Concept
The KAVA system is a solution that will create an urban intellectual exchange space among members of the Saint-Roch distric technologic community. This space is a virtual forum, that takes place in a physical space.
KAVA is an app only accessible by mobile devices. The network and the database contained in the application are an ecosystem in itself. The application will assume the functions of editing and consultation of the digital content, with the possibility to adjust and to save in off-line mode for further publication. The ecosystem of kava will be fed by users and will evolve with the neigborhood’s history.
The bubble in the KAVA system, is a sphere allowing consultation of content. The exploration of the park, through the KAVA application, allows the user to visualize the field of bubbles dispersed over the entire surface of the park.
Process
Design Opportunity
Subsequent to this analysis, we were faced with a challenge: how to empower technology workers so that they can take possession of their urban environment? How can we transform it through a technology perspective, faithful to their professional identity, so that everyone sees the hidden DNA of this neighborhood?
A possible solution appears through the technology workers’ consumption habits of information technologies.
In fact, the latter, particularly those of the new generation, are followers of social networks, horizontal communication and content sharing.
The success of Facebook, Twitter and others confirms this trend. The need for relaxation, social recognition and new trends motivates this mode of communication.
USER TESTING
To validate our concept and our interfaces, we conducted researches and usability tests that led us to make slight changes to our software functionalities. In the end, we were able to optimize the interaction of our system in order to provide the user with a more interesting and intuitive experience.
The evolution of the creation functionality through the interfaces’ design is noticeable. We were able to perform several tests with our different prototypes. These tests have led us to an iterative design method, which ultimately allowed us to create a viable solution.
Interface design evolution through the function of content creation
Usability
At first, we evaluated the usability of our low-fidelity prototype by using verbal protocols. They consisted in carrying out various consulting tasks meant to creating bubbles within the interface. This first evaluation allowed us to detect some interaction problems in the steps needed to accomplish several tasks (1). We then added details to our prototypes so that we could conduct more usability testing (2).
The second evaluation was done using audible tests on our targeted users (3). The results allowed us to detect problems through interaction features in the different interfaces. These tests allowed us to redesign our interfaces so that they became easier to use and therefore much more accessible to users.
We also conducted the last test on our final prototypes so that we would be sure that every aspect of the interfaces were easy to use.
Perception
We used the verbal protocol technic with high-fidelity prototypes to evaluate what were the perception users have about them.This evaluation enabled us to resolve aesthetic and functional details in the interfaces.
Features
Exploring & Consulting
The bubble in the KAVA system, is a sphere allowing consultation of content. This form allows a good visualization, whatever the angle of the bubble is. This reduces the complications of 3D rendering into augmented reality. Its size and color are determined by the popularity and content type. The position is fixed and determined at time of publication.
Publication
The publication of a bubble begins with the choice of content. The content is imported into the KAVA mobile application. Depending on the type of content, options are available such as title, description or comments. Once the composition is complete, the user can release the bubble from the chosen location of the park.
Team KAVA,
This academic work was done in collaboration with an awsome team !
