Human Factors Design and Neuroeffect
Objective : Utilize participant neuroeffect and semantic differential analysis in the design of a water bottle.
Defining target user
Introducing the target consumer helped establish color and pattern choices, all of which would be tested in participatory exercises.
Defining markets
Once a target market was established, determining design and material emphasis set the for the participatory exercises.
Victor Papanek’s Function Complex was the starting point for this project.
As an pioneering voice in user centered design, Papanek’s work provided the foundation by which the water bottle could be designed in direct relation to the end users’ values and needs.
A1: Association: How we connect it to our life experiences.
A2: Aesthetics: Does it address our desire for something well designed and attractive?
N: Need: Does it address a genuine need?
T: Telesis: Does it reflect the time and conditions from which it was made?.
U: Use: Does it work in it’s intended roll?
It has to be attractive
Colors and patterns were tested for use in renderings.
Competitive analysis
20 water bottles representing a range of price points, design, materials, and audiences were utilized for the participatory exercises.
Methods
Competitive product survey.
Image and name semantic differential exercises to help map participant reaction to materials, shapes, and names.
Word concept association to help prioritize design features.
Sketching and 3‐D prototypes.
Concept & Construction
Incorporating feedback derived from a series of tests measuring user reaction to shapes, materials, graphics and colors—neuroeffect—the first two 3-D prototypes were created. Based on participant feedback on the 3-D models, a third prototype was create. Finally, users responses to naming and color were used to make final design decisions.
It has to be functional
In-context use analysis was conducted with existing bottles and the prototype.
Shape test
Prototype shapes were test with participants to determine their immediate reaction.
Putting it together
Proposed names and shapes were tested
Semantic Differential Analysis presents participants with a simple exercise to the plot design artifacts and map their the connotative meaning of each artifact.
