Final Blog

One thing I can honestly say I learned from the class was how to listen to the ideas of others and combine ideas of my own together, to make an even better outcome. Working with others helped me to learn their weaknesses and focus on their strengths, in order to bring out the best of their abilities for the team. Another aspect that I will take from I300 is iterating on my work. No matter how much of a good idea I may have, I know that there is always room for improvement. I have learned techniques, such as usability testing, to evaluate the effectiveness of my designs or work. Overall, I really enjoyed the class this semester and would recommend any future students interested in design to take the course. Especially if Marty is the instructor. Thanks Marty for a great semester. I wish you the best with GLERB.

Blog 14 / Last Blog

Honestly, I am not sure if I've changed or even will change because of this class. All I can say that I found the things we learned to be very interesting. I hope that I have changed enough in the way that I think about solving problems that I can use the design techniques and such to guide me through the problem solving process. I can't say if ive changed, I want to change, but want to change and actually changing are two different things. At least now I feel equiped with the neccesary tools to introduce a slow change within myself. I hope I will be able to move forward with my way of thinking and keep evolving to the point where the things I have learned in this class become a part of me and are natural in the thought process. So for now as I leave i300 I feel ready to change even though i may not have yet. But thank you for the things you thought us!

Blog #14

I've always heard that classes prepare you for the world. However, it seems like every class I've taken is just about passing/failing and teaching until this class. Group work is very important in the real world work place and I never approached group work the correct way until this class forced me to. This class gave me a glimpse on how group work should actually be done and how to get things done instead of putting them off. It taught me that nothing will be perfect the first time and just because you scrap an idea doesn't mean you fail. Nothing comes easy in life and everything needs to be worked towards and this class showed me that.

-Matthew Richichi

Finale

I300 and Marty have taught me a lot about myself, group dynamics, and HCI/d. I have worked in several group project situations so I was not too worried at the beginning of the semester about work load and being with a group. It also helped to have a friend in the class that I could work with or bounce ideas off when we weren't in the same group. Having said this, I have learned more from these 6 small group projects then I have my whole group work life. Instead of just dragging through the project and just doing it how I see fit I have learned I can be passionate about my school work and that compromise and reiterations are key. I also learned that I can apply this class to my personal life. Watching Marty work out, fall out, and then continue to keep exercising was very inspirational. I have been trying to get into shape for quite sometime but have never really found the motivation. But now that I see Marty going for it, I think to myself its never too late to start working out and kick some of my vices to the curb.

Final Blog

I will be honest when I admit that at the conclusion of the first class, I was rather intimidated by the potential of not being able to grasp the entire concept of HCI design as it has so many components to it. However, as I sit here reflecting on my experience with the class material, I know that not only did I accomplish the main objective of understanding "how to play the whole game", I am able to take an issue, put it through a development process to reach a solution, and then finally pitch that solution in a simulated professional fashion. In no other class was this type of opportunity to truly "tackle" real life issues and deliver elaborately thought through solutions on a consistent basis. From this, the class has taught me to take risks as I was encouraged to develop my own unique solutions and apply the concepts that were lectured during class. What occurred to me was that it didn't matter if the end result wasn't the most appropriate one, but what was most important and beneficial to me in the end was the actual process in which I reached a solution. This was the main aspect of the course that I was able to benefit and learn from the most. One thing that I want to focus more on is being able to "seize the day" and truly take advantage of every opportunity that is provided to me. We are only on this earth for so many days and we may never know when our lives may end, so why not make each day count? We would only be crippling ourselves and our future if we do not live by this code and it is through this idea that we can truly get ahead in life, utilize eudaemonia and experience fulfillment. In short, this class has taken multiple angles to benefit many aspects of my character and through process and I cannot wait to use it as a way to propel me into the job market. 

