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Convergence Task

This week we found out that our assessment is made up of a 2 page PDF bringing together elements from all 4 skills cycles (digital interactions/motion graphics/orientated design/digital publishing) as proof of the concept we come up with. Carrying on the theme from the  interactivity cycle, we choose from the 5 options: digital doctor, death of magazines/books, making simple music, personal security or toy hack. Within one of these themes, we create a concept that we explore by considering digital interactivity, our audience and user orientated design, digital publishing(via the interactive PDF) and then motion graphics and visual effects by creating a video showcasing how the product could work.

I’m carrying on the theme of Digital Doctor from the first skills cycle (Digital Interactivity) where I came up with the idea of a technology package that both patient and therapist would interact with during the course of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Exposure therapy. It would consist of a office based virtual reality, perhaps via an Oculus Rift type of device, but mostly focus on an app that the patient has on their phone. Specifically the focus of this package would be to help patients with Agoraphobia/Panic disorder, but could be developed to fit other Phobias also.

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User Orientated Design

This week in workshops we are looking at developing an existing digital platform product; mine within the subcategory of ‘commuting’. So, I am going to find a bad example of an app or website relevant to this and redesign it.

After researching bus and train apps on the Play Store, many of which (National Rail/First ‘train times’) look quite slick and easy to manoeuvre around, I found ‘My Bus Edinburgh’ which features a clip art bus logo and a very basic interface that although can be used, you’d rather not have to.

The home page of ‘My Bus Edinburgh’

For an app that offers the relatively new feature of scanning a QR code off a bus stop, the interface isn’t compatible with this modern technology. The icons do their job but they look outdated and it doesn’t look interactive at all – which although might not matter, this doesn’t present the app as an accurate information source that is up to date and quick to use.

Clicking on the links through to other pages, there is no explanation of how to use the application which is not useful if you are in a rush to catch a bus, and the actual map showing where each bus stop is located, is over crowded and difficult to navigate. It’s not designed to make it self explanatory and there is no help for the users if they are struggling.

The map feature which is currently only showing one route.

After clicking on the cup like icon (which I realise now is probably meant to be a funnel) in the top right of the page, I finally found how to search for bus stops/routes via the bus number which makes the whole process a little easier.

The Play Store page for this app shows many different options that honestly I can’t work out how to access via the app e.g. ‘live departures’. Also, a feature I would expect, yet it doesn’t have, is a timetable for buses in the future.

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First post and discussing Interactive Design

Interactive Design PDF

During our two workshops with Clive, we discussed many different uses and ideas around Interactive Design. From apps to pieces of artwork and programs with therapeutic uses, Clive asked us to come up with our own idea for a piece of interactive media on an already existing platform.

The theme I chose to explore was the idea of a “digital doctor” and I wanted to focus on its use for mental health therapy and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). As you can see from the PDF above, I thought about an app that you could have with you at all times of your phone to guide you through exposure therapy, helping you to track your progress and develop into a panic free individual.

Although I had previously thought about the uses for the Oculus Rift as a platform for phobia therapy I didn’t follow this through in the PDF. As it turned out, I didn’t actually show my PDF when discussing my idea with the workshop group, because throughout the session as more people talked about their ideas I had new thoughts about what I might want to create.

When it came round to my opportunity to talk about my Interactive Design thought process, I came out with this:

A set of programs specifically tailored for use on the Oculus Rift in conjunction with CBT, enabling the exposure therapy to be undertaken in an office environment. They could replicate situations for people with Panic Disorder, Generalised Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias, Agoraphobia etc that would challenge them to control their anxiety and get through the situation without ever being exposed to real threat. This would allow the therapist to work with them in a realistic situation, meaning they could teach applicable techniques to the patient and gain a better understanding of the experience of their patient when dealing with their phobia or anxiety. Alongside this, they would have a phone app to use outside of the therapy sessions to not only track their emotions and progress, but to suggest calming activities, visualisation, and to challenge the user to diminish their negative thought cycles.

I think my idea was well received and the feedback I got suggested that I pare it back a little and focus on one specific Anxiety Disorder to fully develop my ideas for. This is something I am currently thinking about expanding on to perhaps include in my final project this semester for Digital Media.