stella1615

[stella1615]

Martin Helander, author of Handbook of Human-Computer Interaction makes a good point when it comes to prototyping, being that if the goal of the artifact is to present its functionality in a novel way, then prototyping must focus on how the artifact will look and feel. However if the artifacts functionality is to be based on a new technique, questions of how to implement the design may be the focus of prototyping efforts.

Our teams physical prototype focused more on how it would look in terms of structure. We used a malleable foam material to form a silhouette of one of the ships that would be the feature in our waterpark playground. Although it was quite simple compared to our detailed sketches, it successfully communicated our concept.

[stella1615]

Robert Youmans discusses the advantages of physical prototyping in his article on ‘The effects of physical prototyping and group work on the reduction of design fixation’. Youmans discovered through physical research that tool designs were better and contained fewer fixations when designed in a physical prototyping environment rather than an environment without physical prototyping. The advantages of physical prototyping in design are that physically interactive environments reduce fixation effects - working with physical materials fixate significantly less than people who work without interactive design materials. Youman discovers that developing prototypes in a full design environment, an environment that facilitated physical interactions and prototyping, created more innovative and better performing prototypes (Gerber and Carroll- esp. pp. 131-135).

Youmans also discusses that designers who are able to work on design tasks in groups are less likely to fixate than individual designers. Upon analysis it was revealed that groups’ tools designed in the full environment performed no better than those produced by nominal groups. groups fixated to both neutral and negative fixation features at rates comparable to those of individuals, and at rates much higher than those found in nominal groups. Groups do better than individuals or nominal groups because teams are able to offset the higher working-memory loads by sub-dividing tasks (Gerber and Carroll- esp. pp. 131-135).

[stella1615]

In Christopher Elverums article on prototyping in new product development, he discusses important prototype strategies. These included but were not limited to,  

1. Defining the purpose

2. Identifying important project-level contextual factor

3. Keeping it simple

4. Acknowledging the power of ‘cobbled up’ prototypes

These key factors will be useful when developing our waterpark prototype as defining the purpose of it will help refine its intent as it is important to be deliberate with defining the purpose and identifying critical questions and knowledge gaps (Elverum et.al– esp. pp. 120-121).

When it comes to identifying important project-level contextual factor, some of the most important project or product specific contextual factors that will influence the prototyping strategy are; the amount of prior knowledge and experience with the problem or product system, the context predictability and the level of user interaction. These factors will lead our development team to employ equally viable yet vastly different strategies for the project. 

Keeping a prototype simple is an important key factor in new product development, especially for early-stage prototyping where the overall direction of the project may change. It is best to spend time on identifying the very simplest, easiest and cheapest way to answer the critical questions and therefore fulfill the prototyping purpose. Acknowledging the power of ‘cobbled up’ prototypes is one of the best ways to begin prototyping as it consists of using simple materials that are just ‘from the shelf’. Using anything suitable that our team can find around the house is ideal to move quickly and avoid spending too much money but at the same time creating highly a functional prototype (Elverum et.al– esp. pp. 120-121).  

[stella1615]

This is the final sketch of our waterpark project which features all elements that we wish to include to maximum engagement and interaction. This design, although much more complex looking than the previous sketch, actually features much more minimal amounts of water features, as the budget did not allow for the addition of more than 10. This sketch was then materialised into a physical prototype of a simple ship silhouette with only two slides and a mast to provide a simple yet effective picture of what the project is going to look like.

[stella1615]

Unfortunately, through research and quote gathering, it looks like the budget limit of $70000 will be exceeded once the drainage, filtering etc. fees of the water park are added. However, in order to solve this problem, the team has decided that perhaps the water park can simply be a playground and just remove the water element of it. The team will continue to present this concept as a water park however the client will be made aware of the cost issues and will be given this solution of simply removing the use of water and just creating a playground for young children.