Michael Jacobsmeyer

Final Blog

The semester comes to a close and now it seems to be reflection time at blogger.com. What I believe I gained most from this class was the ability to truly work in a group. I've worked in group projects before in other classes but not on the same level, for the projects in this class I had to actually collaborate with my teammates. I also gained the benefit of learning the whole game which brought an array of new elements into the group project process , also known as the G.P.P. for short. I believe that the whole game will follow me until the end of my days just like Calvin and Hobbes, Snoopy and Woodstock, Lewis and Clarke, Barnes and Noble and together we will be able to solve many problems, maybe even find the means for traveling through time.

Final Blog

This class taught me a lot about myself, and how to go about the various tasks and goals I try to achieve in the future. It didn't necessarily teach me to change something about myself as a person, however it changed the way I now learn, and look at my future in school and the workplace. With all the projects and reiteration processes that we went through this semester, slow change has definitely taken place. One main area I have seen a lot of improvement in is group projects. I have learned, and practiced the concepts and principles and will be able to use these in future groups, giving me confidence and a better understanding of how to make a successful project or design. With these group projects, I have met a lot of new people and made some good connections. Every day I think about what I can give back and how I can make my mark on the world. When i figure this out, I'll let you know, but for now I will try to keep myself healthy, not only my body, but mind as well, because it's much easier to think with a "healthy mind". I enjoyed this class very much and hope to have you Marty as a professor in the future.

- Rick D'Addario

Blog post #Last

I'm not entirely sure what I've learned from the culmination of large projects that comprised my schedule this semester, and what I've learned from 'the game' standpoint surrounding design applied to real life. The most likely answer is a combination of both: themes of good design applied to the formation of a large concept in a group setting. As most of these projects have embodied a gradual forward progression as the semester continued, i've been able to observe not only habits and tendincies of my own - but those of my group members as well. Iteration and habits are formed in the present. It's not about what you'll do differently tomorrow, but what you'll do now, today. Also, to live consciously. In almost everyone and everything there is something to be learned and a new perspective to be gained.

Final Blog

Unfortunately, I have taken several classes at IU that I have not gotten much out of besides a grade. I am proud to say that this is NOT the case for I300!

I am currently majoring in Informatics and was second guessing my major at the start of the semester. This class has boosted my urge to pursue my degree. I enjoyed what this class taught me to do. I was forced to think outside of the box in this class by getting creative in many different ways.

Human computer interaction was not the only thing that was taught this class. I felt fortunate that Marty discussed frequently about career development and what we can expect to happen in the future. This really comforted me and made me realize that I am not the only person who feels this way. Lastly, I really became better at collaborating with other people in the class. I am a shy person and was forced to meet others by doing group projects. I thank Marty and all the AI's/mentors for everything I mentioned above!
-Adam Brandvein

Last Blog

I think this class has made me think critically about more things than just design. I've noticed that some of the approaches that we used in this class can be applied to your everyday life. For example, the "kaizen" approach; it doesn't have to apply just to designing something. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices in your life to reach a certain goal and to me maybe when I'm presented with making a choice that challenges me to make sacrifices, perhaps I'm not necessarily sacrificing enough, or just taking the easiest way out when there may have been a better alternative.

This class has made me focus on little things, simple things, obvious things. Things that can make a bigger difference in your work and life than the "flashy" or "cutting-edge" option. People can become confused by those, regardless of the fact that it's brand new and intriguing. But, it still might not get the job done or the goal achieved. Finally, I've come to realize the notion that nothing can be perfect. Nothing is without change, no matter how small or large that change may be, things change as well as people and places. As a result, you need to be able to adapt and change without losing your roots; i.e. the core set of principles that make those changes great.

