Product 1: Smartwatch
Consider the Setting:
For our smartwatch prototype, our best approach to receiving valuable feedback would be to test the product in the context where it will ultimately be used. Ideally, this product would be tested in the setting of a doctor’s office, where a doctor would discuss the idea of this new product with the patient. If by this point the prototype is fully functional, the user would get to take it home with them and use it for about a week in conjunction with their doctor. At the end of the week, representatives from our group would perform certain activities with both the doctor and the patient to better understand how the product was received.
Define what to test:
We need to see why our watch would stand out against the surplus of wearables in the market. With established wearables such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit, it is a tough market to penetrate. Our product looks to combine the positive aspects of both wearables, but will this be an incentive to use it or will it be too tech-savvy to use? Testing how interactive the technology needs to be and how much work is required by the user is ideal. A health based wearable is not the most sexy idea, so what features should be added that will incentivize the user to use it.
We would also get feedback from doctors in order to understand how well the device works for them to monitor and communicate with their patients. Would the information from the watch be useful for the doctors to assess health? Also, do physicians even need constant data for anything other than emergency situations? Lastly, we need to test how many patients the doctor will be comfortable with having and if constant checkups with the users would be a better substitute.
Define feedback activities:
Interviews and surveys would provide the best and most detailed feedback from users. We would aim to record reactions and opinions about the product at the initial time of receiving the product as well as after some decided adjustment period.
Product 2: Cellular Application
Consider the Setting:
Scheduling will take place within the app, on a device owned by the retiree. The application can be used on the go. Scheduled events can take place anywhere, but recommended events will be drawn primarily from the local community to minimize the amount of travel required.
Define what to test:
The schedule will need to provide enough value for the user to use. We will test the importance of items that aren’t activities, such as simple games or inspirational quotes. Since the calendar is focused on forcing constant activity, we need to observe if the organized schedule will actually improve engagement. That is, if the user likes the schedule but does not actually partake in the activities, the product will be considered a failure. What level of “hand holding” or recommended/pre prepared scheduling do retirees want? One of our key insights is that the users do not like being forced into doing anything, so we need to test how forceful a prepared schedule would appear. While the schedule would ideally organize several activities each day, there should be a limit to how many activities users are comfortable with having. Do retirees want/need a schedule? We also need to see if newly retirees even need a scheduling service. Perhaps retirees will want to have no organization and live life on a whim.
Define feedback activities:
Interviews, surveys, use of google calendar as a direct comparison
Product 3: Retiree Job Board
Consider the Setting:
Product will be used in the retiree’s home. Work on job postings will take place primarily over the internet and over the phone. Certain jobs must be completed at a physical location that will be set by the users.
Define what to test:
The key thing we need to test is what rewards incentivize use of the product the most. Although the key component of the idea is to fulfill a sense of purpose in the user, doing labor for free is not always ideal. Rewards range from small cash prizes to coupons from local stores related to the area of expertise. The product is also aimed to provide a social aspect for the users by connecting them with people in similar areas of expertise. Since mostly anybody can post a job on the website, we need to figure out if users are okay with working with strangers and what the best method of communication is. Also, the product is aimed for constant engagement, so it is important to test how challenging the jobs can be and how often people will want to use the service.
Define feedback activities:
Mock job postings, user feedback on UI and site layout, interviews