This is a first try at using TSL230R to measure HRV (Heart Rate Variability) levels. It will be used as part of a larger project to collect users’ heart rates and translate this data onto a mobile (potentially wearable) screen as a non-verbal messaging system that reveals a somewhat hidden state of ‘being’. The messages will be set to be sent according to the value range of the heart beats as dynamic visualizations (for the time being I will be using Processing). In addition to this, each message will have a specific time span and a specific ‘mood’ or ’emotion’ attached to it. To do this I will be using a second variable EEG: Electroencephalography. HRV and EEG are interesting values to juxtapose as they symbolically represent the physical, biological, and social connections existing between the heart and the brain. This second variable will add a level of randomness to the system, which will enable messages to have a wider visual scope.
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Sketching User Experiences (2)- Bill Buxton
Bill Buxton defines "best practices" in designing for user experiences as a combination of both methods and skills relating to ideation: sketching, testing and problem-solving.
“Evaluating Usability Throughout Design and Development” – Joseph Dumas & Janice Redish
Joseph Dumas & Janice Redish analyze the potential benefits of combining various evaluation methods as complementary tools for usability testing in the context of usability engineering.
Paper Prototyping: The Fast and Easy Way to Design and Refine User Interfaces – Carolyn Snyder
Carolyn Snyder proposes a definition of paper prototyping as 'a variation of usability testing where representative users [...] [interact] with a paper version of the interface that is manipulated by a person "playing computer" ' (italicized in original, p.4).
The aim of her book is to extend the practice of paper prototyping to a variety of HCI platforms for non-expert users to adopt as a practical tool for creating and testing their products during the development process.
Don’t Make Me Think! A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability. – Steve Krug
Steve Krug explains how we can create better Websites if we just stop wasting time on useless debates within teams and engage in 'usability testing' early on in the development process. His book provides the antidote.
He distinguishes between designers and developers in what they consider to be a 'good' website design. Designers prefer pleasant layouts, whereas developers enjoy a good amount of features. This is also compared to the duality between commercial culture and craft culture. Which is a question of aesthetics versus usability. Ideally, we would want to have both.