CS 3724: Metaphors for Personal Engagement In_Class Activity 2: January 30

Group #:

Names and Student ID number of group members present today:

Problem scenario:

Jim Johnson is manager of the Appliances department at Sears. He makes a good income, but has a family to support — a wife who works part-time at the library, and three kids under 12. He and his wife manage their family budget carefully, so they are able to put some money aside for savings and other discretionary spending every month. The family also is involved in several community organizations; Jim’s favorite is Habitat for Humanity; he likes getting out with other volunteers to do physical work on weekends.

After work one day Jim is browsing the BEV, curious about other nonprofit organizations in the area. He is attracted by a new one named “Curious Minds”; when he visits the site, he is impressed at the amount, quality, and organization of the information it contains—a detailed history and account of people involved, their vision, current goals, and status, their resources and current sponsors, a calendar of events, and links to their national sponsoring organization.. As he starts to move on, he sees a request for donations that emphasizes the special financial needs of this new nonprofit organization. He pauses briefly, debating whether to respond to this request, but ultimately moves on, promising himself that he will return at a later time to see how they are doing.

Your brainstorming goal:

The “Curious Minds” organization wants a new Web design that will more effectively engage a casual visitor like Jim, so that he does more than just learn about their organization. They want to evoke empathy and personal connection, to increase the likelihood that Jim will decide to donate his personal time or resources. Brainstorm metaphors that could move their Web site in this direction. Focus on activity design (e.g., objects, services, the basic functions) rather than on Web page details. Try to make sure that everyone in your group gets a chance to contribute ideas; this is also an opportunity to practice working together.

When you have some good ideas, try them out in the scenario above, and see if you can predict how they might change Jim’s experience. Summarize your redesigned scenario below and on the back, so that you can share your design ideas with the class: