urban tribes

IF you want to know more about the joneses here is an excellent site talking about the ins and out of their personality traits and icons
http://www.generationjones.co.uk/gen_jones/

Using some of this information as well as buying magazines and having some one on one research time with this focus group the concept/ product maps were made.

Knowing that the Joneses are a key player in the technology sector (the Joneses account for a third of all internet usage) compounded with their high income is reflected in the technological product market chosen.

Key to the success was to ensure that the technology was to be harnessed in an interactive way, alongside using the key visual identity of product's already targeting this market.

Set up of the user scenario tries to humanize technology as it usually acts as the most personal outlet for this urban tribe member.

The brief was written to give structure to what was going to be prototyped in a practical sense.

Here are some early concept sketches, using the principles of the product map visual language. The design is for a set of speakers where the speaker faces upwards to maximize sound quality and harness sound technology.
Furthermore, an interface device wirelessly connects both speakers. Power is supplied by no contact transmission similar to that of an electric tooth brush. To evoke this sense of character and humanized technology the interface has a detachable remote, for use as a conventional volume control when attached, and then use as a media centre remote when lifted from the base.

MESH: Product Rationale

Mesh is shot glass set that provides a higher order tactile and materiality to the the alcohol consuming world. Conceptually, the set is intended to evoke a responsible approach to a night out, done with control and dignity. It is this notion that epitomizes the treasured time during this social occurrence, inhibiting the user from regretful acts. Knurling is used as the tactile that provides the user another recurring message, hoped to be reinforced by the staff, of responsibility and self control allowing for an incident free occasion.

Bad Design: Rexona For Men Anti-Perspirant

For such a small item i found it much better to show the bad design in terms of labeling and function through a video to completely show how the product is poorly designed. Small movements and interactions are not able to be as well defined in photos.

Video Exploration

Original

-Poor signage confuses user of actual use
-Good design does not require instructions
-Hard to see labeling for on "0" and off "1"
-Big to small "volume" signage on slide button is counter intuitive to normal use




















Redesign

-Simple "volume" in correct left to right proportion
-Correct and clear labeling of actual function i.e. "lock" sign
-Elimination of need for instructions
-Less risk of user error

This redesign, however simple, reduces the amount of signage required on the spray can and eliminates the need for instructions. If the function of the bottle is in working order the redesign should provide a clear cut alternative to the original product and will not lie about it's correct use to the consumer.