Functionality is the most basic need the design needs to meet. If the Ningaloo Destination Model fails to achieve its intended purpose: to provide predictions of future tourism in the area to enable discussion about positive development, than the design itself is already unsuccessful, despite how it may look or how cool it functions. Even though this the most basic level of the Heirarchy of Needs, for this particular project, it was probably the hardest stage. "Wrapping your head" around the problem was quite a long process. The project required the categorizing and simplifying of numerous amounts of [dare I say] random data. The following wireframe is where the data was to be allocated in its most basic form. The 'model runs' actually contain multiple model runs within that area- of which they needed to be able to be compared.
The project required not only graphs and statistics to be shown in an engaging and understandable manner, but it involved high interaction. This means giving the user the ability to click through and choose what information they wanted to compare or view. Due to lack of actual coding ability, we were required to produce a working prototype of how the system was to work if implemented. Most of inspiration for visualising complez data was derived from websites such as USA Today- http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2009-02-06-new-jobs-growth-graphic_N.htm
and Flowing Data- http://projects.flowingdata.com/.
The user is able to interact with these small interactive information modules by clicking on things and seeing information grow and change depending on what the user was to click on. I took a similar approach to this for the Destination Model.
I think this was a successful outcome for the project. Given time constraints and the reality that our primary goal was to design the look of the system and make sure it was effective and engaging, the 'functionality' aspect of the design was actually meant to be worked on after the style was established. So I suppose once the Model as a whole is completed in the near future it will definitely meet the basic user needs, however our task as designers for this particular project, was not to meet this need.
Reliability is the next level in the hierarchy of needs. It requires establishing stable and consistent performance. The word 'longevity' comes to mind when dealing this sort of project. The system must be able to be used not just for the next year or so to come, but this basic model must have the ability to input new sets of data every year as trends continue to change. This, I believe, is extended from the coding side of things. The way the system is scripted or coded needs to be done in such a way, that making relevant changes in the future is 'do-able'.
Usability needs is the next level. This looks at how easy and forgiving the design is to use. If the difficulty of use is too great, or the consequences of simple errors to severe, usability needs are not satisfied. This required simply using noticeable buttons and icons throughout the design to ensure the user knows how to navigate their way through data. What I could have improved is inserting 'Back' buttons, so if the user accidentally clicked on a separate model run or wanted to go back to where they were before, they can. To improve usability, I would add more blurbs and help tags that can help the user when using it for the first time.
Proficiency needs empower people to do things better than how they could previously. Designs at this level are perceived to be of high value. Analyzing the Destination Model now, I think what would enhance usability is for users to be able to 'snapshot' information they have developed through the model runs or ie. save what they are looking at. The problem with flash based programs is that you cannot save the images within it. Unless they use a screen shot, which is not particularly common knowledge or appropriate. Therefore, the system I design would be enhanced by allowing the user to click on a Camera Icon for instance and automatically save their screen into a folder in their harddrive for future discussions. Whats good is that each model run has 'bread crumbs' which shows the user how they got to that particular run.
Creativity is the highest level of needs, ensuring all needs have been satisfied and people can begin to interact with the design in innovative ways. This level of needs is the least met in my project. It requires a certain level of depth in the design that is not apparent in my design. I think its something that can be achieved once all other levels of need are completely satisfied and that in itself is a hard task for this particular project atleast.
Overall the project was challenging yet encouraged me to approach design in a different way. This client needed an Information Graphics approach rather than just design for the sake of design. It required our class to think outside the box to provide successful results.
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