Thursday, November 13, 2008

User testing issues

Right now, I'm experimenting with different fabrications and additional "characters" for our tree structure but also had some questions about where to user test. The children to which I've been in contact with (preschoolers and toddlers) have had interesting reactions to the tree but obviously aren't literate enough to encourage suggestions on how to improve it. I think our structure lends itself particularly well to "big kids" those between 8-12, ages that enjoy playing dress up and telling stories with toys and objects. I have a niece in Long Island who would potentionally be an excellent person to user test on but I haven't yet been able to coordinate a trip out there. Like I said, im still developing the outer aesthetic and functionality of the piece, but I think I would be able to even more so improve the tree overall if I had the help of this age group. Does anyone have suggestions?

3 comments:

Rudya Sohn said...

I know that there is a school on the upper west side on i think on 65th and Amsterdam. It is right behind the Lincoln Center. I forget if it was a middle school or high school, but you might want to check it out.

I was curious to know how someone that had this would wash it if it got dirty. Also, are you guys not adding stuff onto it anymore?

Suzan Seo said...

I can see your tree thing being used by a lot of different age groups. Maybe if you go ahead with the user testing on children first, you'll get a better idea of which age group you should more strictly target.

If you are thinking about targeting this towards children, you should make sure that the product is safe and sturdy. I'm sure they're going to want to tug on it and even play jump rope with it. Also, make sure that the wire inside has no way of somehow poking out.

Jillian Sandrey said...

i agree with suzan in that it will work for many different age groups...i think testing it on kids is a good idea but maybe test it on adults first because you have better access...maybe if their reaction is good enough you will choose not to market it to kids at all and move in another direction. i think stressing yourself too much about kids right now isnt too important...maybe next week after midterm you could begin on that.