Following their selection to exhibit at SXSW, teams Göbie and SLEEPWISE entered new phases of their projects: refining prototypes and designing interactive experiences for show attendees.
SLEEPWISE experienced a late-game revelation, making a key decision to consolidate multiple sensors into a single wearable element that fits together with its base unit to create an unexpected aesthetic inspired by smooth river stones. The SLEEPWISE team notes that prototyping in clay was crucial to their explorations prior to finalizing a comfortable design that is finished in silicone.
SLEEPWISE Prototype
Göbie's approach was to stay the course, collaborating throughout to find "a balance between designing play experiences...and develop a product design that enhances the Göbie experience."
The goal for the Göbie experience at SXSW is to create "fun and meaningful interaction" for visitors to the booth. Attendees will be able watch a short video about the product and intent, as well as use both a physical and a technical prototype of Göbie. Their play is inspired by "Space ship" that users communicate what they see on their screen and give directions to the rest of the group.
Playtesting an early Gobie interaction
Both teams partnered with production companies to execute their media and booth experiences. The SLEEPWISE booth will feature an interactive tabletop that will highlight the sleep data and IoT activations made possible by the wearable.
A video will introduce the product, visitors can interact with prototypes, and two tablets will offer interactive information about SLEEPWISE.
Team SLEEPWISE designed interective table testing the visual effects
Parsons Project Co-Director Kyle Li watched the teams spend the weeks leading up to SXSW validating their technology and subject research, and gives high marks for their approach at an especially hectic time, with classes in session. To help the teams prepare for their exhibitions, Parsons brought in experts on urban games and interaction to lead students in developing engagement plans through rapid prototyping.
A SLEEPWISE member explaining user journey map in SXSW
Parsons Project Co-Director Kyle Li watched the teams spend the weeks leading up to SXSW validating their technology and subject research, and gives high marks for their approach at an especially hectic time, with classes in session. To help the teams prepare for their exhibitions, Parsons brought in experts on urban games and interaction to lead students in developing engagement plans through rapid prototyping.
Team Göbie shooting the concept movie
Kyle's excitement piqued when asked what he expects the students to learn at SXSW, saying, "SXSW is the ultimate showdown where they will confront their belief in design with the world through their work. There will be moments of miscommunication, malfunctions, and the unexpected at the booths, but managing those situations is also a great learning opportunity. We are very excited!"
Regarding the impact of the Panasonic partnership for the students, Kyle sees invaluable experience gains. "In this setting, the students get to work with an industry giant as a partner. The students can ask the most critical, irrational - but relevant - questions from their market perspective. As faculty, we dedicate our efforts to supporting this critical conversation to ground their raw, intuitive ideas and transform them into an opportunity for innovation."
Discussion with Team Göbie and Panasonic members
Framing the takeaway for visitors to the booths, each team was asked to craft a message to SXSW attendees about their product. From Göbie: "Göbie is a healthcare wearable focused on improving social wellness through play, by catalyzing spontaneous and connected play experiences that help users create a sense of community wherever and whenever.Visit us!" SLEEPWISE has made a marketing leap all the way to a tagline: "SLEEPWISE. Sleep smarter, live better."
For a follow up of the SXSW experience and to learn what's next for our teams and their prototypes, continue reading in Vol. 8.
