Minor Project - Final Compilation & Reflection

Week 1-14
Lim Jun Teng / 0362890
Minor Project  / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media 


Instruction

Week 1
During the first week of the Minor Project class, Mr. Mike gave an overview of the course and outlined its requirements. He instructed us to form teams, ensuring that no team included more than two students with the same specialization. Once the teams were established, we were asked to collaborate and choose a project to work on.

My team selected the second project, which is sponsored by Expedio. This project revolves around the X-Board, a portable whiteboard developed by Expedio.

Miro Board Link : Miro Board


We began by utilizing a Miro board as a central platform to collaboratively share our ideas, brainstorm solutions, and organize our thoughts. It allowed us to visually map out our concepts and ensure everyone was aligned with the project's goals. Additionally, the Miro board served as a dynamic tool for tracking our progress, setting milestones, and documenting feedback throughout the development process. This collaborative approach helped streamline communication and foster a more structured and efficient workflow for our team.

Week 2
This week, we were tasked with gathering essential information about Expedio to build a solid foundation for our project. Our research objectives included understanding the company's background, product offerings, target audience, and competitors. Each team member was assigned a specific area of focus, and my responsibility was to delve into the target audience.

To accomplish this, I explored Expedio's website and other relevant resources to gather detailed insights into their customer base. My goal was to identify the primary demographics, interests, and needs of their audience, as well as any challenges they might face. I also looked into user feedback, reviews, and case studies to better understand how Expedio's products align with their audience's expectations. This research would help us tailor our project to meet the needs of the end users more effectively, ensuring that our work adds real value to the company and its target market.

1.Company Background

2.Target Audience

3.Competitors

Week 3
Week 3, Mr. Mike facilitated a meeting with our client, Expedio, which proved to be a pivotal step in our project. The session offered valuable insights into their goals, expectations, and the specific outcomes they hoped to achieve with the X-Board. We gained a deeper understanding of their target market, key challenges, and unique selling points, which provided us with the necessary context to approach the project strategically.

After the client meeting, our group leader, Caiyi, organized a follow-up discussion to ensure our team was aligned on the next steps. During this meeting, we revisited the questions we had prepared for Expedio and analyzed their responses in detail. We identified critical takeaways, such as the desired features of the X-Board, its potential use cases, and ways it could stand out in a competitive market.

This collaborative review session allowed us to brainstorm ideas on how best to position the X-Board to meet Expedio’s needs and resonate with their target audience. By the end of our discussion, we had a clearer vision of the project’s direction and had outlined the initial steps to translate Expedio's requirements into actionable deliverables.


Week 4
This week, Caiyi assigned me the task of working on the customer journey map, while another team member took on the responsibility of creating the survey questions. After the survey questions were finalized, our team began distributing them to the target audience, aiming to gather responses from at least 80 participants by next week.

Meanwhile, I focused on mapping out the customer journey for the X-Board. This involved identifying key touchpoints, understanding the customer's pain points, and outlining their experiences and interactions with the product. The insights from the survey responses will later be incorporated into the journey map to ensure it reflects the real needs and behaviors of our target audience.

Customer Journey Map : Miro Board



Week 5
For Week 5, we successfully collected 80 responses from four target audiences: agile workspaces, creative teams, educational institutions, and families. While my teammates managed the task of gathering responses, I focused on analyzing and summarizing the feedback specific to families. My responsibilities included evaluating their opinions about the X-Board, assessing purchase intent, and reviewing any additional feedback they provided.

This analysis involved identifying key themes, such as how families perceived the product's usability, its potential benefits in their daily lives, and any concerns or suggestions they shared. By examining their purchase intent, I aimed to gauge their willingness to invest in the X-Board and identify factors influencing their decision-making. The additional feedback provided valuable insights into potential improvements or features families would find appealing, which will be instrumental in refining our project.




