Tropi
Monitors and manages smart device usage.
Design Flow
Addressing the Issue
There has been an overindulgence and growing dependency with smart technology. The psychological impact of this behavior is becoming more apparent as the growth of this technology continues to appropriate itself in day to day activity. I will look into the increasing footprint of this technology, and aim to reduce our overall dependence on smart devices in the home setting.
Goal.
1. Notify the user on their smart device usage.
2. Reduce the users smart device usage.
3. Promote inperson interaction.
User Research
Based on peer experience, we discussed our dependency on our smart technology. Individuals spoke about what apps they had on their devices and how frequently they used those apps. From this they explained what benefit they had by using these apps in particular.
Survey
88 individuals completed the survey.
How Others have Addressed the Issue
These are some examples that address a similar issue. The Pepper Hacker is a concept that integrates a physical product. I found this idea entertaining but the built in receiver that blacks cellular signal is not permitted in the US. The component of the app MOMENT I want to move forward with is the stat comparison of people connected through the app. A competitive incentive could promote long term use.
User Personas
The Gomes Family
Cisco and his wife Dabney are both architects that own their own architecture firm out of Raleigh, North Carolina. They have two boys Walt (13) and Ansel (11). The high demands from work and the boys after school activity leaves very little time for the family to connect with one another.
User Scenario
Cisco and Dabney have noticed that Walt and Ansel have been glued to their laptops and smart phones. They know that this behavior is something they are both guilty of as well. The Gomes family want to make the most out of the little time they have with one another. Cisco and Dabney see that the boys are growing up fast, and know that it will be only a matter of time before Walt heads off to college. They want to make sure that they work as much quality family time in as possible. They realize that everyone’s schedule frees up for dinner around 7 p.m. They want this to be a time of undisturbed family interaction.
Concept Sketching
Looking into interactive ways to depict smart device usage, to notify the user if they have reached an excessive amount of time on the device.
App Architecture
App Architecture
This was the early phase of the app architecture. Once going through user testing we found that the process could be more streamlined.
App Setup Process
Tropi
A visual and literal representation of life lost for life wasted. I wanted Tropi to be a visual reminder about smart device usage. Tropi is an herb planter so there is a positive incentive to keep the plant alive.
