1. Natasha Koshy
Bhoomika Ghagada
Varsha Vishnu Prasad
Farah Ibrahim
Design Thinking Portfolio
37505
40521
31837
41964
Fall’13
DES 394
Professor Gaurang Desai
2. The Brief
Theforcesofglobalizationarereshapingcitiesbymakingthemahubforeconomic
and cultural exchange. This has resulted in cities actively competing with each
other to become a favored hub for the networked economy. One of the most
common strategies employed by politicians, urban designers and policy makers
towardsachievingthishasbeenaprogramofmassiveandsystematicinvestments
in the urban environment to build cultural, economic and entertainment spaces.
Unfortunately, this has also resulted in a growing sense of placelessness or the
McDonaldization of the urban environment wherein lay people feel left out and
unable to voice their opinion on how the urban spaces they have grown up with,
should evolve.
The enormous growth of innovative uses of computing, mobile devices, and
rich sources of data however provide us with a voice. The urban spaces of
the future will be saturated with both visible and hidden media that gather and
transmit information. How can we as designers help lay users to gain a voice
for themselves? How can we help them reclaim their cities? How can cities
accommodate both the local and the global? You will research how urban
spaces are represented in the popular press (meant for global consumption)
and research unique perspectives of those who live within it. You will then match
the users views to a designed artifact that maps, annotates, allows users to build
relationships and build an alternate, more local image of their cities.
Reclaiming and Redefining Urban Spaces
3. 1
Domain Mapping
To gain a sound understanding of the chosen domain, and to conduct thorough research of the popular trends
as well as artifacts/ services designed to cater to those trends.
We researched current design trends in
four different areas: Art Installations, Digital
Innovation,Architectural Reclamation and
Community Engagement on a global level.
We then grouped problems sharing a
similar theme as shown on the left, before
summarizing and analysing our findings, as
reflected on our Tumblr blog entry on the
left.
4. 2
User Empathy
Recruiting and interviewing subjects on the selected domain.
Engagementand
Activities
-sheeshacafe
-hockey
-parties
-clubbing
-shopping
Wheretogo?
Consultswith
Conveniencein
Transportation
-Carisimportant
-Drivingorcallafriend
-Doesnotusepublictransport
Evane
Friends
-socialinteraction
-collegefriendsandlifestyle
-opinionsandpersonalities
-Someliketogo
outmorethanothers
EmotionalAttachment
-memoriesatcertain
placesandfavorite
spotsarethemostfrequently
visitied-CASAsheeshacafe
Sometimestrafficisworthit
Technology
-ReferstoFoursquare
suggestions
andreviews
Weather
-incrediblyhot
-everythingisbuiltaroungthe
conceptofconvenience
-indoorculture-everything
isair-conditioned
-culturalrestrictionsonclothing
makestheweatherworse
InfrastructureofDubai
Culture
-There’saculutreofjaywalking
-lackofwalkingtracks
andbicycleslanes
-drivingisapriority
InfrastructureofDubai
Transport
-Notthemosteconomical-
Transportistime-consuming
-Nocabsduringprayertimes
-Trafficisapain
-Reallydifficulttolivewithoutacar