Summary

Demographic Information:
  • The majority of respondents are within the target professions of creative teams and agile workspaces.
  • The age range shows that both younger and older professionals are giving feedback, which means the product's usability and appeal will be looked at from different viewpoints.
  • The nearly equal gender distribution will help ensure the X-board design considers diverse needs.
  • General Information
  • The main target spaces for selling whiteboards are classrooms, offices, and studios,with projectors, screens, and whiteboards as key tools.
  • Whiteboards are frequently used, especially for project planning, presentations, teaching, and brainstorming.
  • There is moderate interest in whiteboards with space dividers, with most users neutral and a significant positive preference.
  • Product Preference
  • The survey results indicate a positive reception for the X-Board’s design and functionality, with users valuing its smooth writing surface, mobility, and adaptable design for varied workspaces.
  • The existing features, such as a premium, easy-to-erase surface and lightweight mobile design with lockable casters, already align well with these preferences.
  • However, users also expressed interest in enhancements like magnetic surfaces for document attachment, adjustable height for ergonomic flexibility, and built-in storage for organization. Implementing these additional features would elevate the X-Board, making it an even more versatile and user-centric solution for flexible and dynamic work environments.

Feature Evaluation:
  • The X-Board’s one-side whiteboard and one-side soft board design, paired with its mobility, makes it well-suited to the expressed needs of this audience.
  • To successfully market it, the X-Board should focus on showcasing its flexibility and customization options, such as modular accessories, swappable panels, and potential add-ons, particularly its suitability for both brainstorming and document display needs.
  • Highlight its built-in storage and adjustable size as future-proof options for adaptable workspaces. Engaging users with hands-on trials could help demonstrate its value in meeting evolving workspace needs.

Purchase Intent:
  • The survey shows that most potential customers lean towards an affordable price for the X-Board, generally preferring options under RM500.
  • While many express a reasonable interest in purchasing, a portion remains undecided, suggesting they might need more convincing (They are more inclined to make a purchase if the whiteboard features a smooth writing surface, offers convenient storage options, and comes with helpful accessories.).
  • There is also a balance to strike between affordability and added features, as some customers are willing to pay extrafor accessories or customization.
  • Notably, the most important factor influencing buying decisions is the board’s features and functionality, with price also playing a significant role, whereas brand reputation and peer recommendations are less impactful.
  • Product Opinion for family
  • Currently, many children rely on digital tools like tablets for learning, while traditional methods like pen and paper are far less common.
  • Although whiteboards are relatively popular in learning, parents remain cautious about purchasing them.
  • Our survey indicates that while some parents see potential in whiteboards and digital tools, most only express a tentative interest, suggesting they might consider buying but without strong commitment.
  • They generally view the value of whiteboards as dependent on specific features, rather than as an essential learning tool.

Additional Feedback
  • Feedback reveals several issues with traditional whiteboards, including quick ink depletion of markers, difficulty in cleaning, and permanent stains.
  • They also lack magnetic surfaces, have unuser-friendly designs(dangerous for kids), and are not easy to move.
  • Users suggest enhancements such as adding recording and projection features, automatic cleaning, and digital tool integration.
  • In terms of design, users prefer adjustable heights, good stability, and portability, along with improved lighting and storage space.(Soft lighting can be added around the frame of the whiteboard, will be more convenience and easier to see and refer back to information on the whiteboard at night)
  • The data shows that 80% of users do not want product updates, while 17.5% are willing to provide their emails for further information.


Week 6
This week, our focus shifted to discovering insights after collecting and analyzing the survey data. We compiled our findings and presented them to Mr. Mike. During the discussion, he pointed out that we were placing too much emphasis on the features of the X-Board. He suggested we redirect our attention toward persuading individuals who have never used a product like this to give it a try. Taking his feedback into account, we refined our insights and moved forward to the problem statement stage.

Week 7
In Week 7, our group concentrated on shaping the art direction for our first presentation to Expedio. This was a critical step in ensuring that our ideas were communicated clearly and effectively. We started by brainstorming various concepts for the logo, website, and overall visual theme to present to the company, aiming to align the design with Expedio’s brand values and target audience.

I took the lead in sketching the design for the logo, carefully considering the product’s identity and the message we wanted to convey. Once the concept was refined, my teammate, Livern, worked on animating the logo using After Effects. His animation added a dynamic, modern touch to the logo, which was intended to capture the attention of Expedio and convey the product's innovative nature.

This collaboration allowed us to develop a polished, cohesive presentation that would effectively represent the X-Board and resonate with Expedio's team. It also marked an exciting milestone in our project as we moved closer to presenting our ideas and solutions.






Week 8
In Week 8, we had an important presentation to Expedio, where each group was given 15 minutes to showcase our research, analysis, and ideation. As our group was one of the last two to present, we used the time leading up to our slot to thoroughly rehearse via Zoom. This allowed us to fine-tune our delivery and ensure we were fully prepared.

I took the responsibility of assigning each team member their respective sections to present, based on their expertise and the work they had contributed. We each worked on refining our individual parts, rehearsing not only the content but also the timing and transitions between sections to make sure everything flowed smoothly. During our practice sessions, we provided feedback to each other, helping each member build confidence and ensure their presentation was clear and impactful.

The rehearsal sessions proved to be incredibly useful as they helped identify areas where we could improve, whether it was simplifying complex points, clarifying visuals, or coordinating our speaking order. By the time the presentation came, we felt well-prepared and ready to present our ideas to Expedio in a professional and cohesive manner.

G6 Prsentation Slide Link :G6 Presentation Slide


Week 10
This week, we came together as a team to brainstorm ideas and select the most relevant and practical ones for our project. After narrowing down the options, we shifted our focus to refining our new customer journey map to ensure it better aligned with the "How might we?" statement. During our discussions, we examined key aspects such as the number of content posts, the optimal timing for these posts, and the frequency of paid advertisements. These elements were carefully considered to ensure that our strategy would effectively engage the target audience and support the overall goals of the project.




Week 11
In Week 11, we held an in-depth discussion with our teammates to evaluate and refine all the ideas we had gathered. After careful consideration, we selected the best concept for our final design, which would include Instagram posts, stories, and other forms of content. Our goal was to ensure that every element of the design worked harmoniously together, so we focused on creating a unified visual style across all formats.

We paid close attention to the details of the posts, videos, and website, making sure they all adhered to a consistent design language. This included choosing complementary colors, fonts, and graphic styles, as well as ensuring that the tone and messaging were aligned across all platforms. We also discussed how each format could work together to create a seamless experience for the audience, where each piece of content felt like part of a larger, connected narrative.

This attention to design consistency was crucial, as it would not only strengthen the branding but also ensure that users would instantly recognize and connect with the X-Board across different touchpoints. By the end of the week, we had a clear direction for the final design, and we were excited to move forward with bringing it to life.


Week 11
As part of my responsibilities, I focused on designing a variety of Instagram post covers to support our campaign. This included the product introduction post, which highlighted the key features and benefits of the X-Board in an engaging and visually appealing way. I also created the product features post, showcasing the unique aspects of the X-Board that differentiate it from competitors. For the product color and size option post, I designed a layout that clearly presented the different variations of the product, ensuring that potential customers could easily see their choices.

In addition to these posts, I also worked on the cover for our Xiao Hong Shu post, ensuring that our design was consistent with our Instagram posts and other materials. Maintaining consistency across these platforms was crucial to creating a cohesive brand identity and making our content instantly recognizable.

Beyond social media posts, I designed a Linktree for our group to centralize our online presence. This was particularly helpful in making our content more accessible, as followers could easily navigate to different links such as our Instagram, product details, and other relevant resources, all from one convenient place. This streamlined approach helped ensure that our audience had a seamless experience when interacting with our content and learning more about the X-Board.







Week 12
In Week 12, our group leader, Caiyi, organized the production of teaser videos using the real X-Board provided by Expedio. The aim was to create engaging, realistic content that would showcase the X-Board in various work environments. We arrived early at Taylor’s University to set up and begin filming, ensuring we had plenty of time to capture the footage we needed.

For the shoot, my teammates were assigned specific roles as members of creative teams, which allowed us to simulate real-life scenarios in which the X-Board would be used. This approach helped us demonstrate the product’s functionality in a natural, relatable way. We set up various scenes to show how the X-Board could be used for brainstorming sessions, presentations, and collaborative work, highlighting its versatility and ease of use.

Throughout the filming process, we made adjustments to ensure that each shot reflected the product’s value in a real-world context. I worked closely with my teammates to ensure the scenes were authentic and that the video effectively conveyed the X-Board’s key features. By the end of the day, we had captured all the necessary footage, and we were excited to move forward with editing the videos to create compelling teaser content for our campaign.




