ENK Process Book

University of Kansas

Sphero +KU center for design research

Concept and Ideation of Future Sphero productsMay 14th 2015 - Final Critique

Presentation to:

Paul Berberian Chief Executive Officer

Adam Wilson CO Founder | Chief Software Architect

Ian Bernstein CO Founder | Chief Technical Officer

Rob Maigret Chief Creative Officer

Presentation by:Alex Guinn

Amber Hanschu

Andre Cobbins

Austin Cosner

Ashley Snelton

Gregory ThomasProfessor, DesignDirector, Center for Design ResearchKU IT Faculty Fellow

Cameron Brown

Christopher Batsch

Conner Fitzgerald

Eric Shipley

Gabby Gasser

Garrett Hafker

Haley Fetters-Crouch

Jay Livingston

Josh Wang

Maia Bridges

Michael Clay

Rebekah Winegarner

Robbie Winslow

Taylor Jay

Tien Truong

Tucker Brown

Weston Jones

Sphero + Center for Design Research


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Company Info

As the industry leader in Connected Play, Sphero is defining the future of fun.

Founded by Ian Bernstein and Adam Wilson with Paul Berberian as its CEO,

passionate robotics and software engineers, have created connected toys, fusing

emerging technology with the latest innovations in robotics.

Unlike traditional toys, Sphero robots and software allow the company to create

ever-evolving experiences changing the way people play, learn and explore. Based

in Boulder, Colorado, the Sphero team takes fun very seriously. Fast Company puts

Orbotix in its List of 10 Most Innovative Companies in Consumer Electronics. Sphero

(Orbotix) has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the world s 10 Most

Innovative Companies in Consumer Electronics.

About Sphero

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Project Mission Statement

Work shall focus on user experience and development of the next phone-

controlled robotics toy. Primary consideration should be focused on creating

a robotic toy with a story narrative and the ability to tug on the heartstrings

of the user. As CEO Berberian stated, Sphero sold a lot of units but what it

lacked was the emotional equity to make the toy more meaningful.

The project will focus on defining the user experience and use cases with

audiolization/visualization utilizing a narrative that will be developed by the

CDR class. Emphasis will be on behavioral and user experience.

Project goalS

The system should have the following components:

1) Robotic toy would communicate with the user via Bluetooth low-energy

protocols and through a PDA device. Incorporate all current technology

resources, haptics, ergonomics and more.

2) A holistic development team comprised of Industrial Designers, Illustrators,

Graphics and Robotics from the KU Schools of Architecture, Design &

Planning and School of Engineering.

3) Focus on development of a good narrative story for the robotic toy. Should

enable additional marketing and product development due to its narrative and

potential for inclusion of other related devices/ attachments/accessories.

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6Consumer Target

A large game play audience and relevant to young kids today. May need to focus on an older

demographics as well

Specifically, users who seek a myriad of command/control entertainment at a their fingertips

Strong narrative or story that adds emotional equity to the toy

Instantly and easily recognizable

Premise:

Sphero is looking for new concepts in product use of robotic connected play experiences.

Product will need to encompass:

Portability

Ease of use

Customization of content using exiting programs

Frequently refreshes content

Connects to Internet via Wireless transmission without connection to computer

Displays Images, Video and Flash Media

Battery and/or A/C powered

Device should communicate with the internet through customizable software interface on the computer

Include technology relating to nearables and wearables


Sphero sold a lot of units

but what it lacked was the

emotional equity to make

the toy more meaningful.

Sphero + Center for Design Research 7



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Deliverables:

Ideation resulting in product concepts and interface design, product design,

graphics (menus, POP, packaging, brand attributes). Deliverables will be

concept books, PowerPoint presentations, some prototypes and other devices

to convey product development and feasibility.

Each student/team will present a final design concept to the client. This will

be in the form of one or more of the following:

sketches and renderings

computer models and renderings

appearance models

Students will present materials to Sphero representatives at the conclusion

of the project.

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Class Goals

Leverage Internet-driven technology and information to provide

customizable, interactive (including multi-media) content in a robotic toy

that is visual, portable and wireless (i.e. digital picture frame)

Create a simple yet customizable user interface where consumers of all

types (technologically savvy or not) can access their choice of content and

information for at-a-glance viewing in a fun, easy-to-use, yet

innovative package

Key Requirements:

Ease of use of technology

Enable toy to have emotional qualities

Simple user interface (limit buttons/steps to operate) for end user

Software Interface to remain consistent with Product ID

Product cost in retail market

Students shall think the concept through and assess how the product could

be utilized from the point of purchase in the retail environment to final

destination. Additional consideration shall be given to applications not

previously mentioned.





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Directed Research:

As designers you will be working in both product and services. This will

require skills/abilities in both traditional ID and interface/UI design. To

be able to work in both worlds it will be important to research as much as

possible in the area of M2M or machine to machine. This is the most

lucrative area to be in due to the amount of players in the field including large

corporations, start-up and independents.

Process:

This project will have a research phase and a concept development phase.

During the research phase, students will be working in groups on different

aspects of the problem. During the concept phase, students will work

independently or in groups to develop concepts. Separate classes will meet

on designated days to share concepts.

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Initial Meeting

Adam Wilson - Chief Software Architect

With Adams input the course of the project began to focus in several directions.

Importance was given to defining demographics and possible product needs definitions

for them. The class began to gravitate towards teams based on the various themes that

were defined. In the end, five teams set forth to develop their concepts.

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Team members:

Amber Hanschu, Ashley Shelton, Josh Wang, Maia Bridges, Ian Nelson

Problem:

Boredom is a common problem in todays work force. Chronically bored

employees are at a higher risk for negative outcomes as they are likely to

become disaffected, to alienate others and to leave the organization. It

boredom is likely to be a function of menial tasks and environments such as

single cubical. In order to promote productivity offices need to find ways to

entertain and stimulate office workers.

Solution:

By combining analog & digital technology to create a new, tangible method of

communication the Desk Buddies are the only friendly office companions

that increases your productivity by creating a more enjoyable work

environment. Enk is an extension of the Desk Buddy family that can scan,

creat and print your personal memos for every day convenience.

Enk: Desk Buddies

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Breakfast with TadLocation: First Watch

Pick up carLocation: Baron dealership

Enk Group MeetingLocation: A&D Building

Rescue multiple squirrelsLocation: The Wild

8:00

10:00

12:00

2:00

4:00

6:00

8:00

10:00

12:00

5/14 SCHEDULETIC-TAC-TOE

WINNER __________

Waddup SpheroDis be Jay Wang

Hey there.....

How you doin?



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Sphero

Thank you

Intel

For your challenging project, generous support, exceptional mentoring and helping us raise the bar.

For providing the technology tools that enabled our students to make their concepts come alive.

Documents

ENK Process Book