Rapid prototyping of computer systems: experiences and lessons

Abstract

Abstract--Carnegie Mellon University has developed a User-Centered Interdisciplinary Concurrent System Design Methodology (UICSM) that takes teams of electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, computer scientists, industrial designers, and human computer interaction students that work with an end-user to generate a complete prototype system during a four-month long course. The methodology is web-supported and defines intermediary design products that document the evolution of the design. These products are posted on the web so that even remote designers and end-users can participate in the design activities. The design methodology proceeds through three phases: conceptual design, detailed design, and implementation. End-users critique the design at each phase. In addition, simulated and real application tasks provide further focus for design evaluation. The methodology has been used by the class, in designing over a dozen wearable computers, with diverse applications ranging from inspection and maintenance of heavy transportation vehicles to augmented reality in manufacturing and plant operations. The methodology includes monitoring and evaluation of the design process. This methodology is illustrated through a description of developing pervasive computing applications in collaboration with IBM during the Spring 2000 course.

Addressing Online Information Needs in Palliative Care: An Action Research-Inspired Approach

“…The actual web design process borrowed from 'rapid prototyping,' a design model that draws on the exploration and evaluation of a small prototype that, in turn, informs the development of the larger-scale system (Siewiorek et al 2001). User feedback was collected in the form of focus group discussions, written comments, and 'think aloud protocols,' a method where users navigate the prototype site delivering verbal comments throughout the process (Wilson et al 1993).…”

Evolving from Single Disciplines to Renaissance Teams

“…The methodology has been used in designing over three dozen computer systems, with diverse applications including inspection and maintenance of heavy transportation vehicles; augmented reality in manufacturing and plant operations; car/driver interaction; bridge inspection; aircraft sheet metal inspection; offshore oil platform crane operation; and welding nuclear submarine hulls (Siewiorek et al 1994;Smailagic and Siewiorek 1999;Smailagic and Siewiorek 2002a, b;Siewiorek et al 2001).…”

Augmented reality applications in manufacturing: a survey

“…The superimposed information can be animated, making the instructions even more explicit. When the maintenance technician approaches a new or unfamiliar piece of equipment, instead of opening up several repair manuals, the relevant instructions could be displayed (Ahlers et al 1994, Neumann and Anthony 1998, Siewiorek et al 2001, Chikahito and Norihiko 2003, Boulanger 2004, Anastassova et al 2005, Friedrich et al 2005. For example, the location of fasteners and attachment hardware that must be removed would be highlighted in the display and the interior view of the machine would highlight the boards that need to be replaced (Neumann and Anthony 1998).…”

“…New Augmented Tangible Interfaces (ATI) can be designed to support design reviews, such as 3D browsing, 3D position/orientation, and 3D assembly/ disassembly (Sidharta 2005), and monitor and evaluate the design process (Siewiorek et al 2001). Augmented Foam (Lee and Park 2005) can be used to help designers make high-fidelity prototypes, provide visual reality and tangible interfaces through multi-sensors and spatial interaction between the designers and design results.…”