- Trenton Allen

Blog 14

The biggest thing I took away from this semester's course was learning to think outside of the box. Design is an iterative process, unlike a math course there is no one right answer. I realize that I tend to look at everyday appliances and devices in a new light. Simple things such as an alarm clock, coffee maker, or even a chair requires numerous iterations to achieve a desired design. This class was unique for me compared to other informatics courses I have been taking because it demands a sense of creativity. A designer is free to explore his/her mind and come up with a concept he/she feels suitable for society, then iterate over it to find the best possible solution, minding the trade-offs. Furthermore, this class proved that working in a team is essential, not just for the completion of projects, but in the real world as well. Working with people and collaborating with them is a skill, it is not something that you're good at just by waking up one morning, and I feel this class proved that fact throughout the course of the semester. At first I was not a big fan of HCI Design, but through the culmination of the course I have had a change of heart. It's cool to find new ways to make a coffee table or to transport water for third world countries because it's for the betterment of society as a whole. As you noted in your post 'When will you stop taking from the planet and give something back instead?' I think everyone can learn from giving back to the world rather than taking everything we can get our hands on, to be humane in other words. Basically, design is fun. Coming up with new innovative designs for applications can be a self-satisfying endeavor.

- Mik Patel

Last Blog

This class personally makes me think a lot more about the simplest things. Take an ordinary chair for example. You look at it and you sit down. It might be comfortable it might not be. You don't think anything more of it. If we look behind the lines we see hours of work that went into a simple chair. Not building it not just just testing it, but designing. There is so much more than what meets the eye. Now lets take this same concept into a new light. When I wake up this morning and I am groggy and tired I don't really think much about it. Just another day going to school waiting for the weekend. Little do I know this simple mentality has already shaped my day and set it on a course for a boring and hectic day. I have tried a few times to wake up and the first thought I think of is "Today is going to be a great day." Everytime I've done this... It's worked great. Whether or not it's these simple words I will tell myself, if it's the way the sun hits me in the morning, or maybe I got a better not sleep. Going into the day with a positive attitude makes every bit of difference. Simple decisions that you barely even think about make up most of your day. What if you stopped and thought more about "small decisions", mind sets, and moods. Ask yourself why? What can I do to make this situation better? What can I change next time? Our whole life is the whole game, everyday is an iteration. It will never be perfect but with this basic design we can make the best out of the only life we get. Thanks Marty.

JS

Week 14 Blog Assignment

Designing Your Life

That’s the topic of this blog assignment. We spent an entire semester talking about human-computer interaction design; you know, designing the obvious. And perhaps you’ve learned something along the way; not just the intellectual skills, not just the things you learn in order to pass a course, get the grade, but real things — the things that are truly important. Slow Change. Not twitter, not IM, not your cell phone — not the high school-like chatter that occupies so many of our conversations: "she said …; he said …" Really, who cares? WTF does it really matter? I’m talking instead about Slow Change. Important stuff. Life stuff.

Did this class teach you to take a risk? To learn in a new way? Did it make you think that on the next iteration of “playing the [design] game” you might actually change something about yourself? When will you stop taking from the planet and give something back instead? What are you planning to do to minimize bad habits and focus on the new and healthy?

I realize this note is a bit strange. Hey, it’s the last blog note! Let’s mess it up a little bit. Give me something interesting to read this week. It’s just between you and me. No one is watching. Have fun. The deadline is the last day of class. An easy 15 points.

Blog 12-13

I had never heard of HCI design before this class, what interested me to take it was the last part, design. When I came into the first class I knew already it wasn't what I expected it to be and I guess that really excited me to get into it. I had no idea there was a "game" behind it, or different aspects that went into coming up with a design.

Everything that I've learned in this class has really changed my whole mindset when it comes to creating a design for a particular person, and even when I go out and look at the technologies that are created for other people including myself, it seems more interesting to just look at that product and realize that it went through a process, the game, and there are certain things about it that were tested over and over again to make it perfect.

