ResumeQualitative Research for Design
Client:
Waymark Gardens
Role:
Qualitative Researcher
Timeline:
10 weeks
Waymark Gardens is a senior residential community in Glendale, Arizona. Our objective was to conduct research and identify areas for growth around the community to improve resident engagement.
Here is a 2-minutes video walkthrough of the entire project. Hit play!
OBSERVATIONS
Exploring the community and local resources
Prepare
To begin, we defined our approach to observing the community and its neighborhood.
Locations
We decided to observe 3 locations,
Waymark gardens community
Velma Teague library
Glendale community college
Areas to Focus on
We focused on,
Technological access
Educational opportunities
Leisure activities for seniors
Data Collection methods
We recorded our observations using,
Post-observation debrief forms
Photos/Videos
Notes (Pen & Paper)
Conduct
Once our approach was decided, we recorded data on debrief forms
Analyse
Data from the debrief forms were coded into clusters & categorized using AEIOU. Whenever we saw a connection between nodes, we linked them.
Report
Based on our initial observation of Waymark Gardens and the neighborhood, we learnt that
New
Technology
During our visit to Waymark Gardens, we learnt that a new smart TV was going to be installed in all resident homes. This new TV was fully-customizable and senior friendly.
Educational Opportunities
At Waymark Gardens and the library, we noticed multiple paper ads on the community bulletin board, highlighting educational & leisure activities for seniors to attend.
Leisure
Activities
At Waymark Gardens, we observed residents engaged in multiple activities such as walking, crocheting, and exercising. Additionally, residents were sitting in groups in the courtyard.
Initial HMW
HMW help seniors learn skills they desire and provide them with opportunities for community engagement so that they can live collaboratively and happily?
INTERVIEWS
Learning from our users
Prepare
Conduct
Analyse
Report
Prepare
To understand user needs, we interviewed current residents at Waymark Gardens to learn about their experience
Interview Focus
Our interview questions were focused on,
The day to day activities of the residents
The technology they have access to and their familiarity with it
Their learning interests
Conduct
We interviewed 5 residents and 1 senior staff member at Waymark Gardens
Analyse
We transcribed the data from our interviews and highlighted keywords that were color coded within appropriate categories. This data was then analyzed using Affinity Mapping.
Color-coded transcribed data
Affinity Mapping in Miro
Needs and pain points identified based on themes
Report
After analyzing the data we collected through interviews, we learnt that
New
Technology
While most residents are excited about the new TV technology that is being implemented, they expressed the need for training on how to use it and customize it to suit their needs.
Educational Opportunities
Residents showed little interest in teaching; however, many expressed a strong desire to learn about aerobics, technology, using smartphones and crocheting
Leisure
Activities
Many residents expressed feelings of loneliness and a desire to make new friends. They also wanted to stay informed about new residents moving into the community.
Revised HMW
HMW help seniors learn skills they desire and provide them with opportunities for community engagement so that they can live collaboratively and happily?
EVALUATION
Validating my hypotheses
I developed three potential solutions,
Use a custom TV App as a communication tool to keep residents informed
Install a feedback box in the community for residents to voice out their issues
Design a team for residents to host events to help with the planning and execution of community events
Following this, I conducted a survey with the residents to learn which idea was more appealing to them and learnt that,
85%
Residents preferred the TV app as they spend a lot of times indoors
Card Sorting
To further understand user needs, I interviewed residents and conducted open card-sorting to define the Information Architecture to propose to the client
Proposed Information Architecture
The aim of this project was to present a proposal to the management of Waymark gardens. Along with my research findings, I submitted a draft of my recommended IA.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What I Learnt
Assumptions can be misleading
One of the biggest takeaways from this project was realizing how easily assumptions can mislead the research process. This project reinforced the need to stay open-minded and avoid relying solely on preconceived notions or assumptions about user behavior.
User-focused research is key
Focusing on the user at every stage was key in shaping the success of the project. By engaging directly with the residents and continuously incorporating their feedback, we were able to suggest a product that genuinely addressed their needs and enhanced their daily lives.