Video Prototype
For our fifth assignment in HCDE 451: UX Prototyping Techniques, we explored the use of a video to create a proof-of-concept prototype of a mobile application. The assignment required us to choose from a list of existing mobile apps and create a video prototypethat demonstrates the app's function (in one minute or less). Often times during ideation, a potential solution is presented that may be difficult to build a functioning prototype for. Video prototypes are often used to present a solution to stakeholders in absence of a physical prototype or when pitching remotely (think Kickstarter). Being a frequent user of the app myself, I decided to create a video prototype for SleepCycle.
SleepCycle allows users to set a wake-up time; meanwhile, the app tracks the user's sleep and conveniently times the alarm to wake up the user at the end of their sleep cycle. Without SleepCycle, an alarm will sound at the exact time it is scheduled, often disrupting the natural sleep cycle and causing users to feel groggy in the morning. By waiting for a full sleep cycle to complete, users wake up feeling more energized and less groggy.
I decided to create a video prototype that catered to college students. With this demographic in mind, I set out to tell a relatable story that evokes emotion while communicating the app's functionality and value to viewers. The first step to telling any story is creating a storyboard that communicates the video's structure. Being a rapid prototype, I quickly sketched up a storyboard (featured on the right) for myself to reference during filming.
Scenario: A college student using a regular alarm wakes up at different times every day and feels groggy during his morning routine. After finding SleepCycle, the student wakes up happy, improves overall sleep habits, and gets better grades.
I then grabbed a friend and set to create the actual video. After a quick filming and editing session, the video prototype was finished:
Reflection
I had a ton of fun creating the video prototype because it unleashed my creative side. Video prototypes are not only representations of the product's functionality, but can also begin to "prototype" the brand's personality. This allows us to address questions of branding and market viability: Do college kids relate to this product? Is the narrative relatable and approachable?
If I were to improve on this video prototype in the future, I think I would focus a bit more on the application's functionality and a bit less on the story/narrative. While this video might make a decent commercial further down the line, perhaps stakeholders want to see a more product-focused prototype. Nonetheless, I greatly enjoyed this assignment and I will most definitely consider video prototypes when testing/presenting potential solutions in the future.