R.A. Niemeijer, 513316 - June 7, 2006

Problem description

Subject

Research aspects

Design aspects

Expectations

Risks

Planning

faculteit ddsstechnische universiteit eindhovenT

Ue/

Graduation planStudent:

R.A. Niemeijer

Coaching committee:

Prof. dr. ir. B. de Vries (supervisor)

Dr. ir. J.P. van Leeuwen (mentor)

Ir. A. J. Jessurun (mentor)

R.A. Niemeijer, 513316 - June 7, 2006

Problem description

Subject

Research aspects

Design aspects

Expectations

Risks

Planning

faculteit ddsstechnische universiteit eindhovenT

Ue/

Problem descriptionReal estate project developers build for the market, not the user.

The client has little, if any, say in the design of the house.

No two users are the same, so why should they have to live in identical houses?

The investor/user must regain control of the design.

This can be done by providing them with user-oriented design tools.

“The market”

The market

R.A. Niemeijer, 513316 - June 7, 2006

Problem description

Subject

Research aspects

Design aspects

Expectations

Risks

Planning

faculteit ddsstechnische universiteit eindhovenT

Ue/

Some headway has been made with these user-oriented design systems.

Current problems:

• No distinction between generic objects and actual products

• No guidance for the user

• Mostly based on floor plans, no good impression of space

R.A. Niemeijer, 513316 - June 7, 2006

Problem description

Subject

Research aspects

Design aspects

Expectations

Risks

Planning

faculteit ddsstechnische universiteit eindhovenT

Ue/

SubjectThe standard design process: the architect sitsin his ivory tower and the client just has to hopethe design meets his or her needs.

Why not let the client design the building?

Architecture is a 5-year study. The averageperson will not be able to design a good building.

The user must be supported by a person orprogram with architectural knowledge.

You could call the program an“Architect in a box”.

R.A. Niemeijer, 513316 - June 7, 2006

Problem description

Subject

Research aspects

Design aspects

Expectations

Risks

Planning

faculteit ddsstechnische universiteit eindhovenT

Ue/

The graduation is the first part of a PhD study, consisting of:

• Product specification language

• Product database

• Artificial Intelligence (User assistence and constraints checking)

• User interface

• 3D engine

The user interface is the most independant of these,so it will be the subject of the graduation

Researching it will provide insights into the other components.

R.A. Niemeijer, 513316 - June 7, 2006

Problem description

Subject

Research aspects

Design aspects

Expectations

Risks

Planning

faculteit ddsstechnische universiteit eindhovenT

Ue/

Research aspects and methodology

Analyse existing user interfaces:

• Professional 3D design programs (3D Studio, Maya, Sketchup)

• Popular content creation programs (Photoshop, The Sims)

• Popular 3D applications (Google Earth, Quake, Warcraft)

Literature study:

• User interface design

• Conducting user tests

R.A. Niemeijer, 513316 - June 7, 2006

Problem description

Subject

Research aspects

Design aspects

Expectations

Risks

Planning

faculteit ddsstechnische universiteit eindhovenT

Ue/

Design aspects and methodology

The design process will consist of:

• Building Prototypes

• Conducting user tests

The prototypes will explore the following use cases:

• Changing the size of a window (AI, interface)

• Changing a generic stair to a product (database interaction, AI)

• Navigating in 3D (interface)

R.A. Niemeijer, 513316 - June 7, 2006

Problem description

Subject

Research aspects

Design aspects

Expectations

Risks

Planning

faculteit ddsstechnische universiteit eindhovenT

Ue/

Result expectations

Project specific:

• An understanding of what user interface elements provide the best experience for the user

• Insights into the other aspects of the program

Competences:

• To learn what makes a succesful user interface

• In general

• For a program that allows users to design houses

R.A. Niemeijer, 513316 - June 7, 2006

Problem description

Subject

Research aspects

Design aspects

Expectations

Risks

Planning

faculteit ddsstechnische universiteit eindhovenT

Ue/

Risks

Possible risks include:

• Protoypes taking too long to build

• Users have no preference

• User test are conducted incorrectly

R.A. Niemeijer, 513316 - June 7, 2006

Problem description

Subject

Research aspects

Design aspects

Expectations

Risks

Planning

faculteit ddsstechnische universiteit eindhovenT

Ue/

Planning

Research

Conclusions,DetailedPlanning

BuildingPrototypes

User Tests

PreparingResults

Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan

R.A. Niemeijer, 513316 - June 7, 2006

Problem description

Subject

Research aspects

Design aspects

Expectations

Risks

Planning

faculteit ddsstechnische universiteit eindhovenT

Ue/

Questions?