Blog 12-13

I didn't know what to think about his class before I took it. I knew alot of people took it and ended up staying with it as their cognate or possibly even grad school. This class taught me about the Whole Game. The first class Marty compared the game to a Baseball game. I loved that relation because I have played ball my entire life. When I got frustrated with a certain topic or aspect of the class I tried to translate that term into a baseball analogy and often times that got me through my disposition. The biggest conflicting Idea with playing the "whole game" is that it is impossible to perfectly play the "whole game". There are only checkpoints or finite finish lines created by the developer or programmer himself from either asset drainage or time constraints. Playing the whole game is really playing an endless amount of mini-games until a goal is reached or a deadline is passed. Any task in life, not only in design problems can be accessed and completed using the Whole Game mentality.

Blog 12-13

I never heard of HCI design before this class. I didn't know what the whole game was, but it gave me an idea that there are rules and steps that need to be followed. Now that the whole game has been revealed and we even got to play a few rounds, I have a clear understanding of the elements involved. PRInCiPleS is no longer just an acronym and I feel confident that I can apply the 7 Themes of Good Design. One of the most important things I took away from this course is that no design is perfect in its original form. The whole design process needs to iterated many times before something of sufficient quality is produced.

- Marius Francu

My concept of the HCI Design 'game' has continually been shaped, slashed and altered since day one. The concept of baseball can be explained through goals and the means to achieve them on both offense(batting, bunting, and base running to name a few) and defense(fielding, catching, throwing, etc) in very concrete ways. The concept of HCI Design proves a bit more wicked in structure; meaning there are a variety of ways to approach, as well as evaluate, successful HCI Design. For example, while steps like research and insight of the PRInCiPleS model fit nicely into the early stages of the design process, they are never checked off the list or 'done' with. Insights help give your design direction, but can happen at any time and need to be assimilated into the development process as they make themselves evident. Iteration is the key to to good design, and the cause of its dynamic development process. If it were a game of baseball, this same relationship might be explained in the context of an outfielder having to be ready to swing at any given moment.

The question, "What makes a good baseball player?" is a complex question to answer. What holds more weight - offense or defense? Can you be considered a good baseball player if you're great at offense and but lack in defensive skills, or vice-versa? Ask the same question about HCI designers, and the answer isn't any easier. The Seven Themes of good design relieve this burden to a degree. They articulate otherwise elusive approaches that promote good design no matter the stage of development. Each theme's weight is ultimately decided by the individual designer; just as the last theme explains, compromises and trade-offs are unavoidable as long as perfection remains unobtainable.

Post 12 & 13

I admit that I had signed up for I 300 merely because it was a required course for my major and I'm glad it was a requirement. Entering the class like many of my peers I had no idea what HCI design was or what it was used for. Through the span of the semester we picked up a theme here and a principle there and eventually we were able to piece together the whole game of HCI design. Through my experience with this game in I 300 I have learned the strategies and methods of HCI design. These tools have not only gotten me through the various I 300 projects, but have branched out and helped me with group projects and solo assignments in other classes. At the end of the day (or semester) I am glad I took this class and as a result of taking this class I am considering altering my academic plans to include and focus on HCI design.

Blog 12-13

When I began this course about 4 months ago I had a very limited knowledge of the steps taken to design a great product. I knew there was obviously research, testing, and a prototype of some sort but I had no idea the extent of work that was put into software and even everyday products. I look at "Playing the whole game" as almost a blueprint of how all of these different procedures fit together to create a well-rounded effective product. I always looked at design as a technology-centered process and I300/ Marty has really opened up my mind to the real core of what design is about. I will be taking away a great foundation for HCI/d but more importantly a better understanding of how a project will work in the work place setting. This course has made me feel a lot more comfortable going into the Informatics field in the future. I also learned a lot of valuable team skills such as taking everybody's ideas in and making appropriate compromises and how to know when to lead and when to follow. This has been one of the most helpful and intuitive classes I've taken in my college career and I cannot wait to continue my education with HCI/d.

Blog 12 and 13

Before taking this class, I really had very little idea of what went in to HCI design. And I wasn't so sure I could learn something as broad as "the whole game" within one semester. But after reading the book, and looking back on the class I think I can say with confidence that I have a good idea of what HCI design entails.

