Author: lumaabu
Principles Of Design
As a reflection, I’d like to highlight some principles of design I learned this semester that I have found particularly interesting. Over the course of the semester, the importance of low-fidelity has been stressed. Whether that is in the form of a prototype, an idea, a system model or a need statement – the overarching premise is the same. In the design process, the worst thing to do is to close yourself off to new ideas by pledging allegiance to one. Thus, a transformative process for me has been to think of issue in terms of strictly needs, thereby fighting my instinct to immediately ascribe a solution to the issue.
For example, this shift in mindset would allow me to identify that there needs to be a better way for men and women to secure their belongings without holding a wallet or purse. Instead of immediately suggesting sleek unisex fanny packs, however, I would instead try to delve deeper into the roots of the issue to create more opportunity for understanding and ingenuity.
For prototypes, low-fidelity is the choice between a costly and laborious physical model versus a cardboard and toothpick structure that will convey the same message. From low-fidelity brings another principle: iterations. The two are inherently connected and are necessary for a successful design because no one ever gets it right the first time. In a way, this is representative of how most of life works: practice makes perfect. Iterations force you to push beyond what is comfortable and familiar in order to reach new horizons. Other principles: communication, creativity, and empathy. The best part of human-centered design is also a challenge: the “customer” is ever-changing, with complex thought and varying needs.
Design and the Social Mind
When brainstorming design ideas, I am increasingly thinking about the quality of the idea in terms of how it will be accepted by the social human. I was spurred by the intuitive design video we watched in class that talked about the design of a door and the plethora of bad designs in our world. But what is a bad design? One which doesn’t come naturally to the user. But what created the users natural intuition? I would argue that it is less about the biological function of the brain and more about how it has been socialized over time to have certain expectations. Along these lines, when creating a device or system, it may come down to what fits the expectations of the user (and by extension, society) rather than what is most efficient. I find this fascinating as someone with a science background that has been taught to think in terms of the most functionally efficient and cost-effective, rather than sacrificing these for aesthetics. This is an interesting challenge we encountered when delving deeper into the needs of the NICU. There are many ‘needs’ that would not be in place if the existing system or device was implemented properly. However, there is a reason that it is not. That small opening is what I am finding to be crucial to explore further.
Challenges of Data Collection
In my years in the public education system focusing on science and technology, there is no doubt that I have been taught the importance of data. Data is the basis for change, the evidence for decision making and without which progress cannot be made. The process of data collection, however, has never occurred to me more than it has in this course. Particularly, the PHP has showed me the stark differences between automated data collection via machine, and self-reporting from another person. Relying on another person to report data is a unique challenge which brings up issues of consistency and inherent bias. Thus, my goal for the next segment of the project is to acquire data in the most objective possible way. Regardless, it has been an enlightening experience to experience a small part of qualitative research that is not strictly scientific.
Introductions
Hello! My name is Luma Abunimer, I am a third year BME student. I am pursuing a pre-medical track and I am considering a masters in public health to complement my global health oriented interests. Outside of classes, I enjoy playing Rugby with the UVA club team. I am also a Peer Health Educator, which means that among other responsibilities, I hold an office hour at Student Health each week to discuss college health topics.
I am taking this course because I enjoy problem solving, especially in fields that I am passionate about like health and medicine. I am most excited about the problem identification component because that is a crucial part of any job and an important skill to have for the future.
BME Design 