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NIKKI O’CONNOR
Carnegie Mellon UniversityMaster of Design inCommunication Planning & Information Design
MDes May 2005
My approach to design is based in human-centered methodologies
and includes: qualitative research; information and experience
analysis; design strategy; and visual communication. The following
portfolio samples are organized by these skills and consist of
both graduate and professional work—the subject of which varies
from brands and products to environments and services, within
retail, banking, education, and technology industries.
RESEARCH
ANALYSIS
STRATEGY
DESIGN
226 NW 48th StreetSeattle, WA 98107
206-914-1417
January 2010
RESEARCH Software Company -Generative Phase
Callison was hired to design the interiors for a growing workgroup within a large campus. Discovery phase workshops with leaders revealed a unique identity within this software giant’s brand. Left is a summary of two of thirteen questions e-mailed to users to understand their work patterns and thoughts. Right are the resulting design criteria and evaluation strategy.
NIKKI O’CONNOR
206-914-1417
33
PHASE II: GENERATIVE USER RESEARCH
Break timeDid you take a morning or afternoon break today?
coffee breakkitchen
Starbuck’s machinescafeteria
quiet timeearly morning offi ce lulltake a walk outside
off campuscommu� ng to and from workchecking email from homereading the paperrarely take a break during work
In a rut?How do you get out of it?
Break time
stimulationcaff eine
musicchat with coworkers
text message friends
get some fresh airchange of se� nggaze out the window
try something newsearch the internet
readanalyze
put things in contextcheck out the compe� � on
taking the long routeepiphany breaksdesire for private outdoor spacesnarrow paths and comfortable hideawaysenjoying the greenery
working outsidearea for group ac� vi� es/outdoor mee� ngsoutdoor teleconnec� vitynot enough tables and benchesgoing out for lunchareas for sports
travel between buildingsshort walksgoing outside only when necessaryarriving and leaving workparking lots
Down Time
Inside out
Down Time: Journal Topics Summary
Down Time
Down Time: Space Types
39
PHASE II: GENERATIVE USER RESEARCH
V. SUMMARY
In the research phase of this project Callison and Microsoft identifi ed critical issues to develop a set of successful design criteria. Th ese criteria, outlined below and detailed in the next section, will be utilized as a decision making tool throughout the ensuing phases of the project. Th e following fi ve (5) primary issues were identifi ed as the basis for the fi nal design criteria:
1. Communication and Collaboration2. Focus and Concentration3. Culture and Brand4. Attract and Retain5. Growth and Change Management
Th e diagram below displays these criteria in a “spider” diagram that rates the typical MS standards. Th e center point of the diagram suggests an average quality solution for the identifi ed criteria. Th e outside points of the diagram indicate an excellent solution, and the points between allow for the interpreted range of quality possible. Th ough numeric assignments could be made and calculations itemized for each, the importance of the ratings as a basis for discussion and comparison as multiple solu-tions are explored. Th ere may be more than one “right” diagram that supports diff er-ing parts of the organization.
OVERVIEW
attract & retain
growth & changemanagement
collaboration & communication
culture & brand
focus &concentration
Th e research results also consistently identifi ed common parts to solutions and sug-gested that the relationships between these are critical. Th e typical parts included en-closed offi ce and meeting spaces, convertible team areas in open space, open individual workstations, and open solo or collaborative spaces. Th e diagram shown below indi-cates the most typically desired adjacency or zoning relationship among these parts. Locating these spaces that utilize the zoning will also require the added consideration of access to and control of natural light and provisions for privacy where acoustic or visual privacy is important. Multiple solutions can incorporate these requirements and then the spider diagram and criteria may be utilized for evaluation.
Th e design criteria developed from the fi ndings, implications, and recommendations are found in Section III of this document. When evaluating prototypes, mock ups, or fi nal solutions, each issue should receive a rating of 1 - 5, depending on how well it achieves the goals set out below.
Communication and Collaboration• Open collaborative spaces are dedicated to project teams.• Collaborative spaces are convertible from open to private.• Private spaces are available in varying sizes, ranging from 2 - 20 people.• Th e majority of furniture can be easily moved without assistance.
Focus and Concentration• Solo work areas provide adequate visual and auditory privacy.• Some team areas can be closed off for confi dential meetings.• Technical support options are plentiful in all areas.
DESIGN CRITERIA
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RESEARCH Marqsmen- New Retail Store Concept
This chart summarizes our “fly on the wall” observations at a range of potential competi-tors during the exploratory phase of the project. Innerwear purchases were higher when men shopped for themselves—a key finding that challanged the client’s assumption that their primary target market was, females purchasing for their partners.
NIKKI O’CONNOR
206-914-1417
Percent
RESEARCH Marqsmen- New Retail Store Concept
As part of our concept development services, we built five (5) customer profiles from our research—above is one example. Additional services provided include: leadership workshops, naming, identity, and a visual/verbal design language.
NIKKI O’CONNOR
206-914-1417
Percent
ANALYSIS University of Washington-End User License Forum
After completing qualitative research consisting of observations of users online and one-one interviews, I developed user profiles and a value scale on which to view their activity. Understanding the behavior of the term scanners in particular became crucial to the design strategy.
NIKKI O’CONNOR
206-914-1417
New Concepts in End-User License AgreementsA collaborative research and design project with the University of Washington School of Law
Findings
The Value Scale& User Groups
Implications
Maximize time value
IA TA TS S R
Maximize Contract law value
Immediate Agreers
Find the shortest way to the “I agree” button.
Trust Agreers
Act as IA’s if they trust. Act as TS’s if they don’t.
