class wiki '5 Key Themes for Sustainability'? Write one paragraph for each of your chosen themes.__**// == <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> __Achieving a Sustainable Economy:__ Chipchase's job at Nokia is able to help increase Microfinance as well as helping developing nations in achieving a sustainable economy. Third-world nations and Developing nations are in need of a better economy. Look at India for example, it is a developing nation and many individuals make jokes about how busy people are there that they have not one cell phone but many for different business etc. Cell phones support achieving a sustainable economy especially with helping build a strong, stable and sustainable economy. Micro-Financing is helping increase the economy's stability especially since there is micro-financing to allow individuals to take loans to buy cell phones. The loan company's security comes from the fact that the individuals that are taking the loans will be able to pay by providing services used by cell phones such as individuals opening a mobile calling booth, or being easily contactable to provide maid services or a rickshaw service. If the lower class is able to use this communication device to bring in business and in turn lead to more spending within the country, Micro-finance an definitely support the sustainability of a developing nation.

__Ensuring a Strong, Healthy & Just Society:__ Micro-Financing is able to provide a developing or third world nation to expand the community in terms of their needs. Ensuring that a developing nation's society is healthy and strong is a part having the needs of the people being met. Most of the needs can mostly be met once there is enough income to support the basic needs. But at the same time, as the income grows, the needs become wants and there is a fine line dividing the two. Micro-financing is put in place for individuals needs and to allow individuals to increase their income through financing their cell phones. A cell phone that is financed is one that is generating business and will ultimately allow the person to use that phone to make income to support their family. Similar to the situation for the family in Mumbai that Jan met, the father is able to increase their income by helping his boss. Micro-Financing is also promoting well-being, social cohesion and equal opportunity especially since micro-financing was once done for women to buy cows and goats or any other revenue-producing assets. A cell phone can be entered into the same category if a woman can invest into a phone and set up a shop in their village as a phone operator and charge a fee per use for the society. This method of micro-finance can be good in developing nations especially by opening up doors to women as both men and women can work, ultimately leading to increase in household income.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//__1. Write three paragraphs on how Annie Leonard defines the system of the 'materials economy' and describes its interactions.__//
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Annie Leonard outlines a system of the ‘Materials Economy’ in which is the main system in understanding what the world does in order to make the economy run. This is a linear system in a finite planet. The system involves the process of extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. By extracting materials from the Earth and using their resources, they produce materials that can be sold to big box stores that can be sold for low prices at faster turnover times. Later these products move from the stores to people’s homes which are the most important part of the system as they are the key consumers in this market. After consuming or buying all of these products, 99% of these products end up in the garbage after 6 months. Co-incidentally, they have been designed that way so that individuals can go out and buy more products to start the process over again.

Annie outlines the fact that the products have been designed to be thrown out in a short period of time and over 6 months, only 1% of those products remain in the homes of consumers. After thinking that the governments are there to support their people, Leonard explains that the economy was designed that way after WWII so that there could be a boom in the market. Furthermore, even on 9/11 George bush didn’t tell people to keep calm, but to SHOP so the economy did not suffer. This clearly shows how much the government cares about their people, but for their pockets and for the corporation’s pockets.

Planned obsolescence and perceived obsolescence are the key role players within the making of the market turn, as the planned obsolescence begins in the early stage of production where the products are designed with a mind-set that they will ultimately end up in the garbage but are designed without the planet in mind. Perceived obsolescence is the concept in which the market turns with the consumer’s manipulation of the media and advertising. By the consumer feeling that they aren’t contributing to the economy through consumption, they will feel it as the products will change shape or colors being obvious to other individuals who will make people feel useless. This ultimately convinces individuals to throw things away that are perfectly fine, but due to the shape or color, it is useless. For instance, big bulky televisions are now old and fashion and media is telling consumers to buy the new thinner televisions, even though the big fat ones work perfectly fine. Ultimately, this linear system requires some changes which can ultimately lead to a cleaner environment, yet it requires the changing of the system into a finite system for a finite planet which can only be achieved by everything on this planet being biodegradable or being able recycle everything on the Earth with low emissions.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__//**2. Define extraction, production, distribution, consumption and disposal. (One paragraph for each term)**//__
<span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">__Extraction:__ Extraction is the first step within the system of the ‘Materials Economy’ and it is the basic idea that most of the Earth’s natural resources are “Extracted” from Earth’s nature for material means. This means that the natural resources of the Earth are pulled out through mining and cutting down trees and other ways of extracting materials such as water, metal and animals to make materialistic goods. This is the process of which Annie states is a part of ‘trashing the Earth’ or ‘Exploitation of Earth’s natural resources’. Extracting materials all over the world from the Earth leading to the loss of Natural Resources is leading to the downfall of our planet.

