DSDN 112-First series of photos for my fastest map

First series of photos for my fastest map- For my first map (the fastest direction) I am looking at going up the hill to Te Puni and then down the front of Victoria University to the library. I think that this is the shortest way from what I have seen and remember walking through because of the many times I walked this way heading up to my marketing class up in Kelburn.

I have been noting some of the places that you pass when heading this way. Places in particular that I thought would be good references are ones like Logan Brown, the street names, Te Puni and U-stay. I thought these are good because of the street names being a common way to find places and also liked the idea of Logan Brown because of the fact that its so close to Te Aro you know where it is.

I thought the idea of using hostels as check points is good because in your first year there would be those in hostels and with Te Puni and the U-stay ones being the closest, they act as good points for people to use as guides to places. I feel that because they are so big in size as well its going to be hard to avoid knowing these places.

Below are some of the photos from my first shoot heading up to Kelburn Library.

DSDN 112- The next stage

The next stage- Now that the wireframe is complete, I can begin to look into taking photos for both development and to possibly use in my final app. I am going to aim to pay particular attention to detail and take note of particular things you would see in the directions I choose.

DSDN 112- Wireframe made

Wireframe made- I have finished making up my wireframe. The wireframe is holding all that I said in the previous blogpost and am sure it gives a fairly accurate idea on what happens when you press each button on the app.

Below is the wireframe that has been completed and gives indications on what each button on the T.I.M app does.

DSDN 112- Making my wireframe

Making my wireframe- I have begun to make my wireframe for this project. I have gone through my research again and have found the main features that I want to have for my wireframe.

Firstly, it needs to be able to meet the brief and have a navigation system for it- T.I.M. I have decided that it will give two options- the fastest and shortest. I was looking at adding the smoothest option because of the fact Wellington is made up of hills, but decided against this because I thought it was more important for T.I.Ms design to have the main two. Once you have selected your chosen map (fastest or shortest) it will give a straight forward 2D map with key points on it. These key points will be giving a better guide on what you should be coming across when making your way to Kelburn library to help guide you better than just a standard 2D map. Originally I was looking at having a street view map just like the street view in Google Maps, but have decided against it. This is because after looking at it, a 2D map is still very much a good map, but lacks the exceptional pieces to a street view map that would really help enhance it. Therefore I would really like to combine both together with some elements in each.

Secondly, I really want there to be a way to connect people together within the app. I have decided to solve this issue by making it so that whenever your friends also have T.I.M on, you can search for them and see where they are. Once this is done, T.I.M can give you the best way to find that person. From there you can make your way to your friend to ether get to class or just have a social interaction. I think this feature is great for new students who aren't used to the large Kelburn Campus and don't know their way around. Therefore it will bring together social interaction and at the same time give new students a small tour inside the campus and hopefully get them to the right class together.

Last, but not least I am looking at having a new feature in it that will be able to give people the ability to add contacts so they can find people more easily. THis is to help avoid confussion if there were many people to use this particular app. There will also be a section to say a bit more on T.I.M if need be.

DSDN 112- Making new plans after hearing the lecture

Making new plans after hearing the lecture- After listening to the lecture on how the idea of time management and listing certain pieces down helps, it managed to twist me into thinking that I should point out some key dates to think of and what might need to be done before hand.

I am hoping to at this point after drawing it up to have a draft wireframe by tomorrow as well as photos for my research into the best ways to my destination- the library in Kelburn Campus. I think that having photos will be good as something to add to my flash animation when I come to making it, since I am looking at having some photos into its final design. They will, as I said before, will be showing more detail of the ways to get to the Kelburn library and show some of the icons/symbols or places you will be coming across when heading to your destination.

DSDN 112- Summary of research findings

Summary of research findings- After my first tutorial after the holidays (10/9/2012) I decided it might be good to make this new blog post explaining my findings, just so I have a good reference to look back on on what to add for my flash animation.

So far what was found was that a street view (i.e. real pictures) were working better than a 2d birds-eye view map. This I think is because the street view offers a lot more detail you wouldn't real get from a single 2D map. Another way I have thought to utilize the idea of using photos to my advantage is by taking good photos of places that you would come across to act as check/key points for the user to note to see whether they are heading on the right track and can find more info on it if they wish.

