Direct feedback mobile tablet device

Abstract

During this user centered design project for Wacom Europe GmbH a new accessory for the Interactive White Board (IWB) was designed. This product for the educational market combines pressure sensitive reflective LCD technology with Wacom’s pen technology. Right at the start of this project users have been introduced to these technologies. They could experience them in first hand by using the Palette v1.0 prototype, which originated from a previous project for Wacom Europe GmbH. The Palette v1.0 prototype was used during 5 focus group sessions and during these session a total of 21 insights have been captured. After each session the insights were summarized in the form of insight cards in “cartoon style“. These insight cards were used as discussion guidelines and provided inspiration and structure throughout the separate focus group sessions. Based on the outcomes of the focus group sessions functional changes to the device setup were made and tested in an early prototype: Palette v1.1. This new design was validated and a high fidelity prototype was made: Palette v2.0. This prototype was also the end result of this project. Based on the insights gathered with Palette v1.0 & v1.1 a new product design was made and prototyped by using the SLS rapid prototyping technique. This prototype is fully functional, operates through a wireless interface and the functional components were integrated. The general look and feel, size, weight and functionality was as close to an engineering sample as possible. During the final user tests 5 participants evaluated the product in 3 separate controlled sessions. 3 participants were new to the Palette concept, but all the participants were enthusiastic about the new Palette v2.0. Its has opened a whole new world interactive possibilities for them. The teachers now have the instructive power of the IWB right in their hand.