Hive
Re-introducing Empathy Among Strangers
OVERVIEW
The Challenge
Duration
7 weeks
The world is becoming smaller with the rise of globalization and technology and yet we are growing more individualized. We let ideas of race, gender, sex, age, religion and our own needs become barriers of connectedness.
Tools
Figma, Miro, Canva, Adobe XD, Photoshop and Illustrator
The Solution
HIVE is an interactive and immersive installation at airports where strangers can participate in a shared experience. HIVE provides the space and opportunity for strangers to interact and remind them that we are all human.
Role
UX/UI Researcher and Designer
PROBLEM SPACE
The world is becoming smaller with the rise of globalization and technology and yet we are growing more individualized. We let ideas of race, gender, sex, age, religion and our own needs become barriers of connectedness. This project focuses on loss of connectedness within the problem space of loss of culture.
PRIMARY RESEARCH
SURVEY
INTERVIEWS - AFFINITY DIAGRAMMING
Themes and Insights
Most have fond memories of interacting with strangers-like creating a sense of intimacy All negative interactions were because the stranger was 'rude'. People don't like to feel trapped interacting with someone they don't know and prefer to have a way out.
People often use their common experiences to 'break the ice' with strangers. Short interactions are preferable because they are low-risk. People's mood affects their ability and willingness to form conversations and connections. If someone is in a more positive mindset they are more open to interacting with strangers that they perceive to be in a similar mindset.
SECONDARY RESEARCH
Secondary Research was really important in exploring the problem space more in depth. This research helped me understand the importance of interacting with strangers on our mental health.
This also allowed me to explore the technology that could be used in this space to bring ideas to life as I was designing a product using new technology, such as haptic feedback, and non-physical touch interfaces.
JOURNEY MAPPING
Based on research, I created a journey map for Alex utilizing our new product called "Hive" to explore common pain points described by interviewees. This Journey Map helps see user's needs and expectations at a glance.
CONCEPT MAPPING
I used concept mapping in order to help understand the problem by defining users' feelings, thoughts and actions while waiting in the airport and identifying user needs.
MOODBOARD
SKETCHES
I had many diverse ideas and creative directions to solve this problem and worked on refining the concepts multiple times. The Idea started with having a board-game like experience bringing people together from various ages. However it shifted towards a more abstract uncomplicated approach that was more inclusive and accessible to users of all groups. The final stage of concept ideation, sketches and ideas were more refined and clear paving the way towards a more abstract and nature-like immersive interaction.
Instead of having an application or kiosk the design focused on creating a full on Immersive experience that encourages users to be in the moment and enjoy the interactional elements placed within the installation.
THE PRODUCT
I created a hive inspired structure. Drawing on modularity in nature and a community of bees in a hive. I thought of how users feel while traveling, their needs, their comforts and the traditional layout of an airport. The main objective was to create an enticing form to draw users in and allow them to freely interact with the Hive as they please.
UX GRAND CONCEPT
WIREFRAMES
While the Interface is intuitive and interactive, on-boarding instructional screens could be presented. User stands on footprints to start molecules to form and place hands in front of the hand image. Once silhouette is formed, you can manipulate the form using motion sensing technology to swirl, and move the molecules around. You can move your reflected molecules to interact with another person beside you. When your molecules interact with other’s, they grow brighter and you get more intense haptic feedback using speakers to emit ultrasound waves.
NEXT STEPS
