Prototype Reflections
From last week’s prototype presentation, there are two major things that I’ve learned: one is start thinking about the target users, another part is be mindful about the question asked. The first one is important to me, because I think I’m at the phase of narrowing down and fleshing out my Thesis concepts. Be specific about the user group can produce something more effective to people, compared to design a product for everyone. Perhaps, it could also be about deciding primary user group, secondary user group and tertiary user group.
User Testing with Protoype 1
1. Common points are the key to continuing conversations.
2. Without intervention, conversations around shared interests could last for 20 minutes. Common interests are enough to trigger conversations but not enough to know each other.
3. The given topics are just starting points of conversations, which lead to other topics. People enjoy talking about the topic is that matters.
4. People can have an impression of the other party through conversations. (How does it feel talking to the other person, etc.)
5. In terms of effectiveness, personal questions are conducive to helping people get to know each other in a short period. However, some optimization needs to be done when both parties have just met each other.
6. Personal but relatively general topics help to reduce discomfort while understanding both parties. But it takes some time to think.
7. Depending on the relationship with the conversation partner, by default, when they first start talking with a stranger, they will not give too personal information and will answer generally. Therefore, the common points should be the dominant topic.
Research Phase 2
1.See what’s in the current market — Competitive analysis
Even though my current idea is about building something more than just an app, but the reality is, there are lots of company working on the strangers socializing app in the field. Knowing what has been done, what is working, what can be improved could help me see my projects in another perspective.
2. What are people’s current ways of doing it? — Questions/Observations
It ties back to the interviews and researches I did couple weeks ago. Going to the cafe, boba shops, teahouse, to get a drink and chat is one of the main way of how people socializing with each other. I want to figure out what is the other possible scenario, as well as the possible settings for two strangers engaging with each other, and find out what could be helpful for them to engage. Physical space is one possible direction for my Thesis solution, but still under consideration. Could be my another prototype.
3. Collecting quantitative data — Surveys
After first round of research, I start having some insights and also coming up with more assumptions. Doing quantitative research at this second phase of research, I think can provide more solid data back up for my future design decision. It could also be used as a way for me to confirmed some assumptions, double checked some insights in larger amount of users, could potentially give me more info as well.
After first round of researching, I got the three parts of Thesis:
1. Provide a context for two people who want to socialize
2. Help two people get to know each other and engage with each other in a short time
3. Create an opportunity for second-time socializing to consolidate the socializing foundation
The first prototype tested the second part: helping two people get to know each other and engage with each other in a short amount of time. For the next prototype, I’m interested in diving deeper into it. For this time, the second prototype, I kind of want to see how space influenced people when they are socializing, seeing if the space can be a way to help two strangers know and engage with each other better. If so, what should be in the space, and how people will interact with each other within the space.
This will requires me to be clear about two things. One is from last week’s feedback: define “who”. Another one is defining the “Space”: what kind of space it is? It’s likely to be a car space. In this case, how can the car space engage people, meanwhile protecting people’s safety and privacy? Another possible “space” could also be public space. Open space like park, or indoor space like cafe. Perhaps these can be more clear as the prototype testing and second phase of researching go.
Having said that, the third part of my thesis is worth testing as well: how to create an opportunity for second-time socializing to consolidate the socializing foundation. Because from the interview I conducted, people mentioned that dating is not just about one point, is one point after another. Met at a cafe, went to cinema, and had a dinner together. So only meeting one time in the car for 20 minutes might not be enough for a solid social relationships establishment. Then what can be the motivation for two strangers to meet each other again after the first met? Could there be something else other than second-ride discount , or coupon for business?