Skimmers
Skim for “red flags” but don’t recognize them.
Term Scanners
Look for specific terms that affect them.
Readers
Read majority of text online or in print.
The goal is to bring all the users groups toward the center of the value scale.
Explore major format changes to encourage reading and understanding.
Decrease the time it takes to understand end-user license agreements through general education.
Support direct or third party connections to the company to build trust.
One flat foot one Toe dragging both feet. 3.5” width apart.
Toes and balls of feet only1/2” width apart.
Left foot: ball and toes only.
Toes and ball of left foot. Entire right foot. 1/2” width apart.
Uses furniture and wallsto stand up and push off.
Toes Pointed outward. Use toes and heels as well as upper body to balance.
Leg movement slower than week zero but with long strides.
Longer completions in one direc-tion, attempting turns.
Stopping in between steps.
General Observations:
Chooses destination point before moving.
Controls direction by lead-ing with upper body and allowing legs to follow until falling forward due to loss of balance.
Crawling 30% of the time.
Footprint and Video Documentation
Week One
Starting Position Balance & Control Foot Position Completion New Skill
38” Total Distance 9” Stride3.5” Width Apart
ANALYSIS Graduate Studio -Unconscious Competence
We were asked to analyze and visually document a case where an individual learns or completes a task—as it seems—unconsciously. I chose to document a toddler learning to walk. The project involved four weeks of observation, video, and foot prints in paint.
NIKKI O’CONNOR
206-914-1417
Environmental Design in the Information Age: Balancing Global and Local Culture
The urban environment as mediaMikio Wakabayashi 2002 Urban Space and Cyberspace;Urban Environments in the Age of Media and Information Technology
Global patterns are homogenizing our urban centers where local culture does not have a strong visual representation.
A sense of place in a global societyRichard Florida 2002 Rise of The Creative Class and how it’s transformingwork, leisure, community and everyday life
Societal and work changes have placed our residential communities at the center of our lives and therefore at the core of our individual identity.
Culture within the urban environmentKevin Lynch 1960 Image of the City and Christopher Alexander 1979Timeless Way of Building & A Pattern Language
Culture is identified in the urban environment by plotting our collective experiences in physical places throughout history.
Collective memory and communityWulf Kansteiner 2002 Finding Meaning in Memory: A MethodologicalCritique of Collective Memory Studies
Attempts to represent and communicate collective memory or community identity often result in the creation of global-cultural themes, as it is removed from the environment where it lives.
Appendix A
Thesis Concept Map
STRATEGY Graduate Thesis
The research from this literature review culminated with my thesis paper—indicated by the outer portion of the above concept map, and thesis project—indicated by the inner portion. This work directed my strategy to determine if a community could map it’s own pattern language and use it as a tool to influence future development.
NIKKI O’CONNOR
206-914-1417
NIKKI O’CONNOR
206-914-1417
STRATEGY Wachovia Western Prototype
In the discovery phase of this project, we held client work sessions and interviews to inform this re-defined brand position. Based upon new customer profiles—which were built on meaningful relationship needs and desires instead of income and assets—this strategy set a strong platform for the next phase of concept development.
NIKKI O’CONNOR
206-914-1417
STRATEGY Wachovia Western Prototype
Once in the concept development phase, I led the design team in translating the desired brand experience into a visual and verbal design strategy that supports both, the brand and the targeted customer relationship segments developed in the discovery phase.
DESIGN University of Washington End User License Forum
Utilizing a co-design technique, I supplied paper ‘design kits’ to the group of law students assisting me on the project They were asked to generate initial design concepts to meet the previously defined needs of both end users and licensors. A key design concept developed at this statge was about breaking the EULA into easily digestible sections with summaries written in plain English.
NIKKI O’CONNOR
206-914-1417
New Concepts in End-User License AgreementsA collaborative research and design project with the University of Washington School of Law
User Generated Model One
This concept shows a third-party web site using icons and short descriptions to explain the important aspects of a EULA.
User Generated Model Two
This concept requires a user to click on and agree to each section of the EULA before they are allowed to agree with the entire contract.
Mapping Local Pattern Languages: An Interactive Tool for Urban CommunitiesThe goal of this project is to gain an understanding of the neighborhood’s culture and identity in order to direct future projects and gain influence with both local and regional planners.
Drop Down Menu and ImagesThis map from the project prototype shows the drop down menu you would see if you clicked on an icon and chose one of the entries. Once in the menu, you can view related images.
You can also see the indicator, view the experi-ence story or view patterns. If you are logged in as a member you can also add your own entry for this site or join a forum to see what current issues in the neighborhood relate to this site, context, or complete pattern.
Urban Sustainability Project Time Frame: 09-2004 to 05-2005 Community: Fremont Patterns Sign In Forum Entries
{
Francis & 43rd StreetCommunity GardenPublic-Private Transition
Story & Image Preview
View images
Indicator: Increase
Add an entry
Join related Forum
Patterns Options
Back to Lost In Seattle
My neighbors have shown me thevalue of taking care to provide placesthat transition from private to publicfor the informal interaction of passers-by. Sidewalk gardens and street-facingporches accomplish this very well.
DESIGN Graduate Thesis Project
Interactive prototype design for an online community tool, designed to document a pattern language from places and experiences, to influence future development.
NIKKI O’CONNOR
206-914-1417
DESIGN Student Book Holder Project
For this project, we were given the name of an architect and asked to research their work, design, and build a form that represents them and contains one of their books. I include this piece here because it says a lot about me personally as well as demon-strates my ability and desire to work with three-dimensional forms.
NIKKI O’CONNOR
206-914-1417
CHARLES AND RAY EAMES