The Methods Reflection (MR) project results in a report that reflects upon the variety of methods explorations with which we have engaged over the first several weeks of the semester. The MR project is challenging because it requires you to examine your own experiences with the methods toolkit to consider how each method serves to expand your understanding of usability research and design.
The first submission for the G1PP is the final submission. Your submission includes two documents:
For the full specifications, see Submission Requirements.
The primary objective for this project is prod you to think like a UX researcher. That means thinking about what makes a particular project challenging, and what research approaches might be effective at gathering knowledge and insight about the core elements project: the problem, the stakeholders, the stakes, the potential solutions, and so on.
Deliverables: memo, report
Document scope: 150 words (memo), 1500 to 2000 words (report)
Project value: 200 points
Evaluation rubric: _Eval_MethodsReflection.pdf
Recommended tool(s): Microsoft Word (memo); Adobe InDesign (report); scanner/scanning app; smart phone w. digital camera/digital video capabilities
The MR project report discusses how you might apply each of the methods that we have explored during the toolkit-building segment of course during the course of a usability study. That study might focus on any significant information portal or space connected to the function of SVSU: the university web site (or a section of that space); SVSU Canvas; the registration system; the financial aid system, and so on.
To complete this project, you will devise and describe a comprehensive study of the usability of the system. In doing so, you will explain (although briefly) how each method in the toolkit might be implemented during that study. You determine the order of application for the methods overall. Note that you do not need to actually complete the study you describe. You need only present a feasible discussion of how it might be done.
You may complete this project on your own or in partnership with one or two others.
This report requires only minimal framing. Think of this as a thought experiment rather than as a formal proposal. The emphasis here is on demonstrating your strategic understanding of the methods we have explored during the course so far.
Your report should incorporate all of the following content and design elements.
A memo of transmittal introduces the accompanying document to its audience(s). Your memos should be addressed from your team to me, and should frame your plan submission. Your memo should incorporate the following content elements.
Note that if you work with others, your team can submit one memo. All team members should be represented in the From heading.
This section is designed to help you be strategic in the development of your project components. Consider the following hints and tips. Use this set of recommendations as a checklist for quality control.
You establish your technical writer/designer ethos with the way you present your descriptive details. Be as specific and concrete as you can throughout your discussion. The more meaningful details you incorporate into your pitch, the more likely you are to create a connection with audience members.
Consider what viewers might find most useful. Provide as much detail, explanation, and evaluative discussion as you can in the allotted time. Draw on your Research Journal and your Journey Map for content.
All designs are more easily understood through visual representation. Show game elements, features, play, or any other details that you can through images and video.
Remember that communication in professional and technical contexts values highly the ability to write and speak with economy, directness, and professionalism. Another way of saying this is to make every word count. Stay focused on the details necessary to understand your game. Write and rewrite until your textual and audio content make sense, and represent careful, concise, professional communication.
Focus on the little and big details. Proofread your on-screen document carefully. Make sure your audio is strong and clear. Review what you say and how you say it. Check the quality of your audio and video. Redo material that does not meet expectations. Test your SHARE link after you add it to the Memo.
Read and attend carefully to these submission guidelines. Failure to do so may result in delays in receiving feedback on the draft of your project, or in points lost on the final evaluation of your project.
You/your team should create a project folder inside your shared class folder on Dropbox.com. If you submit as a team, you need only post one submission there. Remember, I can only view files that you place inside the class folder. Until your files are placed in that space, you have not in practice submitted them.
Name the folder Methods Reflection.
However, do not share the project folder with me. I will not accept that invitation to view its contents. As long as you place your project files in the folder you created and shared in response to the Week 1 discussions, you are set for the semester.
Make sure the files listed below are available to me in the project folder by the final deadline. Model your filenames on the listed examples:
Note. Do not share the individual files with me. By placing them in your project folder, you have already shared them by default.
The final project submission is worth 200 possible points. You will earn points according to the standard described on the policies page (see Policies for a description of these categories).
The specific areas of emphasis for this project are drawn from the description and discussion of the project, and are detailed in the evaluation rubric (_Eval_MethodsReflection.pdf).
Remember that I will only post the point values for projects on the Grades page in SVSU Canvas. I will post the details relevant to that evaluation in your class folder in a project-specific file.
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