Today I’ll be talking through my prototype for design and research this term. My current research is exploring AI in UX design – asking how can UX designers use AI to streamline and improve their work, as well as finding where AI can’t do the job, due to gaps of knowledge in the source material, or other shortcomings of the software.
For my prototype this semester, I decided to begin the UX design process with an app I had previously created, but this time using as many AI programs as possible. For now, we are specifically looking at user research and persona development.
The app I am working with is called “ProspHER”, which is a job-seeking platform for underprivileged women. The app can be used to find work that fits your experience and skill level, as well as your availability. It specifically highlights unconventional working hours for maximum flexibility when considering caring for children or elderly family members, work that is often undertaken by women.
For my user research, I worked with three scholarly articles on various topics surrounding women’s employment. I ran these articles through an AI PDF reader, and could then ask the AI further questions about the articles.
After conducting this simulated user research, I used an AI tool to generate a persona based off a short description of my app concept. The original persona was surprisingly helpful, and then I added information from my user research to fill it out more.
Important things to highlight in this process are that these AI tools only work well if you know how to use them – meaning that you need to know what questions to ask and how to ask them. You also need to keep in mind, with all AI tools, that these programs are simply remixing information and images that already exist somewhere. This means that our biases are inherently baked in to the results, and need to be watched for with a very careful eye.
In the next semester, I am excited to get deeper into existing literature on AI. I want to see what has already been done to implement AI into the UX profession on an official basis, and to continue experimenting with how much AI I can involve in the UX process.
For the prototype I recreated the kitchen in Hotel Rustika. It is a rough first draft without any details and only the kitchen itself is displayed without the storage room, walk-in fridge and freezer. I hope you enjoy my prototype and get an idea of what I envision.
Ideation process
Throughout the semester I researched on how to find the most suitable vocational job to in the end create a wholesome and fun experience in Virtual Reality. It started with a quick brief and update to Birgit, it went over to creating a storyboard for a mechanical vocational job situation. After that, I realised I need to dive more into skilled labor shortage jobs. I found out ,that the tourism sector is heavily affected of the skilled labor shortage. As I worked in the tourism industry myself I changed the storyboard to one to the chef vocational job. The next step was to speak with my friend and chef Martin, he told me about his vocational training and what has changed since then.
Slowly the semester is towards an end and it was about to create a prototype for the design and research lecture. First I wanted to create a first sketch with Tiltbrush or a similar application in VR. Unfortunately the VR goggle I had no sketching application installed. When I spoke to my friend I took some pictures of the kitchen in the hotel and tried to recreate the kitchen in a first draft in Unity.
Future steps
The next steps in the development process would be to start develop the prototype in Unity and getting familiar with the Unity VR process. Also elaborate the whole user journey from the beginning until the end of the experience.
During my research I also found out that the WKO (Wirtschaftskammer Österreich) is already involved in presenting vocational jobs in 360° Virtual Reality. For further insights I recently contacted the WKO for more information about this projects. Hopefully I will gather further insights into the projects (Challenges, How is it perceived by the youth, how do they communicate,…).
If I was to work further on this prototype I am now at the stage where I would get some input from possible users. Doing a few informal tests would most likely give me more information and some new perspectives to further develop my prototype. This would help me to get it to a stage where I can learn more from more “proper” testing.
After this development I would do a more extensive testing round to decide whether or not this is the right direction. I would anyways have new perspectives to bring to a different prototype, so my work would not be lost if I found that a different format would be necessary.
The following aspects are things I took into account while working on my prototype so far:
Audio Features I decided to focus on a younger target group (4-6 year-olds) for this prototype since I plan on having two main target groups. The children in this group either can’t read yet or just started learning, which means the app relies on the audio features and needs a narrator to explain everything to the children. The audios can be played again and again to ensure that everything was heard and the kids understood the information/tasks.
Object Size I made sure that all of the buttons and objects the children would need to interact with are big enough, since their aim isn’t as precise as that of adults. This also results in fewer distractions on the screen, since the screen space is limited and not that much can fit on it.
Seasonal Quests In order for there to be a bigger incentive to play regular, there will be seasonal quests with tasks that are only possible during that season, meaning the quests have a timeframe in which they can be solved. This means there could be tasks revolving around flowers and plants that are currently blooming or the color of the trees’ leafs for example. Besides the seasonal quests there will be a normal single player and multiplayer mode.
In the next steps I will make wireframes to show how the gap between presenting useful information and giving tasks related to that information could potentially be bridged.
