Month: September 2020

DTC 336

Design Challenge 1

Point, Line, Plane Photo Essay

Power Line Photo

This photo was taken on the first walk I have been able to do since we have had good air quality again. I chose to photograph the power lines while on my walk because it was the first time I had actually noticed the noise that came from them. The principal that is found in this photo is line, these continuous lines meet and cross creating a stable structure for the power lines. Framing plays a part when it comes to this photo, when taking the photo I framed it so the sky would be the background rather than trees and other elements that were presented in the background. The texture of the clouds as the background creates a soft simple background.

Rock displaying Point Photo

These were some bigger rocks seen on top of the smaller rocks near construction on my walk. I chose to take this photo because I thought the coloring of the rock was unusual and the little holes in the rocks demonstrated a good example of point. These rocks can be seen as points and the smaller holes on the rocks can be seen as individual points as well. Framing changes the interpretation because if the photo was zoomed out it may not be as easy for the eye to spot that rock and the points will become less visible to the eye. This photo displays a solid, rough, crater like texture seen by the eye.

Nail in Wood Point Photo

This photo was taken on my walk, same place as the power lines. I took this image originally for the numbers presented in the full image I decided to crop the image and liked the rugged unusual look of the nails and metal on the wood. The nails create individual points. As stated, I cropped the image so framing played a huge part in the outcome of this image. The interpretation would be changed if the image was viewed in its full frame, in my opinion this cropped version looks more interesting.

Tree Formation Volume Photo

This photo was taken in the park, I chose this photo to show volume. I took a few different photos in this scenery playing with the angles and lighting and I particularly liked this one because it actives the edge, shows the hight and width as well as depth. The trees create a triangle like figure occupying the whole frame. The texture seen in this photo is rough and crater like.

Line Tree Photo

This photo was taken in the park, these tall skinny trees gave off a creepy unusual abandoned vibe. The principal seen in this photo is line. Each tree standing tall creating a line. With smaller branches extending out creating their own form of line with leaves extending off. I think when it comes to framing this photo the interpretation can be changed depending on where the focus is. The textures presented in this photo are rough and crater like.

Bridge Displaying Line Photo

This photo was taken at a park while on my walk. The park had a creepy abandoned feel to it which is why I chose to capture this photo of the bridge at the park that had lines. I chose to darken the shadows when editing to play with the dark creepy vibe that the park was giving. When it came to framing I particularly didn’t do anything special to frame the image but I think if cropped the interpretation of the meaning could change. The bridge is made of wood and the rough wood texture is shown in the photo.

Flower Point Photo

This is a plant I photographed while on my walk. This plant is made up of both lines and points but for this image I was more focusing on the points. Each point can be seen as their own, or they can be connected by lines and seen as a bunch. When it came to framing this is one I was a bit more structured on how I framed. I kept the background blurry and really wanted the focus to be on the points seen. I think if the frame was zoomed out it would change the interpretation of the image making it a more line prominent example.

Chain and Lock Volume Photo

This photo was taken on my walk, I chose to photograph this chain and lock because I found the location of the lock very unusual. It was tied around a post and locked, yet holding nothing shut. The chain and the lock are three dimensional objects exhibiting length, width and depth. When it came to framing for volume I decided to activate the edge of the photo. The texture seen throughout this photo is smooth in the foreground and has some rough texture in the background.

Park Volume Photo

This photo was taken at the park, I decided to photograph this because I felt the spinning around the bar made for an unusual twist and demonstrated volume. The subject is a 3 dimensional object that demonstrates hight, depth and width. I cropped the frame of this photo to have a more clean cut photo. Things were still pretty crazy from the storm so there were tree branches everywhere. When it comes to texture the bars give a smooth texture while the background gives a rough like texture from the bark dust.

Parking Lot Plane Photo

This photo was taken in a parking lot, this photo is a good representation of plane as it shows the path of a moving line that then meets another creating a shape. I think when it comes to framing the interpretation of the image would be the same however it is framed. The textures presented in this photo are rough cement like giving significant detail.

Ross Street Sign Plane Photo

This photo was taken at a newly opened ross, I thought it was unusual because it is located on a little strip mall and each store had their own light post with the name of the store like a street sign. This is something I have not seen and I think it demonstrates a good representation of plane as the light post is a line that connects with two other lines that extend out. The “ross” name plate can be seen as a plane held together by two lines, creating this rectangular street sign aesthetic. The textures seen in this photo are soft, defined, sharp like textures.

