Aims & Process
Aims
- Gather feedback and ideas from the people we are designing for (e.g. local authorities, VCS organisations, people living with dementia and their carers)
- Use a provocative prototype to test hypothesis and assumptions
- Build relationships with organisers and participants to enable the pilot
Process
Design phase (creating prototypes and testing internally)
The early stage prototypes centred around the idea of creating a Digital Befriending Kit that would enable people to use Zoom video calls to join community groups remotely from their homes. The core kit would include:
- Tablet device with a QR scanner app installed for joining Zoom calls
- Zoom Tickets (prompt cards) featuring QR codes that can be scanned to join Zoom calls
- Guidebook containing instructions to aid use of the tablet at home
- Tech accessories that might aid use of the tablet (considering, in particular, the audio experience for people who may have hearing needs)
Initial sketches of the Digital Befriending Kit experience helped us understand how someone might use the tablet at home. These sketches acted as a useful tool to discuss possible prototypes to develop for testing with community groups.
Initial sketches
Concept 1: Fridge magnets
- Hold and store the tablet in a book-like case that can be lifted up to scan Zoom Tickets
- Put Zoom Tickets on the fridge door to help remind people about upcoming calls
Concept 2: Photo frame
- House the tablet in a photo frame to reduce likelihood of device being lost or forgotten
- Store Zoom Tickets next to photo frame for easy scanning
Concept 3: Calendar stand
- Create a “hub” for all the kit components that could sit on a table or desk
- Keep all components of the kit, including the tablet, in a fixed place to reduce likelihood of device being lost or forgotten
- Include a calendar to prompt the use of Zoom Tickets
Development of physical prototype
From these initial sketches, we started to develop the physical prototypes – in particular, the Zoom Tickets and tablet stand – so that we could co-design and test them with community groups and make joining a Zoom call as seamless as possible.