__Production:__ Production is the process in which the materials that have been extracted from the Earth are refined and produced into goods that can be sold. During this process energy is used to make the products and at the same time, the products become enriched with toxic chemicals which are heavily harmful for one’s body. These products are being manufactured with toxic materials and as long as these materials are a part of this process within the system of the ‘Materials Economy’ toxic materials will remain in the homes we live in, the places we work, the schools where our kids study and ultimately into all of our bodies. For instance, these toxic materials can be from anywhere to our computers to our pillows that we sleep on at night. Unfortunately, it has reached heights of the food chain, being in human breast milk and the smallest and newest people in our society are getting the toxic materials in their body at early stages. This process has become world-wide as corporations that manufacture these products decide to pollute other countries when they’re done polluting their own.

__Distribution:__ Distribution is the process in the ‘Materials Economy’ in which the produced materials need to be moved on to stores to sell within the markets. The goal in this part of the cycle is to sell the product as fast as possible at very low prices so that they can get faster turnover. From Annie’s video, it can be seen that the distribution store clearly resembles Wal-Mart where she states that these stores don’t cover the health and safety benefits of the employees as they should. Now the products prices are kept low through the benefits that the big-box stores save on through cutting corners from their employees. Externalizing costs resembles the fact that price that has been paid in monetary terms is nothing compared to the price that has been paid through the loss of the Earth’s resources as well as the damages that are caused through the people that have to suffer through the toxic materials working in those manufacturing facilities.

__Consumption:__ Consumption is the most important part of the ‘Materials Economy’cycle, and this drives the economy. The goal of governments and big companies is to keep driving the consumption levels in order to ensure that they keep making money. The American and many other economies have given the identity to many individuals as consumers. This part of the system is important to the other parts to keep moving, this is why the distribution goal is to have the most turnover or be able to move goods faster. This has been tied together though consumption of materials that people use for 6 months. Within 6 months, the products that are left over after consumption are about 1% which means that after 6 months, everything we purchase, 99% of the stuff is thrown out. Above all, new products are designed in order for individuals to be able to keep purchasing products to stay in the social norm and being an equal member of society. Thus, having an old computer makes one look bad but that doesn’t matter to the corporations or governments, they want you to throw out the old one and buy another one just so you can be in style or have the latest gadgets. Advertisements and the media are key role-players in this part of the cycle as they are the ones that bend the minds of the consumers and set the fashion within the market.

__Disposal:__ This is the final step within the system in which all of the products that have been already consumed or gone through the above steps end up. This is where the products end up in the garbage or in landfills around the world as each member of society knows of taking the trash to the curb. Either the stuff ends up in a landfill or gets burned with more harmful toxic chemicals which are harmful to the Earth and pollute the land, air, water, atmosphere, water and climate. The toxic materials that were used in the second step: Production, the same toxic materials mixed with more toxic materials from the incinerator lead to super-toxic materials which are seriously harmful to the environment. The best way to stop this is to stop burning the garbage but lazy corporations just export the garbage out and pollute other areas of the world which is not the right solution. Recycling is a good solution but the best solution is the development of materials developed of completely degradable materials. ==<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__//**3. How does her Flash presentation effectively organize the categories comprising 'the materials economy' in its interface design? (2 paragraphs)**//__ ==

Annie Leonard makes effective use of the flash video to keep the audience engaged in order to help the viewer have an exceptional experience by not boring the reader to sleep and by organizing the video into different parts so that the viewer can easily understand the process involved. The interface of the flash presentation is effective in the way that it is interactive and if the reader chooses he or she may be able to skip to a different chapter. Furthermore, since it is a flash presentation, it will always remain its original form, meaning that Annie Leonard will always remain the original author and videos there are less chances of this video becoming manipulated into another or to change the message.

The cartoon or the drawing effect that is involved is very simplistic in terms of understanding yet the narrative allows the complex idea to sink into one’s mind through the use of the simple drawings. The white background allows for more emphasis on the content and the black drawings gave simple understanding. By explaining the ‘Materials Economy’ in real life situations and scenarios, Annie made it much more efficient to understand the ideas allowing it to be more engaging to the viewer and ultimately allowing them to think further or leave some food for thought at the end of the film.