In the pursuit of addressing healthcare challenges in rural areas of Benin Republic, the research and development of an eHealth app for sustainable healthcare has emerged as a transformative solution. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the process undertaken to research and develop a prototype for this project. Building upon the existing knowledge and previous articles on eHealth and sustainable healthcare (1, 2, 3, 4) , we delve into the key steps and considerations involved in creating an innovative solution that can improve healthcare access and support sustainable development. we are integrating the innovative MoiseGpt super-application into our eHealth app. Developed by renowned African entrepreneur Alain Towedo Capo-Chichi, MoiseGpt offers a powerful voice assistant feature that enhances user experiences through seamless interaction. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the ongoing research and development process, highlighting the integration of MoiseGpt and its potential to revolutionize healthcare access through a user-friendly voice interface. we also want to take advantage of previous project in the field of health in the region to capitalize the best pratices and lesson learn. For example, the project SATMED,a satellite based communication solution aimed to improve public health in emerging and developing countries.
Identifying the Problem and Research Question The initial stage involved a meticulous analysis of the challenges faced by individuals in rural communities regarding healthcare access and affordability. By exploring existing literature, and consulting with healthcare experts, a clear problem statement was formulated, leading to the definition of the research question: “What if we design an app that helps tackle the lack of medical service offerings, specifically in rural communities of Benin Republic?”
Conducting User-Centered Research To ensure the prototype addressed the needs and preferences of the target users, a user-centered research approach was adopted. This involved conducting interviews, surveys, and behavioral studies to gain insights into the healthcare-seeking behaviors, literacy levels, and technological proficiency of the population. These findings served as a foundation for designing an app that is accessible, user-friendly, and tailored to the specific context of Benin Republic.
Developing the Prototype Armed with the first research insights, the next phase focused on translating the identified requirements into a tangible prototype. Utilizing industry-standard tools like Figma, we were able to design the user interface of the eHealth app, incorporating MoiseGpt’s voice assistant capabilities. The visually appealing and intuitive design takes into account the literacy levels and technological constraints of the target population, ensuring accessibility and ease of use that considered the literacy levels and technological constraints of the target population.
First draft of the prototype website
The first feedback we received from this current version of the web platform for the solution is from our supervision who suggested to make it simplified and easy to read and navigate. The next iteration of the prototype will integrate that and many other feedbacks we are going to receive through our planned survey and further researchs include a field research.
First draft of the mobile app prototype
Iterative Testing and Refinement To ensure the prototype met user expectations and delivered a seamless experience, iterative testing and refinement were conducted. Next stage of the Usability tests will be carried out with representative users from rural communities so collect provided valuable feedback on the app’s features, navigation, and overall usability. This iterative shall process helped identify and rectify any usability issues, ensuring a user-centric and effective design.
Planned Ethnographic Research for Solution Refinement In our commitment to continuously improving the proposed solution, a planned ethnographic research study will be conducted in the upcoming summer or next year. This research approach will involve immersing researchers in the rural communities of Benin Republic to observe and document the daily lives, healthcare practices, and unique challenges faced by the residents. By gathering in-depth qualitative data, this ethnographic research aims to further refine the proposed eHealth app, ensuring it is truly aligned with the needs, behaviors, and cultural context of the target population.
Conclusion The process of researching and developing a prototype for sustainable healthcare has been a journey driven by the vision of improving healthcare access and supporting sustainable development in Benin Republic. By identifying the problem, conducting user-centered research, developing the prototype, and engaging stakeholders, the project has made significant strides towards creating an innovative eHealth app that can bridge the gap in healthcare services and contribute to the well-being of rural communities. The planned ethnographic research study will provide invaluable insights for further refining the proposed solution and ensuring its efficacy in addressing the specific needs of the population. The lessons learned and experiences gained from this process will pave the way for a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable future in healthcare delivery.
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, digital innovation has emerged as an indispensable instrument for improving access, quality, and affordability. E-health, defined as the utilization of information and communication technologies (ICT) for health services and information, carries the potential to revolutionize healthcare systems across the globe, particularly in countries like Benin Republic and other African nations. with no doubt we can affirm tht eHealth offers a promising potential to transform health care delivery in Africa by offering a platform for comprehensive data management, provider efficiency, and patient engagement. “Health systems strengthening is a critical path to achieving health outcomes, health security and financial protection, improving social well-being and fostering sustainable development.” -as described in the published Framework for Health Systems Development Towards Universal Health Coverage in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals in the African by Region the World Health Organization’s Regional Comitte for Africa secretariat report1.
E-Health in Benin Republic and Africa: A Glimpse of the Future
While Benin, like many other African countries, has encountered challenges in healthcare infrastructure, the eHealth sector presents an innovative, resilient solution. From telemedicine consultations to AI-powered diagnoses and digital health records, the scope for growth is enormous. Mobile technology ownership, which is growing rapidly across Africa, serves as a strong foundation for eHealth expansion2.
In Benin there are no known health plaform for say but lesson learned form regional initiative and secure funding to tackle the issue of healthcare (for example the USAID Integrated Health Services Activity in Benin) are promising path for the realization of such plaform. A shining example of this potential is shown from the most popular ehealth solution in continent, they are mostly mHealth platform that brings doctors and patients together through mobile devices3. Additionally, Nigeria’s healthtech startup, Helium Health, has exhibited how digital innovation can leapfrog existing infrastructural limitations4.
