Ski-doo
AR HEADGEAR
Ski-Doo is a brand name of snowmobile manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products.This UX research project focuses on improving the user experience and safety of a Snow mobile VR helmet for a generic brand. Through comprehensive user research and testing, we aim to identify user preferences, evaluate usability, and propose design enhancements to create an immersive and secure virtual reality experience for Jet Ski riders
The Challenge
The create a digital interface for recreational ski-doos by incorporating both digital displays and AR technology.This UX case study was completed using the Design Sprint methodology. It explored both Augmented Reality and multimodal interactions with a traditional graphical User Interface .
The Design Process
The design process we followed was the design sprint process. The design sprint process is a time-bound, collaborative methodology for solving complex problems and developing innovative solutions. It involves defining the problem, generating ideas, prototyping, user testing, and making data-driven decisions. With a diverse team, the process enables rapid development of user-centered solutions in just a few days. It fosters creativity, collaboration, and reduces the risk of investing in ineffective solutions by validating ideas through user feedback.
STAGE 1 UNDERSTANDING PHASE
Understanding the problem
To commence our project, a comprehensive understanding of our product was imperative. This entailed conducting extensive research on various factors crucial to the success of our design. We meticulously allocated research topics among team members, ensuring equitable distribution of work. These topics encompassed diverse domains, spanning business and marketing perspectives to technological opportunities and limitations.
Once the research phase concluded, we sought to transform our findings into tangible representations. Employing a whiteboard, we synthesized significant and influential points, categorizing them under respective research topic sections using sticky notes. This approach facilitated knowledge sharing, enabling each team member to gain insights into the research conducted by others.
Additionally, we engaged in the "How Might We" (HMW) exercise. Team members actively moved around the room, crafting HMW statements in response to each sticky note. This practice fostered a perspective that viewed challenges as opportunities for redemption, promoting innovative thinking.
STAGE 2 DIVERGENCE PHASE
Sketch solution to the problem
Following the completion of the first day of the design sprint, we recognized the value of seeking inspiration from other researched companies. To ensure a fruitful Diverge Phase, we allocated appropriate time for individual research, encouraging divergent thinking and fostering the generation of creative ideas.
During this phase, each team member received a piece of paper divided into eight frames, allowing for focused brainstorming. Through rapid sketching, sticky notes, and discussions, we explored multiple potential solutions for the identified HMWs. This process facilitated the emergence of diverse ideas.
Afterward, we engaged in a collaborative evaluation of our individual sketches, with each team member placing a tick on ideas they believed stood out. This exercise enabled us to distill the most promising concepts from the Crazy 8's sketching process. We then devoted 30-90 minutes to creating a three-panel storyboard, outlining how these selected ideas could be practically applied. The solution sketch documented below captures this pivotal stage.
By leveraging this structured approach to ideation and evaluation, we ensured a comprehensive exploration of potential solutions while maintaining a focus on the most viable concepts.
STAGE 3 CONVERGENCE PHASE
Decide on the best solution
Following the second design sprint meeting, each team member was tasked with conducting further research to enhance their storyboard sketches. During our third design sprint meeting, these same sketches were displayed on a wall, where new ideas were generated and discussed collectively. This Converge Phase aimed to merge multiple concepts into a single idea that was viable, desirable, and feasible.
By employing this convergence process, we ensured that the chosen ideas possessed the potential to contribute significantly to the overall design. The collaborative evaluation and selection of ideas allowed us to move forward with a cohesive and impactful final design concept.
After taking some time to discuss our ideas and how they can be applied to our design. We voted on ideas that were worthy of making it to the next step of the design sprint. These ideas were to be combined to form our final design. The circled items below were the ideas we chose to incorporate:
STAGE 4 PROTOTYPE PHASE
Building a prototype
Following the conclusion of the third design sprint meeting, the team was assigned the task of conducting further research at home to enhance our final prototype. This meeting was dedicated to the crucial prototyping phase of the project. To ensure efficiency and equitable distribution of work, we divided our tasks into three main areas, with each task assigned to a pair of group members.
Dashboard Features:
Navigation System
Bluetooth to connect to your devices.
Weather.
A speedometer, and a fuel gage.
By assigning specific responsibilities to pairs of team members, we aimed to maximize collaboration and leverage diverse expertise. This approach allowed us to effectively tackle the various aspects of prototyping, ensuring thorough exploration and refinement of our final design concept.
By employing this convergence process, we ensured that the chosen ideas possessed the potential to contribute significantly to the overall design. The collaborative evaluation and selection of ideas allowed us to move forward with a cohesive and impactful final design concept.
Task 1: You are renting the Ski-doo for the first time, discover its features.
Task 2: You are done exploring the snowy plains, use the navigation system to find your way back to the rental shop.
Task 3: On the way back, a potential hazard appears, how does the Ski-doo warn you about that?
AR features:
A simplistic look that does not cause a distraction.
A navigation arrow and potential hazards are displayed on the windshield
STAGE 5 TESTING PHASE
Test with target user
Following the fourth design sprint meeting, each team member was tasked with finding user testers for our project. This meeting was dedicated specifically to the testing phase. A dedicated room with a TV was booked to facilitate the testing process. To prepare for testing, an Adobe XD file was created, connecting all the tasks together. The computer hosting this XD file was connected to a TV via an HDMI cable.
During the testing session, each user tester was instructed to complete three tasks within a 20-minute timeframe while verbalizing their thoughts aloud. User testers were encouraged to be as critical as possible, providing valuable feedback. The testing process was repeated with five different users, and their voices and screens were recorded for detailed feedback analysis.
Based on the recorded feedback, several future considerations were identified
Changing the fuel gauge color.
Activating voice interactions using a specific phrase (e.g., "Hey Ski").
Enhancing the brightness of the AR arrow color.
These steps taken during the testing phase showcased our commitment to incorporating user feedback and refining the design based on user needs and preferences.
Snowmobile VR wearable
STYLE BY Scott E. Hilario
MAKEUP BY Virginia J. Perry
MODEL Joe C. Alvarado
SPECIAL THANKS TO incididunt ut labore et dolore
