[Week 7] IDEO Research Techniques

In the weeks to come, it is our assignment to further our research project, figuring out how we can solve problems we are facing and might be facing in the new future. In our discussion of how to face these problems, we were introduced to the IDEO Research Techniques: creative, viable, and keen on solving big problems. A focus on these techniques is research for future problems, and prototyping for productive execution. To learn more about these techniques, our class was given different cards proposing problems, research, and solution options. Upon discussion and study with our groups, and collective review of each card, our group decided that the best technique for our current situation would be Empathy Tools. This technique revolves around the idea of recreating situations. For us, this meant having to go through the experience of using the TTC with and without the arcade option. Going through this exercise, we simulated using, watching, and queing up for working with the arcade machines, along with being the common spectators, watching the screen. Recovering practical data like this could be a good step for figuring out problems we could face when people of all ages and sizes are to use our service. One creative approach to this technique was made by Alex, who thought, “what If we had a student with a large backpack? How could this effect the arcade experience if he was to use a machine?” This got us thinking through the problem, and even bringing up some more. Empathy Tools allowed us to look at the TTC arcade with a new perspective. Our research of user experience has furthered our efforts in developing the idea of the TTC Arcade.