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PROJECT TYPE. UX + UI DESIGN FOR MOBILE
CLIENT. STUDENT PROJECT
PROJECT DURATION. 5 WEEKS (PART TIME)
VENN.ACULAR is an app that makes the job of the architect that much easier. Finding precedents can be a challenge, especially those that are both applicable to one’s own project, and focus on the needs of building users.
VENN.ACULAR provides a library of successful user-centred precedents, and helps to filter them based on common project concerns. Doing adequate research is very crucial to the success of architectural projects in their beginning stages, and VENN.ACULAR streamlines this process. The goal of the app is to act as a “crystal ball”, and better predict the potential of a building design by examining what has been successful in similar contexts.
INITIAL DEVELOPMENT
I was assigned the topic of “Architecture” based on my previous studies in the field. Initially it was overwhelming trying to determine a direction, and to pin point a particular problem to tackle. I was unsure whether I should create an app to help architects, building users, or both.
Based on a quick survey, it became clear that everyday people have a strong interest in architecture. Our daily lives are characterized by the spaces we dwell in, so it only makes sense that the users of these buildings would want to know more about how they were conceived.
Even beyond this desire for more knowledge, the spaces around us have a subconscious influence on many aspects of our lives. Unfortunately, in architectural practice, the users of the space are often overlooked. Developing a tool to help architects better cater to users became the goal of this project.
Why do architects forget about their users? The use of affinity diagramming helped to distinguish the moving parts involved in the architectural design process. One of the most noteworthy discoveries was the vast array of factors that must be considered, which explains why it is so difficult to determine what to prioritize. Meeting the needs of users is only one of many elements for the architect to ponder.
Comparing the design process of architects to UX designers was a useful exercise. While there were many similarities, UX design included a much more rigorous user testing phase. Architects are limited by the scale and expense of their projects, and have little responsibility once a building is constructed. In developing VENN.ACULAR, it was important to find a way to side-step this difficulty.
I began to conduct research in order to determine what constitutes a successfully designed building. Few measuring sticks for usability in architecture exist.
A useful resource I discovered was The Gehl Institute, which provides 3 main categories to help evaluate the user’s satisfaction within a space. These include protection (from things like weather, noise and traffic), comfort (giving options for standing, sitting, observing and talking), and enjoyment (providing space for things like play).
After doing some digging, it became evident that there are many existing projects that are beloved by those who inhabit them. Because it is hard to conduct user testing of architectural designs before they are built, finding a way to connect the architects to highly successful projects similar to their own, would become the ultimate goal of VENN.ACULAR.
LOGISTICS
Considering the logistics of the app was a laborious back and forth process. Eventually, I decided that actually using a Venn diagram as a tool within the app would be an interesting idea to explore. This would allow the architect using the app to find other successful buildings that share similar characteristics and concerns to their own. These precedents could then be saved within the app, and referred back to, as the architect moves through the process of conceptualization.
1. The architect’s current project
2. The common considerations
3. A precedent that shares the considerations of the architect’s current project
Attempting to figure out how a Venn diagram would function within the confines of a mobile device screen was a challenge. To combat this, I created a paper prototype and tested it with multiple subjects. They provided incredibly useful critical feedback. Most importantly, they were very receptive to the use of the Venn diagram and found this feature to be highly intuitive. Based on this experiment, I decided to forge ahead with the initial concept.
PAPER PROTOTYPE
The process of paper prototyping also aided in the development of user task flow. It became evident that there would need to be two activity tracks upon login. A user could either begin a new project and save precedents to it; or open an existing project to view previously saved precedents. In order to fine-tune the logistics, user flow diagrams and wireframes were created.
USER FLOW
WIREFRAMES
BRANDING DEVELOPMENT
Architects tend to have an affinity for modernist design principles, especially in the printed work they create. I attempted to emulate this style throughout the app with the use of a bold geometric font, black and white images and a subtle colour scheme with tiny pops of colour.
TYPE CHOICE A
FUTURA
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
! @ # $ % & *
TYPE CHOICE B
Koho
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
! @ # $ % & *
COLOUR PALETTE
FINAL PRODUCTS
Final products include several mockups of the application’s interface. They explore both the project creation option, and the option to view existing projects.
From the home screen, the user has the option to begin a new project. They will be prompted to enter the project name and a brief description. Upon creation, the user will then be able to save their favourite precedents within this project.
Once the new project is created, the user will be asked to select the concerns most pertinent to their building design. There are 4 categories of concerns including PROGRAM, USERS, SITE CONSIDERATIONS and SUSTAINABILITY. Users can scroll through and tap to select their concerns, or utilize the search bar to filter concerns if they are looking for something specific.
The app will generate a selection of projects that match all, or many, of the same concerns the user selected. They can then swipe through these choices and tap the “VIEW” button to see the precedent in full detail.
The precedent profile will show key facts and figures, a selection of images, and external links to find more detailed information. The user can also “ADD” the project if they find it of interest, and revisit it later on.
If a user decides they would like to edit their selected concerns, they simply click on the centre of the Venn diagram. The user is also able to exit the Venn diagram by using the navigation menu at the bottom of the screen. This allows them to either view a list of their previous projects, or start a new project from scratch.
The user can also access previous projects from the home screen. The project list will appear, and individual projects can then be selected. The name and description will be shown, as well as the chosen project concerns. Clicking on these will allow the user to edit them.
Users are also able to swipe through all saved precedents associated with the project, with the option of viewing or removing them.
PROJECT TAKEAWAYS
The main takeaway from this project was that ideas aren’t rabbits that you can pull from a hat. Ruminating was not effective in this process, and generating a viable concept came from working through multiple bad iterations first.
The value of paper prototyping also revealed itself. Designing with the help of others is invaluable, as multiple perspectives help to provide clarity and spot potential errors.
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