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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//__1. Write three paragraphs to define the term 'ergonomics'. (3 paragraphs)__//
The term Ergonomics is used mostly in terms of the workplace with the job, equipment and furniture to be effective in terms of space as well as health. The interaction between the individual and the workplace is important in today’s society as many individuals spend more than 40 hours a week sitting in the office or at their workplace. With that in mind, it is important to understand that the design of the equipment in an office directly affects the output or the efficiency of work. On the other hand, health is also an important part of ergonomics especially since it prevents repetitive strain injuries that can lead to serious long term disabilities.

It is in the employer’s best interest to ensure that the employee is working in a safe and healthy environment. Since it is the employees serving their employers for the work, most employers in office settings provide their employees with ergonomic furniture. For instance, office chairs that provide back support and desks that allow movement and space are important for the employee to not develop any kind of pain in their body. Similarly, as seen in the Human Scale Ergonomics film, effective lighting and distance from the user to the screen or desk matters in terms of health for their eyes which is a vital sense of the body.

Employees working in an environment that is more ergonomically friendly can also be seen working more effectively especially since if the individual is getting much more work completed in a smaller period of time. In that case, a small investment in ergonomic furniture and equipment could ultimately lead to a number of sales or leading to higher income. In most businesses, money spent is money earned especially by investing in their employers as they are able to contribute back to their company. By the end of the film: Human Scale Ergonomics, it can be seen that the individual with a more ergonomic office is not as tired as the one with the slightly less ergonomic office. Employers should be able to see that ergonomically friendly environments lead to friendly employees and happy employees are the ones that are able to produce more work in an office setting.

__2. What is the 'Gilbreth system of motion analysis' (1 paragraph)__
Gilbreth system of motion analysis is the way that a method developed by Frank Gilbreth which was to eliminate the most tiring part of the job. With the job of bricklaying, the bricklayer had to bend down more than 250 times which was two times per brick. Before the invention of the device to allow bricklayers to stay standing and not have to bend down, there were a total 18 motions per brick, which was reduced to 5 motions per brick. Eventually with this technique, it leads to an increase in bricks laid per hour from 125 to 350 which means the efficiency of work increased by 200%. This increase in work is the earliest example of ergonomic equipment and clearly, with a better work environment, the work was done faster which is an asset to the employer.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">//__3. Who was Frank Therblig, and how did he utilize 'motion study'? (2 paragraphs)__//
Frank Therblig is the man that had revolutionized the way of bricklaying through motion analysis. He changed the way the workers laid bricks to make life more efficient. At the same time, he also changed the way they would move in order to lay the bricks. Frank encouraged a safer working zone and did that by decreasing the wasted effort and increasing efficiency.

Motion analysis was applied in bricklaying and this was where the workers needed to crouch down, reach for the brick and lay it by standing up. At the same time the workers were required to inspect the bricks before laying them. Therblig’s understanding was that it took much more work to crouch and stand than laying the brick itself. With this analysis, the conclusion came to the fact that the waste of energy could be applied elsewhere thus ultimately changing the method of bricklaying. The number of bricks laid in an hour increased from 125 to 350 which increased productivity by approximately 200%.

//__4. Describe three categories Frank Gerblith used in the Therblig Analysis Checklist. (3 paragraphs)__//
In this category, the act of reaching and moving by the worker revolves around the body movement of the workers. This category covers ideas of the props that are being or not being used to its fullest. This category tries to make it clear that each part of the movement process is being used to its fullest. Furthermore it is important that the tools that can be used are explored and fully employed in making sure that the movement is efficient. Ways to eliminate time being wasted could be to include conveyor belts, tools, belts, or any way to automate the task. This category explores the processes involved with movement to find shortcuts or employ machines.
 * Reach & Move:**

This category outlines the ideas behind the physical touching of the object. For instance the use of hands and maybe if it is better to slide the objects rather than carried. Furthermore, consideration is taken for the objects to be designed with an easier way to pick it up or move it around. This category is important to the physical area of the object being placed or being moved. Again, ideas of positioning are explored in order to make it easier to move as well as employing a vacuum, magnet, rubber grip or other device to make life easier. In the bricklaying industry, the use of gloves has increased to get a better grip on the brick to prevent dropping and protecting the hands of the workers.
 * Grasp:**

