Lab+5


 * Bodystorming**

Known as “contextual brainstorming” bodystorming is a creative technique which essentially tests a specific design or invention in the associated environment it will eventually be used in. This allows designers to decipher whether or not the design can work in the environment and what aspects they should possibly improve on. This method is also used by designers if they are lost in their thought process and need a little push to help them generate more ideas. Bodystorming gives designers that push that propels them to achieve bigger and better ideas. In the example used in class, people stepped outside of their world as they know it, and entered the one of people with disabilities. By seeing the world through their eyes, designers quickly understood the frustration and stress people of disabilities undoubtedly experience in their day-to-day lives.

There are three steps to consider when it comes to bodystorming. The first is to observe the original plan. This allows researchers to carefully observe their observations by examining what is occurring in the actual field. To get a thorough idea of how a specific design, innovation or invention works, researchers must go out to the field in which they have placed this design and understand its effects in its natural habitat. The idea is to just sit back and observe, without interrupting the natural flow of the surroundings. This will ensure optimal results.

The second step is to actually try the design or innovation out. In this step, researchers use role play and props to generate an idea. Striving to create a richer coffee purchasing experience discussed in class is one example. Researchers created an environment similar to a coffee shop, with their colleagues playing different roles to make the experience more realistic. This method allows researchers to get a general idea of how to enhance the coffee-purchasing experience.

The third step entails taking whatever information was discovered in the first two steps and applying it to the design in order to improve it. Researchers use this information to understand the positive aspects as well as the negative aspects of the design.