Berlin Study Trip

In grad school, I was the chair of the student body organization for my masters program. One of my responsibilities in this role was to organize a week long trip to lead design thinking workshops to showcase how the methodologies we were practicing in school could be used to drive innovation. We organized a trip to Berlin to work with Mimi Hearing Technologies, Bosh, and HTW Berlin. Collaborating with a start-up, large company, and a university allowed us to explore how our design methodologies could be adapted and used in a variety of settings tackle issues and drive results.

Bosch Washers and Dryers

At Bosh, we explored how user interactions with their new washer and dryers could be improved. We started by interacting with the new washers and dryer models and noting what what worked well, and what was lacking in making interactions with the machines intuitive and ergonomic.

Each team explored the current process of washing clothes in these machine and identified areas of improvement. We also focused on how the design could could drive interaction qualities that make the washing process more fun and less like a chore. Teams focused on how communication could be improved to make washing options more clear for different types of clothing, as well as how interactions could be more enjoyable through methods such as new visuals and more playful language.

HTW Berlin

HTW Berlin is a university of applied sciences with programs in engineering, computer science, graphics, and business. We collaborated with computer science students in a day long workshop exploring how augmented reality could bring new solutions to the home kitchen.

Students from TU Delft lead design thinking exercises to explore the current kitchen experience and identify areas of opportunity ranging from improving nutritional intake, reducing waste, and creating a space for collaboration and family bonding. HTW students participated in these design exercises, and helped generate ideas and describe what was feasible with AR technology.

Each team built quick prototypes and shared with the group at the end of the day. The collaboration allowed HTW students to learn some design thinking methods, and provided TU Delft students with the opportunity to learn more about and design with augmented reality.