Color coded pieces were also another great feature that I think is good to consider or at least think about. Color coded pieces generally help you figure out things a bit better because they help act as symbols for us to remember things by.

Utilizing technology is another handy tip to add as a feature. Facebook is one of our biggest interactions and ways to find somebody in a certain location. I think having this as a handy feature is something good to add because we would be using technology more to students advantage and connecting them together not just socially but education wise to ensure they get to class together and on time.

Offering different routes and shortcuts is defiantly something to add because we, as students, tend to under estimate time, location etc and get a bit lost at times. Therefore offering the range of different ways will be good to ensure that those who are running late will actually make it to class on time.

DSDN 112- Final design for T.I.M

DSDN 112- Looking at inspiration art for T.I.M

Looking at inspiration art for T.I.M- I have renamed the TrackBot to "T.I.M" (Tracking. Intelligence. Machine). Here is some of the inspirations I found online that helped me.

DSDN 112- Proposal on Project 2 (Part 2A)

Proposal on Project 2 (Part 2A)- For the navigation system, I am looking into the idea of making a cellphone app. I have called my app "Trackbot" where you have an app that you open up on your phone and use to find your way to the desired location.

The instructions will be as simple as possible to ensure the person finds their way.

1st Idea-

1) The person finds the app on their phone and turns it on.

2) The phone will pick up a tracking signal from the room the person wants to go too.

3) The app will then give the best route possible to make it to the classroom with options of the fastest, most flat etc.

4) person will pick the best one and then take that way.

5) person makes it there safetly.

2nd Idea-

1) Person opens the app on cellphone.

2) Person will turn on the trackbot.

3) The trackbot will pick up a signal from another persons trackbot app on their cellphone.

4) The trackbot will then give options on the different ways to get there.

5) Person will select which route option they want.

6) Person will head on that particular route and head to class.

DSDN 112- Navigation Systems for I-pod/I-phone continued

 Navigation Systems for I-pod/I-phone continued- I have come across a new app for an i-pod touch/I-phone. Its called "MapQuest" which is what I feel, a lot more open and user friendly than google maps. With MapQuest, it offers a lot more useful functions such as voice navigation that helps indicate whether your off course or not. Live traffic cameras to show what it is like up ahead. the multiple views and stops along the way and more.

DSDN 112- Navigation systems for google maps/Web

Navigation systems for Google Maps- A basic and simplified navigation system on the world wide web is the one and only Google Maps. When looking at Google Maps, I found that there were a few things I didn't fully like or warm up too.

For example, I found that it wasn't as interactive as the mobile phone research.. I felt that this is lacking as I feel that the navigation system should be fun and exciting and have more features, especially for a student new to the university. I also noted that it was really lacking a lot of attention to detail. It looked really basic and the ability to zoom in and find an actual image of your destination was the only way to actually get those pieces of detail to help you find your way to a place.

I saw that without the ability to see what the place looks like without a photo is really hard to direct someone. I feel that this flaw is something that could really help google maps in navigating someone to a chosen destination.

DSDN 112- I-pod touch/I-phone navigation systems

I-pod touch/I-phone navigation systems- I have found a new i-pod navigation system known as "TomTom" that is much more simplified compared to the mobile phone applications.

This system has the basic and very general things to it that makes it more common than something special you would want to be pleased to have. Overall I feel that whilst the mobile phone research gave me better ideas to make my navigations system better and stand out, this research into an iPod and iPhone navigation system helped me see what I can utilize to make a better navigation system than a standard one.

Below are the research photos.

DSDN 112- Mobile Navigation system research continued

Mobile Navigation system research continued- I have found another great example of a mobile navigation system that has some really great features to think about for this project. This mobile navigation system is called "amAze". amAze is a navigation system that allows you to find your destination but has other little tricks and tips to it that helps you out very well.

