Studio 1

Goals

• Define teams (5 students per team);
• Introduction to Design Thinking and some research methods;
  
• Work on project proposals;
  
• Arduino starter class.
  

Research Methods

This studio will start with a short lecture on Design Thinking and research methods, namely interviews and user observation. 

Project Proposals

You will have the opportunity to start discussing project themes and brainstorm ideas.

Some research questions that you want to answer before the design stage include: What are users? mains goals? What are their main challenges? What are their expectations? What other tasks do they perform? In what context do they perform those tasks? Etc. Insights from user research will allow you to create empathy with users and inform the design process.

I recommend that you define a schedule to do user research. Depending on your questions, you should pick the research methods that better fit your project?s goals. 

Arduino Starter Class

You will do the Arduino class available at instructables.com

Some IMPORTANT notes on the class: 

Lesson 1 - What You'll Learn

• Finish this lesson before class. This includes installing all the required software. Do not be overwhelmed by the required materials, Faculty will provide all needed materials (i.e. Arduino Starter Kit).

Lesson 2 - Your First Experiments

• In the section 'Add more LEDs', add just 2 more LEDs;
• Skip section 'RGB LEDs'. 

Lesson 3 - Input / Output

• Section 'Analog Input' is optional;
• Skip section 'A Moment for Motors'.

Lesson 4 - Skills Infusion & Going Further

• Skip this whole lesson.

Good luck!