I think the major points I've learned are that design is an iterative and collaborative process. Working through some of the projects alone and then others in groups, I see now how important it is to work along side others. Tackling the issues of HCID and fleshing out ideas is a much easier process when you have other minds thinking along side you. Its strange to think that as important as collaboration is, before this class, I had only done two major group projects in informatics classes.

Another big point I'll take with me is that the design process is never really finished. Even after your finished product is released, you can continue to reevaluate and iterate your design, trying to get as close to perfection as possible.

Blog #12 and #13

I've heard of HCI before taking this class but I never knew what it meant. On the first day, the whole game was mentioned, but once again I had no idea what it meant. After taking this class, I know the steps that go into design and the different aspects of design. In addition, I learned all the time and effort that goes into all design.

I've also learned how important group work is and that every member needs to say how they feel so no problems will be present at meetings. I learned that group work is necessary more often than not so it's important to settle all disagreements. This class was very interesting and kept my focus and encouraged me to attend every lecture. I received great insight from taking this class that will never be forgotten.

-Matthew Richichi

Blog 12 & 13

For starters I really enjoyed the class all semester. In the past, I was never interested in design or anything that involved design. This was probably because I never really knew what it meant to actually design and "play the whole game." Until I began my journey in I300. The concepts and stages of playing the whole game kept me very intrigued. I was eager to work with group members and draw sketches for the necessary projects. Taking this course opened my mind to designing and its purposes. I learned that design does not always have to be based on the new technologies available, but can be as simple as writing on a piece of paper with a pencil. Creating personas while designing was also a beneficial aspect of the class. I find that this will be extremely helpful, by narrowing down the end users and focusing on specific individuals and their needs/wants. One of the most important things I will take from this class is working with others in groups. Working in groups taught me how to be a leader at times and how to sit back and listen to others. I have always worked well in groups, but now I know how to take my ideas and blend them with others, in order to make the best project possible. The things I learned in I300 I plan to take with me in the work place and excel in these areas.

Blog 12 and 13

When I first began this course, I literally had no idea as to what "playing the whole game" entailed. However, the impression that I did receive within the first few days of the course was that it would take the entire semester to learn all of the essential elements of how to play the game. It was very helpful to learn the various aspects on a class by class basis as I was able to retain the information more effectively, as opposed to teaching all of the necessary steps to playing the game within a few classes or weeks.

Playing the whole game is a much more complicated process than it appears to be on the surface. There is a lot of focus devoted to multiple areas including developing ideas and concepts, figuring out who the users would be, utilizing primary and secondary research, developing insights on that research, putting together MANY sketches for potential designs, carrying out the usability testing, reiterating and utilizing "kaizen" to continually improve your concepts and designs, building a prototype and then hopefully putting the product into the market. Within this process includes working with programmers to get the ball rolling on the actual implementation of all the concepts into an actual working piece of technology, the area of individuals concerned with the business side of the process to determine whether or not the product would satisfy the business needs, the design team responsible for putting together the concept sketches together and working with the programmers, and everyone else in between.

One of the primary elements of the class that I have grown to appreciate the most is the amount of group work that is involved. With many of my other informatics classes, there is not a lot of emphasis placed on group work. The heavy amount of group work that is encouraged has exposed me to the essential roles of being an asset to a team: the leadership position and the team member for support. This class has taught me necessary skills to help balance between the two positions - knowing when to take charge, but also knowing when to share the leadership role and becoming a team member for support of the other members of the group. Overall, it has been an incredible course and I have absorbed a lot of useful information that I will be able to take with me as I venture into the marketplace.

- Michael Jacobsmeyer

Blog #12/13

When i first came into this class i didn't even know what "Human Computer Interaction" design was, let alone the concept of "playing the whole game". At first it was hard for me to understand this concept and how it related to designing software and applications. However, through the lectures, readings, and various projects leading up to project 6, I have developed a good understanding of the phases and aspects of good design.