The Advantages and the Hurdles
E-health solutions offer the possibility of overcoming geographical barriers, improving access to diagnostic and treatment services, and optimizing the use of limited resources. A quick look at the HealthEnabled’s work make use confident that Benin and africa will soon be able to profit from eHealth solutions. The elegance of eHealth lies in its ability to deliver solutions right at your fingertips, thereby making healthcare accessible even in the most secluded parts of the continent 5.
However, implementing eHealth in Benin and the wider African region is not without challenges. Issues such as the digital divide, data privacy concerns, inadequate ICT infrastructure, and lack of digital literacy need to be addressed for successful adoption.
E-Health and the Road Ahead
Despite the challenges, the potential benefits of eHealth are worth pursuing. Governments, private institutions, and international organizations should collaborate to nurture this sector, investing in infrastructure, education, and regulations. The future of eHealth in Benin and Africa is hopeful.
Last week I visited my hometown Lermoos in Tyrol. Already during my school days I had many different jobs in the tourism industry and also worked at the Hotel Rustika. The hotel is family owned and has since become very well known in the region and among guests.
I had the pleasure to have a short conversation with the chef and my friend Martin.
He is a trained chef and has worked as a chef for a number of years – he moved to Germany and worked in a similar field and returned to Austria a few years ago.
What are typical tasks of a chef apprentice?
As an apprentice chef, you will assist professional chefs with various tasks, such as:
preparing food: Assisting with peeling, chopping and cutting ingredients, following recipes.
cooking: Learning and practicing cooking techniques such as grilling, sauteing, baking, etc.
dressing and presentation: Dressing and garnishing food in an appealing manner.
kitchen organization and cleanliness: washing utensils, cleaning surfaces and equipment.
ingredient management: Receiving, checking, storing and managing inventory.
What has changed in recent years?
Chef training has declined in popularity in recent years due to changing career aspirations, availability of culinary schools, cost considerations, changing industry dynamics, and limited opportunities. The Covid 19 pandemic also had a major impact and many people decided against a career in the hospitality industry.
What benefits do you see as a former apprentice chef?
Apprentice chefs offer invaluable benefits to aspiring culinary professionals. Through hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, apprentices develop practical skills and techniques that are essential to a successful career. Mentoring and guidance from experienced chefs fosters professional growth and provides insight into the industry. Networking opportunities within the culinary community open doors for future employment and collaborations. On-the-job training ensures a well-rounded culinary education that complements theoretical knowledge. Completing a culinary apprenticeship increases credibility and employability, as employers value hands-on training for apprentices. In addition, apprenticeships offer a cost-effective learning option, as apprentices receive a salary while they learn their skills. Successful completion of an apprenticeship can lead to promising career advancement opportunities in the culinary industry. Overall, a chef apprenticeship offers a comprehensive and rewarding path to success in the culinary field.
My prototype shows 4 scenarios and their solutions in an app that will be created especially for ADHD people. It is designed to organize and prioritize tasks and to work through them in a structured way. These scenarios can be tested in the further course of the work of people with ADHD.
Scenario 01 – Overwhelm
Lars feels overwhelmed by all the task he ahs to do. To feel less stressed he wants to otganize them.
Scenario 02 – Distraction
Lars wants to work on a task but he is easily distracted by his phone. He wants to be more productive.
Scenario 03 – Prioritisation
Ther is so much to do. Lars doesn´t know where to beginn. All the Tasks are just floating in his head.
Scenatio 04 – Geting started
Lars is waisting his time scroling on instagram. feeling very guilty about it. Not doing the work he wanted to do.
As I have continued working on the prototype I constantly find new needs and possible paths. For now I have focused on placing the prototype in a context which becomes part of the prototype. Instead of just developing the tool I have now made a webpage as an information source.
Eventually I started filling in my wireframes with content. I have chosen to not focus on writing texts and rather making titles which give an indicator of what would be there. This way I could have tested my prototype to get a “first impression” from someone without producing text that might not be needed.
I have created a structure which will work similarly to a storyteller page.
Header: There is a header on top for navigation.
What: first the user need to understand what this page does. Two sentences about the goal for this page is enough to communicate this fast.
Why: Why should the user care? Why should they use this page? Three main goals is mentioned with subpages linked it the user wants to read more.
How: How can I make a difference? This part is where I assume most user will spend the most time. It is an exploration of what I can do (as a consumer / designer) to reduce the environmental impact of fashion.
Engage: Call to action to send in feedback and/or taking part in challenges/competitions to create engagement around the page. This part would need more exploration and research to see what creates the most momentum and impact.
Footer: Footer where I can place the “boring” info. For those interested in going in depth, reading more complex resources, documentation etc. this is a natural place to look in combination with the header.
If I was to test this prototype I would interview 3-5 people of different age and try to explore what information they would expect, wish for and care about. In addition I would interview fashion designers to explore if they could use a page like this in their workflow.
