Sensease
An app that offers centralized coping techniques for people with sensory sensitivities, empowering them to access public events with greater ease.
Mobile
UX/UI
Role:
UX Designer — Feature Scoping, User Research, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Prototyping, User Testing
Timeframe:
Sep - Dec 2023
Team:
2 UX Researchers, 3 UX Designers
01
Problem Space
People with sensory sensitivities often feel overwhelmed in stimulating environments.
Background
People with sensory sensitivities experience heightened sensitivity to stimuli, making them prone to feeling overwhelmed in highly stimulating environments. This sensitivity can hinder their participation in public events that are not typically designed with their needs in mind, potentially causing them to miss out on valuable community engagement and experiences.
Problem Statement
How might we support those with sensory sensitivities in attending public events?
02
Research Methods
Literature & Social Media Review
Justification:
Comprehensive insight
Foundation for studying problem space
Resources:
PubMed
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Google Scholar
Community-based websites
Data Obtained:
Characteristics of primary group
Description of practices and goals
Description of stakeholders
Social implications
Analysis:
Findings discussion, Zotero database
Ethnographic Observation
Justification:
In-depth understanding of users' real-world behaviors and needs in natural environments
Context-specific insights
Data Obtained:
Jottings, images
Analysis:
Coding jottings, group discussion
Semi-Structured Interview
Carnegie Hall's programming is centered around music, while its main competitor, Lincoln Center, offers a wider range of offerings in addition to music such as opera, ballet, and theater. In a positioning matrix, Carnegie Hall and its competitors are compared against two main factors:
Specificity vs. Variety: Carnegie Hall falls specific with its sole focus on music, while Lincoln Center leans varied with its many types of cultural experiences.
Rational vs. Emotional Benefits: Carnegie Hall offers rational benefits through its educational programs, appealing to people who want to learn and appreciate music. Music venues such as the Bowery Ballroom tend to offer emotional benefits by providing recreational experiences rather than educational.
Survey
Carnegie Hall's programming is centered around music, while its main competitor, Lincoln Center, offers a wider range of offerings in addition to music such as opera, ballet, and theater. In a positioning matrix, Carnegie Hall and its competitors are compared against two main factors:
Specificity vs. Variety: Carnegie Hall falls specific with its sole focus on music, while Lincoln Center leans varied with its many types of cultural experiences.
Rational vs. Emotional Benefits: Carnegie Hall offers rational benefits through its educational programs, appealing to people who want to learn and appreciate music. Music venues such as the Bowery Ballroom tend to offer emotional benefits by providing recreational experiences rather than educational.
Participatory Design Workshop
Carnegie Hall's programming is centered around music, while its main competitor, Lincoln Center, offers a wider range of offerings in addition to music such as opera, ballet, and theater. In a positioning matrix, Carnegie Hall and its competitors are compared against two main factors:
Specificity vs. Variety: Carnegie Hall falls specific with its sole focus on music, while Lincoln Center leans varied with its many types of cultural experiences.
Rational vs. Emotional Benefits: Carnegie Hall offers rational benefits through its educational programs, appealing to people who want to learn and appreciate music. Music venues such as the Bowery Ballroom tend to offer emotional benefits by providing recreational experiences rather than educational.
Audience Interviews
Having conducted interviews with 15 participants ranging from ages 19 to 27, findings reveal varied perceptions of Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Participants generally view Carnegie Hall as traditional and somewhat intimidating due to its grandiose architecture and established reputation. It is primarily associated with classical music and holds a strong historical allure, although there is a notable lack of detailed knowledge among some participants. Famous performances add to its appeal, yet awareness of its educational programs and student ticket options is low. In contrast, Lincoln Center is seen as more convenient, casual, and versatile, offering a broader range of cultural experiences beyond classical music.
Takeaways & Opportunities
Emphasize Carnegie Hall's emotional benefits through branding and messaging.
Promote the institution's educational outreach to strengthen ties with the local community.
Utilize social media and other promotion channels to increase awareness among younger audiences.
Create interactive experiences that highlight Carnegie Hall’s history and architecture in a more engaging and approachable manner.