The group projects helped alot in putting into practice the concepts we were learning. I also think that the book was very helpful and followed the structure of the course well. I will be taking away from this course a great respect and understanding for the excruciating process that each application that i use goes through in order for users to feel comfortable with what tasks they need to complete. I've also networked well with people in class, and will be coming away with some new friends.

Rick D'Addario

Blog 12 & 13

I learned so much from taking this class. I never knew much about design before and I will be walking away with a lot of insights about design. The phases of design that I have learned will take me a long way and enable me to think more creatively. This class really taught me to be open minded about ideas and to allow yourself to rethink your work by redesigning.

Also, this class emphasized on working in teams or groups. I have definitely learned how to become a better group member from project to project. I normally was not a big fan of group work but this class made me rethink that. This class gave me many tools that I will take with me in the professional world.

Lastly I loved the way Marty structured the class. This was one of the only classes that I enjoyed attending. He engaged all of the class and continued to make it interesting.

-Adam Brandvein

blog 12/13

Coming into the class I was curious about what it would mean to play a game of design. It was hard at first to comprehend and I think I convinced myself I got it until we were going into the first exam, when I had to sit down and actually materialize the game from what was just non-sense to me into an actual process that could be put down on paper, I just about freaked out. I had no idea what I was going to do, but at that point we had already been "playing the game" with our projects, and I understood the game I just didn't know it. And once we started to "review" for the exam and discuss the game, a lightbulb turned on in my brain and it finally all came together and I could see all the different parts and how we could use the skills and thought processes of the game throughout or future careers, even if we aren't in the design field.

Throughout the course, with our projects and exams, I think I will leave the class with a whole new outlook on design and all its potential uses, and how knowing the game will benefit me in my future endeavors.

Blog 12 & 13

When I first started this class I wasn't exactly sure what to think when I heard the phrase, "playing the whole game." I didn't know if there really were specific rules that I have never heard of when designing that were universal to the craft. But, I have come to find out that designing an application can be associated with both sides of the spectrum, difficult, yet simple.

I have learned that when designing you absolutely cannot be selfish. You have to take out all of what you want to see in an application, and look into what everyone else wants in it. You must be able to look at your design and ask yourself, "does this actually benefit my target user?" Also, when you are designing, most of the time you are improving something that already exists; it's just your job to make it better, easier, simpler. So, maybe your design doesn't have to be completely new but just an approach that makes the applications or designs functionality less confusing for it's users. Lastly, the most important thing that I think I have taken away from this class is that the majority of the applications that I use today are full of unnecessary things; items or processes that get in the way of the actual functionality of the application I'm trying to use. Like our "textbook" for this class says, "Almost every design is subjective," so you have to remember you don't know if your design is going to be successful or not. You, as the designer just has to remember that you must make your design easy to understand, clutter-free, and simple.

-Trenton Allen

Blog 12/13

I knew very little about HCI design coming into this course. When we were introduced to the idea of "playing the whole game" and told we would be expected and able to explain the rules of HCI much in the same way as we could or would the game of baseball by the end of the course it seemed a little overwhelming considering I hardly knew one rule. However now that we're nearing the end of the semester I realize I feel very comfortable with the 7 Themes of Good Design, PRInCiPleS and other aspects of HCI design that go into playing the whole game. Some of the most important elements of design that I feel I'm taking away from this class is the importance of user-centered design, thinking of the end-user instead of what I want to put into it or do, and the idea that no design is perfect, especially maybe any first draft of any design- it's an iterative process and takes many "cycles" through different aspects of the whole game to get the design you want it or it needs to be. I also now consider how things I would normally take for granted just are some way were actually designed to be that way, things like the sound a coke can makes when it's opened. Unlike some other courses, I feel like I will really retain and take the aforementioned things I learned and the overall appreciation of HCI design past finals week and into my real life in the future.