Week 3 - Proposal refinement ｜ Gibbs' Reflective Cycle

During the week before the Assignment 2 submission deadline (Proposal Refinement and Planning + Ethics Modules), I successfully completed 80% of the Miro content. This included the literature review, mood board, precedents, and prototyping research. My primary objective was to allocate time for refining the Ethics module and enhancing the Miro board before the upcoming Thursday deadline. As I progress through the inspiration phase of my design methodology, I am honing my ability to develop a thorough project by conducting multidimensional research, which encompasses studying equipment and visual presentation techniques.

Following the rubric guidelines, I initially structured all the necessary information in a template format, progressively refining it over time. This method proved to be valuable as it allowed me to integrate feedback from both classmates and teachers, which was particularly helpful when I encountered uncertainties regarding key project elements. During a recent Google meeting with Kunal, I raised concerns about the required equipment. He recommended the 'Unicorn Hybrid Black' EEG headset available in their lab, highlighting its portability and independence from additional technical support like saline for signal enhancement or multiple head links for signals. Additionally, Kunal generously offered to assist in installing the necessary software on my computer, facilitating in person testing in the future.

While engaging in a conversation about brain-computer interaction with Kunal, I acknowledged a lack of a specific goal. Although I had a general objective in mind, I had not thoroughly considered the steps and methods for gathering user feedback. Kunal advised me to initiate the process by conducting research on the target users, emphasising the importance of narrowing down the user group due to varying levels of receptivity based on different characteristics.

After considering this advice, I have developed four targeted ideas, with a focus on young adults aged 18 - 26 as my primary audience. Reflecting on my own positionality, I find myself navigating a period of transition from student life to full integration into society. This phase encompasses aspects of education, personal growth, and pivotal moments such as adolescence, rebellion, and career decisions. As a healthy young adult without physical disabilities, I acknowledge the challenges I face in this dynamic world and recognise the additional hurdles individuals with physical disabilities may encounter.

Building upon these ideas, I have outlined my future plans. Plans A, B, and C offer me a range of options to ensure peace of mind. Plan A represents my most ambitious goal, to which I am fully dedicated, ready to invest all my efforts and time. Plans B and C act as contingency plans, allowing me to incorporate more practical ideas into Plan A, thereby enhancing the overall project. My goal for next week is to complete the Miro board section of Assignment 2 by Tuesday and commence work on the speech and presentation slides.