Window Plane Photo

This photo was taken in my apartments, I found it kind of unusual due to the circumstances. This was before our air quality was finally back to normal so I found it odd. This photo intrigued me because the way the lines move in a path, meet together and create other shapes within the window. This photo gives both a smooth and rough textured like look. When it comes to framing I think the interpretation could be changed depending on how it is framed, it could lead to the focus being changed.

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DTC 336

All About Me

Photo 1

Why do you love to look at this example? 

Since quarantine I have become a plant mom with many plant babies this is one of my favorite plants that’s in my room by my bed. You don’t notice the growth everyday but when you do notice it, it blows your mind. Colors may change, texture may harden the crazy lines each leaf makes I love watching every part. This little baby was a little bush and now it has grown so tall. It’s a reminder each day to continue to better myself no matter how small the task because in the long run it will pay off. 

What does this example tell us about you? 

I think this example shows how quarantine has allowed us to appreciate the little things. This plant in a sense is a symbol of me from the start of quarantine I was a bush and now I have continued to better myself each day. I have learned so much, grown financially, mentally and physically. 

Do you think a human being had a hand in the creation of this example? Why? 

Most definitely, taking the time to water, re pot, give light to and love  these plants is something I have learned to do.  

Photo 4

Why do you love to look at this example? 

This is a manifestation board I created to help me manifest and stay motivated when it comes to my goal of buying my own house sometime next year after graduation. I created it with the style, color, and appliances I would love to have in my first home. 

What does this example tell us about you? 

This board expresses my creativity as well as my drive for success. This tells you I’m a visual learner as the board incorporates all visuals. 

Do you think a human being had a hand in the creation of this example? Why? 

I personally created this and handpicked each photo that went on the board. Personalizing it to my liking. 

Photo 2

Why do you love to look at this example? 

This is a picture I just recently added to my room. I like to look at this example because it contrasts my room so much and adds a more neutral aspect bringing texture while corresponding to other prints throughout my room.  

What does this example tell us about you? 

I think this shows my appreciation for art within my room and allows you to get a sense of the busyness in this photo as well as throughout my room. 

Do you think a human being had a hand in the creation of this example? Why? 

Yes, I got it from my sister, so I am not totally sure who is the original artist, but I do know this artwork was created by someone. You can tell by the structure of the painting as well as the detail. 

Photo 3

Why do you love to look at this example? 

Crystals bring me a sense of empowerment. Weather looking at them, holding them. Cleansing them it’s amazing to be able to cleanse energy, manifest dreams, and be protected by these stones that come in different shapes, sizes, colors, texture. That is one of my favorite aspects of crystals is how different each crystal can be. 

What does this example tell us about you? 

I think the crystals as well as the plants shows how connected with the earth I am.  

Do you think a human being had a hand in the creation of this example? Why? 

Many crystals are developed in nature and used by humans, but you can also create your own if you wish to do so. 

Photo 5

Why do you love to look at this example? 

I like to watch this incent as it slowly burns, I find it therapeutic at times watching the smoke flow. 

What does this example tell us about you? 

I think it tells that I am a very relaxed laid-back person. 

Do you think a human being had a hand in the creation of this example? Why? 

When it comes to the structure of the burner, I do think a human has a hand in creating it. My guess would be something along the lines of ceramic. I think humans also shape the raw materials of the incent. 

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DTC 475

Unit 3 Project

For our last unit project I was debating between doing a video again or the visual board and I decided to go with the visual board approach adding a black and white theme for the board. In this project I shed light on the socioeconomic biases when it comes to healthcare. Showing how people from low socioeconomic backgrounds and children are impacted directly, giving insight on what studies have found as well as connecting it to the current pandemic that has impacted so many lives. Lastly, I ended with ways people can personally help when it comes to this issue. I used Canva for the layout and free images.

unit-3-visual-board-2Download

Sources

Belknap, L., & Curren, C. (n.d.). 5.1 Acknowledging Poverty, Privilege, and Class Bias in Medicine. Retrieved July 29, 2020, from https://ohiostate.pressbooks.pub/curren1/chapter/5-2-identifying-poverty-privilege-and-class-bias-in-medicine/ 

Wisdom, K. (2020, July 17). Health Disparities & Unconscious Bias: What You May Not Know.  https://www.henryford.com/blog/2020/07/understanding-health-disparities 