FriendsandFamily
-theonesinDubaiare
easiertorelatetothanthe
oneslivingabroad
becauseDubaicultureisdifferent
Locals
-haveadaptedto
expatriateculture
-forinstance,canspeakHindi
-Makesexpatriates
feelwelcome
InteractionwithPeople
Friendsfromdifferentcultures
-gettolearnaboutdifferent
traditionsandvalues
-EvanecelebratesEid
Evane’sInteraction
withpeopleinDubai
Dailyinteractionwith
diversepeople
-PhilipinoladiesatMc’Donald’s,
Pakistanifriends,Americanprofessors
-makesDubaiatolerant
andfriendlyplacetolive
FriendsandFamily
-theonesinDubaiare
easiertorelatetothanthe
oneslivingabroad
becauseDubaicultureisdifferent
Parents
-Movedhere
fromIndiatoearna living
butstillwanttoworkhere
-Fondofthecity
Multicultural
Environment
-tolerancefor
othercultures
Thingschangevery
quicklyinDubai
-demolishingplacesand
reconstruction
IdentityofDubai
Imageofprogressand
industrialization
Differenceinmindset
-easiertomeet
newpeoplethan
IndiabutnotasopenasUSA
Architectureisverydifferent
-theytrytoincorporatetheold
-everythingisflashyandbright
Identityof
Dubai
Home
Luxury
Hotweather
Expensiveand
Convenient
Sheeshaculture
Multicultural
-Metropolitan
-manysubcultures
StrongCulturalRules-
Restrictionsonclothing
Restrictionsonexpression-
limitstheexperienceofthecitizens
CultureofDubai
HighLife
-Wealthypeople
-Expensiveandluxurious
-Theexperienceyouhavedepends
ontheamountofmoneyyouhave
HighlyAdvertised
Man-made
-Charmingbut
pretentious
DUBAI
-according
toTarun
Home
Convenient
Lifestyle
Fast-pacedlife
-healthconcsious
living
Desert
Tarun
Whatisthepurpose
oftheouting?
-entertainment
-food
-sociallife
-shopping
Friends
-frequentweekendhangouts
-amountofmoneytheyhave
Traffic
-mostimportantthingtotakeintoconsideration
-trafficplaysamassiverole-
wouldrathertakesalikthangetstuckintraffic.
-FrIendscarpoolwitheachother
Wheretogo?
Consultswith
Advertisedasapretty
picturefortourists
Ostentatious
Architecture
IdentificationwithDubai
HighLife
-Searchtolookforsignsof
povertyeventhoughthere’splenty
PublicTransport
-shouldconnect
tootheremirates
-moreconvenience
Identifying
withDUBAI
Home
Lackofauthenticity
-becauseallculturescannot
organicallyexpressthemselves.
-LikeNewYork
TarunShyam
GraduateofAmericanUniversityofSharjah
Age:23years
LivedinDubaifor14years
EvaneD’Souza
StudentatAmericanUniversityofSharjah
Age:21years
BornandraisedinDubai
Person
Transporatation
“notalwayshaveacar”
Place
“decentandnice”
Friends
“Togowiththem”
Parents
“permissiontogoout”
Interview2
Culturalmodel
Person:
-Civilengineer
-masters
-Ownsacar
Conditons
- easytodriveto
-closetowork/university
-weather
Family
-Gofordinner
-familygathering
Friends
-tohangoutwith
-iftheyneedaride
Cafe
-indoorshisha
-tomeetfriends
-havelunchordinner
Malls
-forshopping
-walkaround
-thereisa/c
Interview1
flowmodel
BBM/Call
Person:
-Student
-architecture
Transport
- needsacar
-whatisclose
Malls
- shopping
-restaurant
Friends
-tohangoutwith
-iftheyneedaride
-sitandtalk
Parks
-preferparkinnice
weather
-parkwherethecarcan
goinside
Meseum
-toseeartwork
-newartintallments
Interview2
flowmodel
Interviewee #1
-
Dad
-
Mother
-
Car -
Dad
Intervewiee # 1
Friends
Cost
Time
Intervewiee # 2
Dad
Mother
Friends
-
-
-
Siblings
-
-
Intervewiee # 2
Dad
-
Appearance
-
Place
Friends
