Abstract
This paper describes a non-traditional user-centered approach for developing the first concepts for a consumer product having a new technology not yet seen in the marketplace at the time of the study. The method facilitates significant user contributions to the generation of compelling concepts by engaging them in both graphically and physically visualizing and communicating their perceptions. A Human Factors Engineer and an Industrial Designer collaborated to apply the method for the purpose of ultimately developing usability and appearance models for the new product. Interviewing and real-time sketching were used to translate users' ideas to graphical form. In addition, the children's game, Mr. Potato Head, was adapted to allow users to physically build concepts. Twelve participants were engaged in the study and the result was a diverse set of candidate concepts for the product. Although the study met our objectives, learnings are discussed that could enhance future deployment of the method.
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