(N.A.). (2020, July 20). Health Information Resources: Introduction.   https://libguides.williams.edu/c.php?g=919954 

(N.A.). (2019, January 27). 5 steps to help eliminate socio-economic bias.  https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2019/01/5-steps-to-help-eliminate-socio-economic-bias/ 

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DTC 475

Unit 2 Project

For Unit 2’s project I decided to take a visual board approach. When coming up with this idea I first sourced all the appropriate information that I wanted to place on this board. Choosing topics that stuck with me most throughout the unit. I wanted to start off by addressing what an Algorithm was, so people could have an understanding. I then added information on the different companies and programs that have been found biased by researchers, studies, and  the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Lastly, I wanted to end with one of the ideas I liked most when researching ways to stop biases.

unit-2-algorithmic-bias-project-4-1Download

Sources

5 Algorithms that Demonstrate Artificial Intelligence Bias. (2020, June 02). https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/5-algorithms-that-demonstrate-artificial-intelligence-bias/ 

Fischer, M. (2020, February 27). Machine learning can’t fix algorithmic bias. But humans can.  https://qz.com/work/1805067/machine-learning-wont-fix-algorithmic-bias/ 

Hosanagar, K. (2020, February 09). How Can We Stop Algorithm Bias?  https://www.brinknews.com/how-can-we-stop-algorithm-bias/ 

Schuetz, M. (2019, September 08). What Are Algorithms and Are They Biased Against Me?  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-09-08/how-the-algorithms-running-your-life-are-biased-quicktake 

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DTC 206

Body Cameras and the Effectiveness of Police Brutality

As the world become more technologically advanced new innovative gadgets are designed to better equip for the current times. Last week we read the article A new report shows the limits of police body cameras which shed light on a police officer who was finally fired after he had repeatedly turned off his body camera just before using force which eventually lead to the killing of a teen girl (Balko, 2016). The article also expresses the advancement we will see in more large police department utilizing body cameras in the future (Balko, 2016). So, for the final assignment with everything going on in the world right now I decided to research: do police wearing body cameras reduce the risk of police brutality? 

Although this has been an ongoing issue with Black people getting wrongfully killed by the police for many years, 2020 has sparked a movement. A moment where real change can happen if the right steps are taken and the peoples voices are heard. In 2015 President Obama donated $23 million in federal grants for body cameras for police departments, leading to half of the department’s ability to obtain body cameras by 2016 (Ness, 2020). States with much smaller budgets were given a second more affordable option which was a gun mounted camera that will be activated when the officer pulled his weapon (Ness, 2020). This alternative allows for advanced technology for departments with much lower budgets.

When it comes to the effectiveness of police wearing body cameras, “Andrea Headley, an assistant professor of public affairs at The Ohio State University, who looks at the relationships between police and communities, is the lead author on a study involving body cameras in Hallandale Beach, Florida she states, “None of the results reached statistical significance,” (Ness, 2020). Another study suggests, “according to a study published in March by George Mason University’s Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy. The study, which looked at 70 other body-worn camera studies published through June 2018, found the cameras have not had statistically significant effects on most measures of officer and citizen behavior or citizens’ views of police,” (Ness, 2020). 

“Over 10 years, from 2005 to 2014, only 48 officers were charged with murder or manslaughter for use of lethal force, though more than 1,000 people a year are killed by police in the United States,” (Zuckerman, 2020). Zuckerman speaks on the recent killing of George Floyd stating, “Officer Chauvin knew this, because it’s impossible to work in law enforcement in the US and not know this. The institutions that protect police officers from facing legal consequences for their actions—internal affairs divisions, civil service job protections, police unions, “reasonable fear”—work far better than the institutions that hold them responsible for abuses,” (Zuckerman, 2020).  While on the other hand one study shows that 93 percent of camera footage caught is used in prosecutions of civilians (Maciag, 2019). Three British studies lead to a similar conclusion of cameras “raising clearance rates and producing more guilty pleas,” (Maciag, 2019).

