Objectives \/ Goals: Author an interactive product. \u00a0Utilize a variety of platforms and formats in delivery of interactive content. \u00a0Apply effect user-interface design across platforms.<\/p>\n
For this project you will be working in new pairs to implement a user-centered design process to make prototypes for an app (web or mobile) that will help people make\u00a0decisions. \u00a0I highly recommend taking a look at Chip and Dan Heath’s book Decisive in thinking about this project.<\/p>\n
In summary, as humans we are particularly bad at making important\u00a0decisions, usually because we have little experience in making them in the past to use as a\u00a0guide in the future. \u00a0For instance, selecting a house to buy, choosing a life partner, picking a retirement plan are all significant life choices, but ones that people may only make 1-5 times in their life. \u00a0How can we build tools to help?<\/p>\n
Traditional decision making tools are usually ineffective, or actually harmful to this process. \u00a0Pro\/Con lists are heavily biased by the list maker, and one is usually better off asking a stranger than a friend for advice\u00a0because\u00a0the friend will usually have a similar life outlook as the advice seeker, while a stranger may be more\u00a0objective.<\/p>\n
Your application may be broad or narrow in scope, as in, is it\u00a0versatile\u00a0in helping with many different kinds of\u00a0decisions, or very good at helping with only one kind\u00a0of\u00a0decision. \u00a0It can not be random or “metaphysical” like a magic 8 ball.<\/p>\n