People (Fear of opinion)
-
Interviewee # 1
Flow Model Cultural Model
Flow Model Cultural Model
Interviewee # 2
Manju
-21yearsold
-5thyearArchitectureStudent
-FoodLover
WORK
-UniversityAssignments
decidetheoutingschedules/pref-
erences
FOOD/RESTAURANTS
-Typeoffood
-LocationofRestaurant
PARKING
-Parkingspacesareimportant
toher
-Inadequateparkingspaces
discouragehersubsequent
visitsPREFERREDPLACES
-JBRWalks
-Downtownareas
-Qasba
-Majazwaterfrontarea
FAVOURITEPLACE
-MirdiffCityCenter
-instantlikingtothearea
-familiarwithalmostallshops
-hasasetroutethatshe
alwaysfollows
-storeemployeesrecognize
her
-visitseveryweek
INDOORCULTURE
-Prefersindoorintimate
settingsmore
-Notanactiveoutdoor
person
FRIENDS
-Alwaysmeetsin
Dubai
-Moreplacesand
entertainment
TRAFFIC
-Choiceofrestaurantaffected
bythetimeshemayhaveto
spendonroad,stuckintraffic
toDubai
CLIMATE
-Daysaretoohot
-Preferstogooutatevening
oratnight
FAMILY
-Preferstogotoplacesin
Sharjah
Manju
-drivesowncar
-doesnotgenerallyusepublictransport
FRIENDS
-Alwaysmeetsin
Dubai
-Moreplacesand
entertainment
TRAFFIC
-Choiceofrestaurantaffected
bythetimeshemayhaveto
spendonroad,stuckintraffic
toDubai
SOCIALMEDIA
-ChecksreviewsonZomato,
TimeOutDubaiandFacebook
tofindrestaurants
FAMILY
-Preferstogotoplacesin
Sharjahtoavoid
traffic
Meetsthematdestination
Takesthemtorestaurants
inSharjah
toavoidtraffic
FOOD/RESTAURANTS
-Typeoffood
-LocationofRestaurant
BhoomikaAshvinkumar|ID#40521 FarahIbrahim |ID#39421 NatashaKoshy|ID#37505 VarshaVishnuPrasad|ID#31837
Roshni
-24yrsold
-Architecture
studentatAUS
WORK
-UniversityAssignments
decidetheoutingschedules/pref-
erences
FOOD/RESTAURANTS
-Typeoffood
-LocationofRestaurant
PREFERREDPLACES
-JBRWalks
-Beacheareas
-Qasba
-Majazwaterfrontarea
-Bastakiya
OUTDOOR CULTURE
-Prefersoutdoor
settingsmore
-Visitsparksandbeaches
whenclimateisgood
CLIMATE
-Daysaretoohot
-Preferstogooutatevening
oratnight
FRIENDS
-takesherwhenfree
-theydecidetheloca-
tions,becausethey
drive
HOPES
-wouldliketogotosmaller
souqlikeareasmore,pre-
fersifsuchtrendwould
emerge,whereshecanfeel
moreconnectedtothe
placesheshopsfromorvisit
Roshni
-donotowncar
-generallyusepublictransport
FRIENDS
-takesherwhenfree DESTINATION
-generallyliketogoto
beachesandJBRwalks
-donotlikemalls,but
forcedtospendtimedue
tolackofopporunities
TRAFFIC
-Choiceofdestinations
affectedbythetimeshemay
havetospendonroad,stuck
intraffictoDubai
PUBLICTRANSPORTATION
-hastoconsiderbustimings
fromAUS
-buyticketstoRashidiya
-useMetro
fromuniversitytodestination
Person
Weather
“determineswheretogo”
Malls/cafe’s
“ifshishaisthere”
Family
“Togowiththem”
Friends
“wheretogo”
Interview1
Culturalmodel
CULTURALMODEL
CULTURALMODEL
FLOW MODEL
FLOWMODEL
Using the city of Dubai as our domain, we conducted interviews of two
subjects each. The information was then analysed and represented in
the form of work models, mainly flow and cultural models,. These depict
the specific factors influencing the decision making process of going
out, spending leisure time and the like in Dubai.
5. 3
Interpretation & Affinities
Breakdown and resynthesis of interview information in the form of newer models, in addition to
grouping similar themes/ factors as a method of sharing information and gaining group input.