Over time the number of departments that utilize body worn cameras has grown which leads to the issue of most of the video footage taken never getting reviewed (Verger, 2020). Which allows for cases of unjust killings to be swept under the rug and forgotten about. The impact of social media has been a huge outlet providing people the opportunity to speak out and share their stories about how they themselves, their family, friend, or being a bystander has impacted them. For too long systematic racism in the justice system has oppressed people of color and even the power of video can’t change that. But it does allow the opportunity for those to be more educated on the matter and take the time to understand that this isn’t something that happens every so often .  As protests continue each day since the killing of George Floyd on May 25th we see a continuation of police unjust killings and body worn cameras still being turned off. Rayshard Brooks, 27, of Atlanta was killed on June 12th by a police officer who’s body camera was turned off while the incident occurred.

Overall, when it comes to the question of: do police wearing body cameras reduce the risk of police brutality? Based on the studies referred to throughout this essay, the continuance of unjust killings and my own personal experience as a black woman and opinion no matter how technologically advanced and structured we get things won’t truly change until structural change is made. Before putting money into technology put money into training your officers properly is my suggestion. There have been instances where lives were taken due to an officer not knowing how to use a taser or pepper spray so they draw their gun. Also, putting money towards building relationships with the people in the community you are supposed to be serving and protecting. White privileged has been a concept ingrained for so long by many that its not going to be a quick fix so starting at the root is the true way to lower these unforeseen circumstances.

I chose to use this graphic with my final project because as a Black woman this is a topic that has a huge impact on me. I was able to attend my first protest this year. Giving me the opportunity to be heard and speak for those who can’t speak for themselves. Fight for future generations and remind people of how far we have came and will continue to go. I

Citations  

Balko, R. (2016, February 05). Opinion | A new report shows the limits of police body cameras. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2016/02/05/a-new-report-shows-the-limits-of-police-body-cameras/?noredirect=on 

Edmondson, A (2020, June 19). Black Lives Matter Protest 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PC_yeEPrpc&feature=youtu.be

Maciag, M. (2019, March 25). Police Body Cameras Aren’t Having the Effects Many Expected. Retrieved from https://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/gov-body-camera-effects-research-gmu-study.html 

Ness, L. V. (2020, January 14). Body Cameras May Not Be the Easy Answer Everyone Was Looking For. Retrieved from https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2020/01/14/body-cameras-may-not-be-the-easy-answer-everyone-was-looking-for 

Verger, R. (2020, June 10). Police body cameras were supposed to build trust. So far, they haven’t. Retrieved from https://www.popsci.com/story/technology/police-body-cameras/ 

Zuckerman, E. (2020, June 04). Why filming police violence has done nothing to stop it. Retrieved from https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/06/03/1002587/sousveillance-george-floyd-police-body-cams/ 

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DTC 101

Design Thinking Project

Vision Statement: Empathize and Define

For the design thinking project, our group decided to address the problem many of us face with our window blinds, shutters, and curtains. Too many, this is a daily task that seems tedious. The operation of blinds has always made people feel a sense of embarrassment. We all witnessed it in class when Jose attempted to operate the blinds and helplessly struggled to figure out the correct mechanism. But he is not alone many of us have struggled through that and our observations showed that to be true. People of different genders, ages, and races all have many struggles they share. Younger adults (18-30) expressed issues of understanding wether the blinds should be facing up or down, they didn’t like having to use curtains to keep the brightness out and the physical aspect of actually having to get up to adjust the blinds. While older adults (30+) did agree with the amount of brightness being let in and the physicality of adjusting your blinds, they also brought to our attention the privacy issues blinds may cause.

While initially observing how people interact with blinds through visual observation and answers from a survey we conducted this allowed us to determine that the solution to improving the design of blinds is much more complicated than a simple answer. The solution to improving blinds based on survey results showed that the preference and opinion of a variety of people must be taken into account while moving forward with the design process.

For many people opening blinds is second nature and they don’t mind but for some, this is a common task for them that could be much simpler. When observing participants while they attempted to open blinds we found that this is a troubling task more often than not for most people. Other troubling features of blinds were their confusion between do we pull the string right or left to get them to stay, and what about bringing them down? As well as a few were confused about the purpose of the pin with the stick.

Throughout our observation and empathizing stages of design, we have found several common denominators. Ease of access is a very big desire for most all of the people we have interviewed which helped us identify the problem more directly. Although, there were many commonalities in the data collected, we found that most of the time, people have different preferences in the amount of natural light they want in their room at specific times. To conclude, there are many components to take into account before taking the next step in the design process in order to compensate for all parties.

