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Week 5 - Define user and service structure｜ Gibbs' Reflective Cycle

  • Writer: Elisa Shen
    Elisa Shen
  • Aug 18, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Oct 18, 2024


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[Figure 1: Gibbs' Reflective Cycle framework]


Description

This week was a significant milestone in advancing my neurofeedback system project. I dedicated my efforts to understanding the diverse user demographics and customising the system's functionalities to cater to their specific requirements.


User Age group

  • Youth (18-35)

  • Middle-aged (36-55)

  • Elderly (56+)


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[Figure 2: Research on User, my miro]
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[Figure 3: Type of medical conditions, my miro]
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[Figure 4: Design elelments research, my miro]














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[Figure 5: Project method, updated Des 301 presentation]













Each group exhibited distinct needs and platform features. I thoroughly documented these requirements, considering their usage patterns and medical conditions, especially those impacting individuals with physical disabilities.


On Thursday, I visited the Empathy Computing Lab at Symond Street, courtesy of Mairi and Kunal. This visit, marked by Kunal's insightful presentation, provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the available technologies and equipment. Notably, I decided to employ the Unicorn Hybrid device for my project following this visit.


After detailed discussions with Kunal, I opted to experiment with the Unicorn Hybrid in the lab. Although the headset was unavailable that day, Kunal assured me of its retrieval and promised assistance in installing the necessary software on my computer. Our future plans involve delving into the Unicorn Unity platform during our next meeting to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses thoroughly.


Feelings

Initially, the scope of the project felt overwhelming. The sheer volume of information—ranging from user needs to the technical aspects of the neurofeedback system—created a sense of uncertainty. The diversity in user needs, coupled with the challenge of ensuring inclusivity in the design, contributed to this initial anxiety.


On a personal level, I feel a deep connection to this project because I belong to the same age group as one of my target audiences. Although I don’t have a physical disability, I empathise with the emotional and mental struggles my users face. During my high school years, I often felt isolated, unsure of my place in the world. As I approach graduation, I find myself anxious about my future career—a feeling I imagine is even more intense for those with physical disabilities.


My empathy for this project is also fueled by personal experiences with physical disabilities in my family. My grandfather underwent spinal surgery, which significantly slowed his movements and altered his mood. He became less cheerful, often expressing frustration and confusion about the world around him. Witnessing his struggle made me acutely aware of how physical limitations can deeply affect mental health. This personal connection drives my commitment to creating a system that can help alleviate some of these emotional burdens for my users.


Evaluation

This week's work had both strengths and areas for improvement. On the positive side, I successfully identified and documented the key user groups and their specific needs, which will guide the development process. The structure and layout of the research were well-organized, making the information accessible and easy to understand. However, I realized that some sections, particularly those involving technical components like EEG data monitoring, could have benefited from deeper exploration and expert input.


Analysis

Reflecting on this experience, I see that my approach to user research was comprehensive but perhaps too broad in some areas. Focusing more on the most relevant features for my target user group could streamline the project and make the design process more efficient. My personal experiences have heightened my empathy towards my users, this emotional connection is a strength, but it also requires careful management to ensure that the design remains practical and achievable.


Conclusion

If I were to repeat this process, I would start by clearly defining the primary objectives of the neurofeedback system and identifying the core user group from the outset. This initial step would streamline the research process and prevent the challenge of trying to address too many aspects simultaneously. Furthermore, I would engage with experts at an earlier stage to validate the technical aspects, guaranteeing that the planned features are not only feasible but also efficient.


Action Plan

Next week is the last week before the break. I plan to contact Kunal again to experience the usage and potential of the Unicorn Hybrid device and Unicorn Unity platform in all aspects. This hands-on experience will be crucial in refining the project’s direction. Additionally, I aim to integrate these insights into Des 301's Miro board, combining them with my user research to outline a complete user experience process and related requirements.


During the break, I will start producing specific design content plans as part of the ideation phase. This will involve solidifying the project’s core features and ensuring that they align with the needs of my target users. I will also schedule regular check-ins with mentors and peers to validate my progress and stay on track with my timeline. By maintaining this momentum, I hope to overcome the challenges of time management and continue developing a user-centered neurofeedback system.


Reference:

Canva. (n.d.). [Updated 301 project proposal]. Retrieved [Date], from https://www.canva.com/design/DAGNgmmFGVQ/h1SHb4kftcEHrDUyVTXt6A/edit





The University of Edinburgh. (n.d.). Gibbs' reflective cycle. The University of Edinburgh. https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/reflecting-on-experience/gibbs-reflective-cycle

 
 
 

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