Mandy+Flynn+Week+Five

=Bodystorming=

Bodystorming is a technique sometimes used in interaction design or as a creativity technique. The idea is to imagine what it would be like if the product existed, and act as though it exists, ideally in the place it would be used. [|Wikipedia]

Dr. Jeff Bardzell starts his video with a simulation of blind person. In order to get an accurate representation he blindfolds the test subject and grants them use of a stick to detect their surroundings while walking around. The findings show that the participant found themselves disoriented and dependant. The test subject relied heavily on other senses and resulted in the participant realizing how much they relied on sound and touch to perform simple tasks.

The second experiment was to simulate Attention Deficit Disorder by having the participant answer math questions at the same time as reciting a phone number. The questions had to be answered in succession on a handheld device while reciting the number out loud. The participant was consistently unable to recite the correct number, which made him frustrated and lowered his self esteem. The result of this experiment was to use simple and clear activities as well as activities to stimulate a longer attention span.

In activity number three the participant was to perform regular action while simulating chronic arthritis. Straight and solid objects, such as pens and pencils, were fastened to the joints. This decreased the mobility in his fingers, wrists and elbows. Gloves were then placed over his hands for the full effect. The participant was unable to function with a high level of anxiety and fear of injuring himself. The result of this experiment would be to further research the use of speech recognition technology as well as using safe materials.