The interpretation process
involved a physical sorting and
categorizing of ideas after a
detailed recap of each member’s
interviews. The result was
groups of ideas with the same
affinities to one particular theme.
These were summarized, given
insights and used as bases for
design ideas.
3
Affinities
Summary
Firstly, we found a huge distinction between how people
spend their weekends and weekdays.
The access to technology and the ease with which they
can use it, determines their interest to explore the city.
People plan outings amongst friends using instant chat
forums like bbm, whatsapp and foursquare.
Insights
Unanimously, Friday was a family day which means that
the family (mainly the father) dictates where to go. Since
Friday tends to be a family day, the hectic lifestyle of the
working members of the family limits exploration and the
interest to do so. Because of their busy schedules, they
find themselves at familiar places due to indecision.
Exploration tends to be greater during the weekends
specifically with friends because time available on
weekdays is limited by their schedules. Weekdays are
dominated by visiting familiar and convenient places.
Design Ideas
Increase people’s convenience to explore during
weekdays and families’ convenience to explore during
weekends.
Summary
The lifestyle of people living in Dubai revolves around
whether or not they have access to a car, their ability to
navigate and traffic.
Insight
There seems to be a growing culture of carpooling
amongst friends because of traffic and poor direction
sense.
Lack of a car and the inconvenience of public transport
create a dependency on the driver, giving him decision-
making power.
Social life improves with car access.
Design Idea
Travelling marketplace (during Fridays)
Summary
The manner in which the space in Dubai is designed
lacks a sense of intimacy.
Insights
Hot weather leads to indoor culture, where people do
not get a sense of liberation. Outings do not provide the
release people look for in terms of personal interaction
with spaces and people. There is also an overstimulation
of the senses, which contributes to this frustration.
People yearn for more intimate and open spaces, not
standardized designs.
Design ideas
Alternative routes to a place through cute streets smaller
streets, alternative routes. Giving everyone diff routes-
through apps. To get to the same place.
Summary
There seems to be a single-minded focus on
appearances in all aspects of Dubai culture.
Insights
There is a strong class hierarchy that influences people,
pressurizing them to keep up appearances regardless
of the their financial background. They therefore choose
places depending on their adaptability to that particular
class environment.
Dubai is viewed as a city built to impress and solely for
economic progress. This particular tendency has created
a cold, impersonal atmosphere in popular haunts like
malls, hotels, etc.
The decision making of where to go is influenced by
popular trends and places visited on social media.
The subcultures are not allowed to blossom organically,
like in other cities [New York]. There is a homogeneity in
culture- a hybrid of Western culture and a dash of other
cultures just in order to ‘fit in’.
Summary
The face of Dubai is constantly changing- constant
demolition and reconstruction.
Insight
Memories are being formed but emotional attachments
aren’t with newer places. Emotional attachments are
stronger with places linked with old Dubai.
Constant change is causing frustration in the decision
making process, leading people to resort to the familiar.
Culture and heritage of the place is used for aesthetic
appeal but is not an element which is deeply rooted in the
city. The face of Dubai is constantly changing according
to expatriates’ standards, imitating the western culture
which causes it to lose its authenticity.
Citizens do not get a say in what should change and if it
should change- wholly the government’s decision.
Design Idea
Using old spaces for new uses or recreating a cultural
space with modern principles.
6. 4
Ideation & Prototyping
This phase involved the creation of a systemic chart in order to map the existing system and locate
the problems contained therein. Small scale solutions were then developed to modify the system by
addresing most, if not all problems. Scenarios were also created in order to place the proposed product in
context, in addition to wireframes that outlines the solution in a detailed manner.