[stella1615]

While still remaining with a waterpark idea, instead of the main feature being a pool with some waterslides etc. it was decided that two timber ships would be the main attraction. These two ships would be placed side by side with bridges connecting them, water-shooters, water-canons and other water facilities stationed on and around the ships to encourage interactivity between the children and the playground and each other. The ships would be multilayered with the underneath of the ship being hollow and accessible from the ground level while the upper level on the deck would be accessible by ladders/stairs/rope spiderwebs etc. Slides would be positioned around the edges of the ships so that children may slide from the top level to the ground. In order to maintain a sense of historical context, the use of the left over wharf timber could possibly be used to construct the ships.

[stella1615]

To further enhance engagement in the Waterpark, discounts may be offered for young children (perhaps 12 years and below), as well as offering the pool facility and any other facilities that would be of use to nearby schools, clubs etc. A range of different pool activities will be introduced such as water aerobics, swimming lessons, water therapy, lifeguard training and fun competitions and games that will differ every week/month etc to continue engagement.

[stella1615]

The target audience of the Waterpark concept is primarily parents with children. Connected groups to this audience and the concept are families, parents, children, waterpark staff and tourists. Organisations and clubs that will be related to and involved in the executing of this concept are the Northshore development team, the Queensland Government, the building team, the planning team, external water activity companies, Royal Lifeguards, PnF association (parents and friends) and even possibly the neighbouring staff at Eat Street. The Waterpark will provide other opportunities such as creating jobs in its development, generating income, expanding Northshore’s population, increasing foot traffic and overall creating a fun, vibrant and inclusive space.

[stella1615]

According to Project to Public Spaces, in order to transform a waterfront, one needs to encourage 24 hour activity, create a shared community vision and design the concepts to engage the public space (Project for Public Places, 2019). The two concepts of a Waterpark and carnival achieve all of these ideas as they are both very interactive, fun and universally appropriate large scale activities that can bring diverse communities together throughout the entire week, all hours of the day and into the night. They consider the industrial heritage of Northshore and are great examples of ethical, creative place making that in regards to economic development, re-use vacant and under-utilized land, infrastructure and materials as well as potentially creating jobs in construction, local businesses, and cultural activity (Ann Markusen, 2010). Accessible by public transport by road as well as water, Northshore has the potential to become a very populous area.

[stella1615]

A Northshore carnival, if decided to be made permanent, could have the potential to expand over more of the land and become an iconic Luna Park of sorts, like Sydney and Melbourne, which is something that Brisbane lacks. A carnival is a very achievable event to trial at Northshore as the rides are very temporary and can be built and then deconstructed at anytime. Once made permanent, the resources salvaged from the wharves can be incorporated into the concept. The timber, like for the Water Park concept could be constructed into tables and benches and potentially even into a Ferris wheel which would be a really appropriate and unique way to prolong NorthShore's wharf history. The hiring of nautical themed rides would also induce this heritage.

[stella1615]

The second concept, a funfair/carnival is another vibrant idea to liven up Northshore, also being a family oriented event during the day, and being more appropriate for teenagers and young adults during the night. Like the Waterpark concept, during the week, the majority of visiting customers would be most likely be mothers with their young children, however during the holidays and nights, when the atmosphere turns into more of a partying scene, older audiences would be available to take part. A carnival links really well to Eat Street's vibrant and colourful atmosphere and would excel even more on the weekends when Eat Streets visitors arrive, giving people the opportunity to take part in the rides and games and then enjoy some food at the markets.

[stella1615]

The timber beams can be incorporated into the Water Park concept by creating tables and benches, as well as borders for the pool to keep the sand in. Bollards can be used as a unique form of seating for the table and could even be fitted with waterproof cushions for those that are placed at the poolside bars, to make for more comfortable seating. The pool toys will continue this nautical theme by being in the shape of boats and sea life. Blue artwork was spotted all over the ground at Northshore near the Eat Street area depicting waves, compasses and other nautical related designs which can be continued into the pool area to further enhance the industrial heritage of Northshore. Through the reusing and repurposing of the bollards and timber and occupying an existing space, the employment of a “light touch” is achieved by this Water Park concept.

[stella1615]

The client emphasises on Northshore's industrial heritage being supported and preserved by the two concepts.  Marichela Sepe says that “the focus on culture and history as factors in regional transformation [is] particularly extensive in response not only to competitiveness among cities but also to sustainability requirements in the cultural sector.”(Marichela Sepe, 2013). In order to make a space unique from others, is to incorporate its history. Northshore was originally the place of working wharfs that were established in 1923 (Economic Development Queensland, 2017). Being able to preserve Northshore's heritage proves as a minor challenge, as only some token features and limited resources have been retained, that may be able to be incorporated into the waterpark as a gesture towards the maritime heritage. However, it is difficult for any grander reference to this heritage, as the entire area has been almost completely stripped of any remaining history. The original timber of the wharves have been salvaged and are available to be used for a concept. Old shipping containers and shipping bollards are also available for use to incorporate Northshore's history.

[stella1615]

A Water Park is quite a large scale concept, and putting in a large pool is perhaps a less temporary addition to the space, however, the blow up waterslides are. If the client wants to make this attraction indefinite, permanent waterslides could be put in place like those at larger scaled Water Parks. The Brisbane Airport is a 10 minute drive from Northshore, so the client makes a note that tourists should be able to get an insight into what Brisbane is like, and upon arriving at their accommodation in Northshore, they will learn that Queensland is indeed the Sunshine State, and its people love to have fun under its sun. A waterpark allows people to comfortably adapt to the intense heat of Northshore as the water will counteract it perfectly.

[stella1615]

A Water Park is a fun and suitable way to bring communities together and in particular, families. As the intense heat was the first noticeable factor upon visitation to Northshore, a Water Park is a great way to counteract that heat by allowing visiting audiences to cool off in the water, or by the pool side on the imported sand. This attraction will be open all day, throughout the week, to make up for lack of visitation during the week due to Eat Street not being available. To find a cohort that will utilise such an isolated area as Northshore is a challenge, particularly during working hours. So, the available customer base is limited to both the retired and the mothers with preschool aged children demographic. Although this may be the case during the day, those who do not wish to or are unable to participate in the water works, particularly older audiences, a pool side bar, or several, will be made available closer to sun down, where people may sit by the pool, enjoy a drink and bite to eat, while listening to some live music. Making this attraction available throughout the day and into the night will ensure the clients vision of much more regular and constant activity at Northshore.

[stella1615]

The second concept of a Fun Fair, will include a number of carnival rides, carnival themed food stalls and game tents situated in the green area pictured bellow. As the green area is located right next to the river, rides that have height, such as a Ferris Wheel or a rollercoaster will have a view overlooking the river and opposite bank. As theme parks such as Wet 'n' Wild and Movie World, situated at the Gold Coast have demanded the attention of people from all over Brisbane as well as tourists, these two concepts are already proven to be popular ideas and will hopefully have a high success rate. The popularity of amusement parks are not only limited to Australia, but all over the world, as there are many of them positioned in countries all around the globe, which means that these two concepts are inclusive of diverse communities and cultures.

[stella1615]

Two possible concepts that could have the potential to increase Northshore’s popularity by engaging diverse communities, are a Water Park and/or a Fun Fair/Theme Park. Due to the availability of two largely expansive, empty plots of land pictured above, these two concepts have the ability to utilize the entirety of these spaces, resulting in a vibrant atmosphere, just as the client's brief envisions. Both of these concepts are inclusive of all ages, ethnicities and communities and abide by the client's vision of filling the unused spaces of Northshore with vibrant and fun activities, which will result in its popularity increase (Cohen.M, 2018). The Water Park concept will consist of a large wading pool that will expand over nearly the entirety of the red section pictured above, and will contain sand at the front border of it to depict a beach setting. The pool will be home to a number of large, blow-up waterslides and pool toys, while surrounding the pool, will be tables and seating, as well as pop up bars that will become available towards night time.