Design Proposal: Ideate, Prototype, and Test

Ideate

In our proposal, we talked about making a system that will control curtains, blinds, and/or shutters more easily and efficiently. After several hours of brainstorming our group decided on making a remote and/or app that will help consumers easily control their blinds. We decided to make both an app and a remote to make it easier for people to be able to control their settings from anywhere. Apps would allow people to control their settings from anywhere, while a remote would require a certain distance from the blinds. We decided to make it very simple and easy for anyone to use. 

1st attempt design

During the process of ideating first design we knew we wanted to eliminate the string factor on blinds as well as make it easier for people to know and comprehend how to use the blinds. When collecting data from people we found most people wanted an electronic way to open their blinds so we decided to take the approach of having a remote as well as an app you can download on your phone. The remote has features that allow you to adjust the amount of light that comes through the window with the turn of a knob as well as set a timer that allows light to come in at that set time. The app allows for the same features but gives users an additional schedule feature that allows you to plan ahead and set timers for each day. 

With the app, a feature that we would add would be the choice of which language the user would like to use. We are aware that people speak and read different languages and we want to make sure that our app is inclusive to all. We would let the user choose the language when they first install the app with the choice of changing the language at a later time if they wish to do so.

Prototype 

While perfecting our prototype, our main focus was simplicity. In order to make the design most effective in universal acceptance, our new window blinds need to be easy to use. The two different designs we developed included a tangible remote that breaks accessibility barriers using universal design, and one that incorporates language on an app. The battery powered remote control prototype is connected to the window by sensors like a T.V. remote is connected, with options to change the opacity. The opacity mechanism is achieved through technology that allows an electrical charge to pass through the inside of the glass which controls the transparency of the glass. This technology already exists in the windows of several luxury cars also controlled by a remote. The knob has a vibrating mechanism that gets stronger when adjusting the natural light (vibrates more when getting brighter and less when shutting off more light). The app we developed has more opportunity for control over how and when you can control the amount of light in addition to the remote being accessible digitally. This is achieved by incorporating a schedule that acts as an alarm clock or timer, giving you the ability to control when you want certain amounts of light. 

Test 

When it came to redesigning  our first prototype we found that it was hard for users to understand the timer feature on the remote. As a group we liked the timer feature so we made the adjustment of keeping the timer feature only on the app. We also added a vibrating feature to the knob that sends a vibration as you let more or less light in. When it came to further designing our prototype we listened to the wants of the consumers and added features that now include connecting with Alexa and Google Home in our app. As well as adding a sensor to the remote that made it possible to use the same remote to control multiple windows depending on the distance you have from the window you want to control. 

Reflection on the Design Thinking Process

 While reflecting on the design process and talking to a few people, it came to light that our design would be helpful too many. Many people found the design to be friendly and easy to utilize. Some of the feedback we got:

“Oh my god! This would make my life so easy!”

“I think the app and schedule would be very helpful. Dealing with window blinds was always a struggle.”

 We made sure to include people’s desire to manipulate things with their hands. According to the reading A Brief Rant On The Future Of Interaction Design, people like to manipulate things with their hands, this prompted us to include a vibrating mechanism to both the remote and the app. The remote allows people to manipulate things physically with their hands, but the app will be a smooth surface that some people may find uncomfortable. To assist the needs of everyone we decided to create the vibrating feature on the app to give consumers the hands-on manipulation that is embedded in our day-to-day culture. 

In the reading An Introduction to Design Thinking Process Guide, one of the main steps is to empathize by observing. Before we began creating our new design we observed those around us and how they interacted with curtains, blinds, and shutters. Taking the time to understand and assist the needs of all people of different gender, age and race. We also took the time to not only ask questions in person but also having some people do a survey online and tell us their thoughts regarding their personal experience with blinds. From the feedback we received  participants suggested the following: “touch sensors,” “black out option,” “knobs or dials,”and a  “remote control”. We received a lot of feedback and were able to implement people’s thoughts and feelings towards our design. 

Our design will impact our culture in a positive way. It will help many people of different gender, age, race live their lives in an efficient way. We believe that people will find our design to be friendly and effective in their daily lives.

Design

For this project I kept the design images the same. I made changes to the writing portion by adding specific data of the different struggles participants found with their blinds. Furthermore I added the different struggles younger and older adults face, as well as the challenges they had in common.

Sources:

http://worrydream.com/ABriefRantOnTheFutureOfInteractionDesign/

Click to access DesignThinkingProcess.pdf

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