One feature is the ability to connect with Facebook. amAze allows the user to search for their friends location through logging into Facebook and finding your friends location. I thought this is a really cool feature because of Facebook being one of the most time consumed online sights where people spend endless hours online talking to others or updating their page and amAze have utilized this powerful tool to their advantage, as a way of connecting people physically and virtually.

amAze has also added in a routing function that will give you the fastest and shortest route if your in a hurry. This is particularly great for this project because as university students, we are always looking for the fastest route possibly to ensure we make it on time to our class.

The use of having a red lights addition is another extra detailed piece I thought was good. This is because whilst walking to class we come in contact with so many lights when walking that its another piece to the puzzle that can direct you more accurately to the destination.

Below are some of the screenshots of the amAze system.

DSDN 12- Mobile Phone Navigation systems

Mobile Phone Navigation system 1- I have begun to research into the different navigation systems for project 2. The first navigation system I have started researching is a navigation system for a persons mobile phone.

One of the navigation systems I found that I thought was particularly good is the google maps navigation system also known as "Beta". Beta is a navigation system for the general Wellington person to use that has many useful features that help you find your destination. Some of the features include "search by voice" meaning you can simply say where your destination is and you will be given directions.

Another great feature is the "satellite" and "street" view. These two features basically give a real view of where you are and where you should be heading. These features have pictures of the street your on and what way is the right way to go with different colors representing different areas etc. I felt this feature was particularly important because it is much more easier to find your way if you can see what the place looks like rather than on a standard 2D map with lines telling you where you need to head etc.

I thought that the walking navigation section was another great feature in the Beta system. I feel this is a great feature because not everyone has the luxury of having a car in Wellington and walking defiantly takes a lot less time and even possibly a few more options compared to driving.

Below are some screenshots of the Beta system, a great first inspiration for this project.

DSDN 112- Looking at Project 2 brief

Looking at Project 2 brief- I have been reviewing the project 2 brief and am excited to do this project, particularly because it is going involve getting a good intro and use from Adobe Flash.

I have begun to look at the different navigation systems/interfaces in todays society. I have listed and brainstormed them in this post and am looking into more research to help me work more in depth to producing a suitable navigation system for this project.

At this point, it's still unclear which type I will pick to work with so I am going to research into some of the ones listed and see what information I can get.

Below is the brainstorm of the different navigation systems I have listed and am going to look into more depth.

DSDN 112- Final Photos and evaluation on Project 1-

Final Photos and evaluation on Project 1- I have finished my final interactive object known as "The fruit boards". The fruit boards are flat tiles that have two different smells indented inside it and the aim is for the user to use their sense of smell to navigate their way through the board to reach the end. However there will be one smell that will guide you to the right one, or there will be another path that is aiming to redirect you in the opposite direction.

Overall I learnt a lot on this project. There were a lot of prototypes made and each of them helped to narrow down my idea into what its current state is now. The first thing I learnt was the shape will effect your smell. The way it affects smell is if the smell is too close to another, then it will merge and not give a defined smell to guide you. Originally I was looking at working with the use of touch, smell and loss of sight, but was told it looked far too busy so I cut it down to just a bigger focus on smell.

The shape will enhance your experience because if the shape isn't easy to move and interact with, it makes your experience unpleasant. Originally I was looking at working with a sphere because it seemed a lot more interactive, but over time I saw that because of its shape it was messing the smells up and merging them together. This is not the idea I had in mind so I had decided to alter it to be flat and 2D to make it bigger and have the smells more defined, while keeping it looking presentable.

At first it started off as one object, but it wasn't really making it as interactive. I then decided after working closely with my tutor Zane that the idea of making it into a game was a good idea to work with. The aim is still the same- use your smell sense to find your way to the end, but to beat your opponent and not fall into the path that is the booby trap. The smells are really sweet, yet different smells that stand out well on the boards.

Overall it was a great project to work with and was extremely challenging as a first project.

DSDN 112- Making my final objects

Making my final objects- I have started making my final objects for Monday. I have decided my smells- Strawberry, Caramel, Banana and Orange. All these are fruit essences and are able to stand out rather well, despite being a bit too close together because of the wood size.

I will be covering them with layers of white sheet so that you can't see where to go and am adding more and more layers of the smell to make it stronger.

Below are the photos of the models at the moment.