The systemic chart was created to identify the gaps between demand and supply of
urban spaces in Dubai. The analysis revealed a sizeable gap between the demand for
intimate,environmentallyfriendlyplacesthataretimeefficienttoreachandtheresultant
zoning of a supply of separate work, leisure and residential spaces. The implications
created by this include inefficient infrastructure, lack of emotional attachment and a
rigid power structure with no space for the public voice. Our solution aims to combat
these three implications with three phases of an App that aids in the reporting of
community problems, sharing of memories and public opinion to target each issue
respectively.
4
Ideation & Prototyping
Systemic Chart
7. 4
Ideation & Prototyping
The Solution: Phone App
The solution consists of a phone App that will be released in 3 phases: Memories,
Opinions & Problems. This project only tackles the first phase, however.
Residents’ identity with Dubai is fortified via their ability to share memories, post
problems and share opinions on changes in their community and city via this app.
Moreover,theywillbeabletoviewthepaceofchangeintermsofthesethreeparameters
physically and with the help of gradient color changes with the 3 respective heatmaps,
as sharing is done on the basis of location. Thus, each category will be color coded
throughout, especially on the heat map, as users can easily filter and ditinguish
between the three on the map itself. The app also has its own social network in terms
of the newsfeed that can be filtered according to the category, and always displays
trending topics.Users can also post pictures as a way to better visualize and describe
memories or problems. Finally, conversations are two way as public authorities and
builders may reply to problems and ideas via the comments section of the newsfeed,
which allows healthy progress toward change on whatever scale it may be. This app
may merely deepen the residents’ bond and sense of responsibility toward the city, or
may actually lead to tangible and sizeable changes in the community. Either situation
satisfies the brief’s requirements.
Memories
Opinions
Problems
Memories
Opinions
Problems
Memories
Opinions
Problems
Memories
Opinions
Problems
Memories
Opinions
Problems
Memories
Opinions
Problems
4
Ideation & Prototyping
The Solution: App Wireframe Sketches
8. 4
Ideation & Prototyping
The Solution: App Scenario Sketches
Phase 1: Memories
Alicia uses the ‘memories’ category of the app to record
a memorable time she just shared with her friends at a
restaurant in JBR. She uses the app to write a review for
the restaurant, her experience with her friends, and add
a picture of her friends to the location on the heatmap.
She can go home to review her entry and view her friend’s
experiences at the same location on the heatmap.
Phase 2: Opinions
When Alicia notices a new building site in her area, she
logs on to the ‘opinions’ category of the app and looks for a
discussion and poll on this site in her area. She clicks on it
in the newsfeed, adds her poll opinion and comment, and
folllows the developments of the project via comments form
the builders and other users. When a building is built taking
into consideration her opinion, she feels empowered.
Phase 3: Problems
When Alicia notices a street lamp that is not working in her
neighbourhood, she speedily reports the problem via her
phone app using the ‘problems’ category by marking its
location on the heatmap and adding a picture of the broken
street lamp. The authorities reply in the comments section,
ensuring her that the situation is being taken care of. She
feels happy to have contributed to her neughbourhood.
10. 4
Testing
The prototype was tested using a heuristic evaluation technique where users are
meant to test the app and rank it in a severity report according to 10 design heuristics.
Phase 1 (Memories) was tested as it was the introductory phase developed. Three
functions were tested in this category, with 3 users for each. These 3 functions were:
registering as a user, publishing a memory without uploading a picture and publishing
a memory with an uploaded picture. The following severity reports reflect the results
of the testing.
1. Registering as a User
User 1
User 2
User 3
4
Testing
Heuristic Evaluation of Prototype
After an analysis of all the severity reports, the following were the implemented changes
to the final prototype above:
• Status bar for picture uploading in terms of percentage uploaded
• Tag users option added whilst uploading
• Help (question mark icon) option added on each page with respect to each step of
the process. User is directed to a help page where the function of that process is
described, including future steps for reference as a way ahead.
11. 2. Publishing a Memory Alone
User 1
User 2
User 3
4
Testing
2. Publishing a Memory Alone & Uploading a Relevant Picture
User 1
User 2
User 3
4
Testing