====this category outlines the working conditions and the worker’s health. This is the category that outlines the conditions that eth woerkers are given in order to complete their work. Ensuring that the employee is treated properly and the safety is taken into consideration. At the same time, working conditions are important to make sure that the workers do not come to work tired for instance if the work is too overpowering for the employee. Furthermore, if the working conditions are comfortable and that the workers aren’t being pushed too hard to pick up heavy loads. Ensuring that a given work space is ergonomic contributes to the overall satisfaction the employee finds in the job, thus a sloppy environment might cost the company their employee.====
 * Rest to Overcome Fatigue:**

__Write four paragraphs defining the term 'bodystorming'. (4 paragraphs)__
==== Bodystorming is a concept designed by Anne Fairbrother where it is described as a participatory method of demonstrating and developing ideas in a physical way including acting it out in a physical manner by relating it to various contexts. Furthermore, in a group setting, individuals explore their ideas and work together physically using props such as maps, photos which give a better understanding for the sense of belonging and locations. ====

==== Bodystorming is taking the step of brainstorming further and developing it into something more interactive in a group setting. Applying bodystorming in contexts where there are different concepts is helpful in a different kind of understanding in situations of surveying and idea developing. Furthermore, Bodystorming revolves around the idea of uncovering relationships between people, locations and things where the brainstorming on paper does not help. This helps individuals study and sees the way people interact with services, products and themselves physically, emotionally and intuitively. ====

==== Bodystorming allows individuals to test and build ideas that brainstorming or paper-web diagrams won’t allow. This understanding and testing process is a part of the development process as the tasks here can be carried out to develop a complete idea. This ultimately, will allow individuals to understand the issue better in terms of services and products. This is the most effective way in terms of touching points in a service which are tangible and finding the assumptions within ideas, users and technologies. ====

==== Anne Fairbrother and her team used Bodystorming to test narrative journeys for BBC Coast audio. With bodystorming in this situation, it allowed the team to use paths plotted on big maps. This let her team interact with each other and engage in the situation with a better understanding of all. With bodystorming, interaction challenges within the BBC Coast audio were brought forward and logical issues as well as interaction challenges were brought to the team’s attention to attempt to solve. ====

==<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__Describe an issue that you would like to use bodystorming to research, analyze and investigate, and describe how you would develop a Case Theatre scenario to do so. (6 paragraphs)__ ==

An issue that would be interesting to bodystorm through research, analyzing and investigating would be to find a way to improve the use of recycling. In many public locations within society, the recycle bins are not as functional as they should be. For instance, take the UTM recycle bins which are located in various locations around the university premises could be put to better use.

It would be interesting to research how much of the recycling in those bins is correct, and how many of those times the trash bin beside them have the wrong recycling within them. Interestingly enough the lids of the recycle bins are not the correct size in order to allow an individual to put their recyclables in the right bin. With the frustration of trying to put a square object into a round hole is, a student would rather opt to throw it in the garbage just because the hole is larger.

The current situation of the bins is not helping the situation with the various bins for plastic products, glass, cans, and paper. Not all products in these categories are round or flat, which is why the first thing would be to change the style of the top. The colors are different, but they are neutral and not outstanding enough for the individual to notice. The smaller labels on the sides can be made more effective as well by using imagery which is easier to understand.

Something which is complicated would be a turn-off for all individuals in society, especially since individuals would rather take the easy road than the more difficult one. But if the design or bins were designed in a simple and more understanding way, there could be an increase of awareness. Another important element to make this bodystorming successful would be to remove the bins for waste from the recycling ones. Ensuring that the recycle bins are distinguishable would allow individuals to take less time to make a more informed decision. This would require some sort of testing process which is what bodystorming is all about.

Interestingly, bodystorming would involve the team of university students trying to put their recyclables in the right places or bins. Those bins need to be redesigned in order to allow individuals to be able to easily distinguish which bin is for what. The best thing would be to remove the lid completely from those bins which have tiny holes. That way, students can look inside and see the corresponding product that they should throw it in. at the same time, the bin’s colors should be changed so it doesn’t get lost with the walls.

A testing process could become involved with 2 sets of recycle bins across from each other, noticing, what is in the bin, if it is correctly placed and in the end. This can be a similar situation of the initiative that Volkswagen had taken in this video: []. With this, recycling can be encouraged and our planet can be a cleaner place.

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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__Write four paragraphs to define the term 'physical computing'. (4 paragraphs)__
Physical Computing is the basic idea that the physical world around us is able to be applied to the computerized world. By using various hardware and software, the technology is able to be applied in the world and make the analog things in the world to become digital. This is one of the ways that one can apply technologies that are already existent that can be applied in a daily world with new twists on things that are already physically possible. Physical computing is the technology of the future and very soon, this will be something quite popular in this world. Already, technology is implementing 3D televisions which is taking an expensive technology into the consumer market and putting it in every household.

The interaction between people and objects is going to the next level with physical computing and the people and objects are becoming more interactive. Pranav Mistry, is a scientist who presents this ‘Sixth sense technology’ (link to video at the end). He outlines the new sixth sense involved with daily activities by integrating the objects and the gestures together. For instance, he outlines the physical computing uses of sticky notes, 3D pen, computerized airports, taking pictures, calling, product reviews, book reviews and information and shopping.

The video outlined shows an individual integrating the physical realm of the thinking process involved with purchasing a book. With this technology, the individual can look at the book and get a 4 or 5 star review etc. At the same time, one can see the summary and hear it aswell. Much more information is available at the point of sale which will be not only beneficial to the store’s revenue but also for the interest and the marketing ideas that can come from this technology.

Hiroshi Ishii investigated the designs of multisensory multimedia and they’re also outlined this professor. The music bottles project shows the interaction with physical products and multisensory is the next level of the technology that already exists. This project has been a great success as this has changed the way certain bits of information become physical bits of information available to the user. This path of technology is a gateway to the computing and levels of technology that will be available in the century to come or maybe even in the very near future.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">__Write two paragraphs each describing their prototyping methods, and describing what they are enabled to do. (4 paragraphs)__
D. Tools is known as Reflective Physical Prototyping that has a three step process: designing, analyzing and testing. The device involves software that communicates with back and forth to set up the actions. The individual programming the device sets the state of action. This includes the up button on Google Maps to move one screen step towards the north and vice-versa. The program is leads to testing where the individuals working on the project can analyze where the changes need to be made and can see what is being processed and how. Ultimately, testing is the final step where the interaction of the device from a users perspective can take place and see how the user would use it in the physical world.
 * __D. Tools__**

When the device has been complete, the designer is able to find the bugs with their product to perfect it. This device can be used in a perfected environment to use to replay the interaction of the user with video, show timeline events in a state chart, and jump to various areas of the video in particular states. With the java implementation, the device can work flawlessly and work as well as it does on the computer, but with just a specialized device.

__**Exemplar**__ Exemplar is a prototype to author sensor based interactions through demonstration and integrate it with a 3D accelerometer. The hardware interface of this device works along side with the accelerometer to measure movements and find the right threshold of the helmet flashers. The helmet’s turn-signals are activated by the use of tilting one’s head. The Accelerometer is the same technology that can be found in mobile phone’s screen adjustment depending on the way it is being held (i.e. portrait/landscape). Similar technology has been implemented in Exemplar with the accelerometer and the tilting of the directions left or right to make the lights flash.

The threshold is tested and found at the point where the right amount of tilting and movement will lead to the light to flash in the direction of the tilt. The prototype is able to allow the user to tilt their head and allow the bicycle rider to implement this for their safety. This program has allowed the designers to put a perfected technology to be implemented in a different location. With a change in location, the change in design automatically exists yet the implementation of such a technology will be applied to something that can be used simultaneously, ultimately which requires actions from an end-user.

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<span style="color: #3dba17; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Week 8: Lab (Due March 8th, 2010)
==__** Look over examples of her biomimetic principles applied to products in the slideshow located at [] and write a short, one paragraph synopsis for each of your four favourite product designs. (4 paragraphs) **__==

This Japanese 500 Series //Shinkansen// bullet Train is one of the fastest in the world with top speeds of 200MPH. This train is designed around concepts of an owl – a very quiet bird. Body design of the train is similar to owl feathers and can reduce noise of the train’s pantograph with the body design made of small notches in areas where the overhead electrical wires are housed. The bio-mimicked design element is the train’s nose cone designed like a kingfisher’s beak. The Kingfisher bird can dive from air into water with very little resistance, giving the train ability to cut through air with little resistance. This design makes very little noise and it mimics the design of these two birds to make it quiet.
 * __High-Speed Train__**

This glue is from Colombian Forests where the wood from the trees are used for high end cabinets and furniture including hardwood flooring. The company developed a ultra-strong glue to hold such hard woods together by making this glue without toxins. This is mimicked from the design of mussels understate that cling to rocks and other surfaces.
 * __Toxin-Free Glue__**

This company based in England created the Ultra-Cane where the device is used by individuals that are visually impaired. This Ultra-Cane uses sonar technology based on bats that use to navigate in the dark and this will in turn prevent collisions. The cane is able to send out sound waves ahead of the user and the objects in front are sensed. The street signs, people and other objects make the cane`s handle send a signal to the user to make them aware of oncoming objects.
 * __Sonar-Enabled Cane__**

This is furniture that is originated in the Netherlands by Joris Laarman which is similar in design to the bone structure. Even though the bones are somewhat hollow, they make a strong architectural design of support. The aluminum designed chair was made with software that is similar to the process that bone growth occurs. This method has intrigued other companies including GM where the car parts are designed to be lighter but just as strong.
 * __Bone Furniture__**

__Write three paragraphs defining how, according to Janine Benyus, "the simple, elegant mechanics developed by nature often make sense in a human context, too". (3 paragraphs)__
Janine Banyus’ passion is nature and dreams of the correlation and inter-relation between nature and technology in life. Banyus’ bio-mimicry is part of her passion to teach and inspire other scientists, architects, designers and engineers as well as working with science and technology on a regular basis.

Benyus talks about her experience with nature and talks about the different ways that nature can be brought into technology and applied in our daily and modern society. The development that nature has provided society is important to consider in solving life’s problems. Domestication is one of the topics that she touches on where idea development is based on organisms. Mother Nature is one of the oldest forms of technology and it is some of the most simplistic forms of technology that can be mimicked to solve problems that come about with the contemporary development of society. She uses designs of Mother Nature including the salted water of the ocean to make ceramic products that the ocean salts anyways, but to make use of the resources that are already given, is plenty of and is reproductive.

Janine is a different kind of scientist, who looks for references in Mother Nature or in our current living society where we can see how the organisms such as animals act and copy the “technology” to solve the problems that they hold the key to. Biomimicry is a concept that the world is not appreciating enough and many companies can take the opposite perspective as they are benefiting financially through the development of methods that are new. The concept of this technology is a bit different as they expect humans to live the same way but the only thing that we as humans can do is to use these ideas to solve problems in society in a more effective way.

__According to the slideshow by Sylvain Cottong, who is an employee at [], what is the definition of 'service design', and why is it so important? (5 paragraphs)__
Service design is a design for products that look at customer experience as well as finding a way to make changes that improve the overall experience as well. In today’s society and in our current economic situation, there is more to just products, but the services that are provided and the interaction experience related to the product itself. Customer service is becoming the main goal for many companies out there. In a similar situation, department stores and chain stores encourage a lot of customer service as that is one of the elements that the customer always remembers and will come back for if they have a good experience.

The designers of these services need to be aware of the various methods related to advertising, the internet, mobile communication, physical environments, Point of Sale, and print media. Service design is important to the concepts that make up the sectors of: space, objects, people and interactions, and integrate them with systems, values, journeys, people and propositions. With a full understanding and specialization of these areas outlined, ultimately a successful advertising campaign or the successful marketing of a product, service or both can be done.

Designing a service is important to the added bonuses that are involved for the users and the people that provide the services as well. A successful service design is one that is easy to use and returns a rate of increase in the sales, traffic or interest. Making a service experience better could be making it accessible, credible, and even valuable to the customer which could ultimately become valuable to the business in question.

The marketing practices that are involved could ultimately be modified and implemented to the sales person to provide services that will be effective and valuable to the customer. For instance, walking in to FutureShop or any store that sells products for a commission, and by providing excellent knowledge to the customer, that customer will purchase a TV and come back to buy other electronics from the sales person and even send his or her friends to purchase products etc. This concept is sort of logical in the sense that if excellent customer service is provided, a happy customer will tell all of their friends how good it was, and if the service was horrible, the customer will not only tell his friends and family, but will tell everyone he or she can possibly interact with.

Ultimately, Sylvain Cottong has shown the important elements of service design by outlining the benefits that businesses have seen with this concept. Finding the customer’s needs and fulfilling them with a unique method will lead to the extra-satisfaction of an individual who will in turn become a loyal customer. By training their sales force to provide service that is outstanding and knowledgeable, one will always go back to learn more and to purchase their products. By using service design, companies can profit exponentially as people will slowly be happy to pay a premium for better service. If an individual is in a store and is being provided excellent service where the customer is treated like having a personal shopper, one will potentially pay extra for service that is more fun and making their lives easier.