Behind The Scene:



Week 13
This week, our team concentrated on website design, editing TikTok videos, and designing the booth. We completed the editing for two TikTok teaser videos and finalized the homepage and product overview sections for the website. Before the class ended, we took the opportunity to share our progress with each other, exchange feedback, and present our work to Mike. During the review, Mike provided valuable feedback on our presentation slides, advising us to move the "How Might We" section to the beginning for better clarity. He also suggested that we create a schedule outlining which posts should be published each week to ensure a more organized approach.

Final Presentation Slide Link :Final Presentation Slide

Week 14
In Week 14, we were scheduled to deliver our final presentation on January 6th, 2024, at 2 pm. To ensure we were fully prepared, our group held a final meeting to review everything. We completed all the PowerPoint slides and carefully double-checked that the design and information were aligned with our project goals. The preparation process was nerve-wracking, as we wanted everything to be perfect. However, it was also an exciting moment for our team, as we had put in a lot of effort to bring our ideas to life and were eager to present them to the audience.



This is the feeback we get from Expedio team:


After our presentation, Mr. Toru shared his feedback, highlighting our strategy of incorporating small giveaways through a competition as a particularly strong approach. He also expressed his overall approval, mentioning that he was impressed with both our ideas and the videos we created. His positive feedback was reassuring and motivating, as it affirmed the hard work and creative efforts we had put into the project.


Reflection:

Week 1: In the first week of the Minor Project class, we were introduced to the course structure and requirements by Mr. Mike. We were tasked with forming teams, ensuring diversity by limiting the number of students with the same specialization in each group. After forming our team, we began discussing potential project ideas. Our team decided to work on a project for Expedio, focusing on their X-Board, a portable whiteboard. The initial discussions were filled with excitement as we started planning how to approach the project.

Week 2: During the second week, we were assigned specific tasks, and I was responsible for researching and exploring Expedio’s website to gather insights about their target audience. This task was crucial in understanding who we were designing for and how to position the X-Board. The research gave me a deeper understanding of Expedio's audience, allowing us to tailor our project and create a more user-centered design. The experience taught me the importance of aligning a project with its target audience's needs.

Week 3: In Week 3, we had a meeting with Expedio, which helped us gain a clear understanding of their requirements. Following this meeting, our group leader, Caiyi, organized a session to discuss the information and insights we gathered. The feedback we received from Expedio shaped our direction moving forward. This week emphasized the importance of understanding client needs and refining our focus to match their expectations.

Week 4: By Week 4, we began analyzing the survey data we had collected and summarized the findings to present to Mr. Mike. His feedback helped us refine our approach, especially when he pointed out that we were focusing too much on the features of the X-Board rather than addressing the needs of potential users who had never encountered a product like this. This moment taught me the value of revisiting and adjusting our strategy based on external feedback.

Week 5: In Week 5, we successfully collected 80 responses from four distinct target audiences: agile workspaces, creative teams, educational institutions, and families. My task involved summarizing the feedback from families, focusing on their opinions of the X-Board, purchase intent, and additional suggestions. The process helped me learn how to distill large amounts of data into actionable insights that could inform the design and marketing strategy.

Week 6: Week 6 was all about refining our customer journey map based on the insights we gathered. We discussed how to best present our findings, with a particular emphasis on crafting a strategy that would resonate with users who hadn’t used similar products. This phase helped me understand the importance of framing our solutions within the context of the customer journey to make them more relatable.

Week 7: In Week 7, we began working on the art direction for our final presentation. We brainstormed ideas for the logo, website, and overall design concepts. I sketched the logo design, and my teammate, Livern, animated it using After Effects. This week was significant in helping me understand how collaboration in design works, as our efforts merged to create a cohesive and professional presentation.

Week 8: Week 8 saw us presenting our progress to Expedio. Each team had 15 minutes to present their findings, and our group was among the last two to present. Before the presentation, we rehearsed via Zoom to refine our delivery. This week taught me the importance of practice and preparation, as it helped us identify areas for improvement in our presentation flow and timing.

Week 9: Week 9 was focused on brainstorming ideas for the next steps in our design process. We refined our insights and started creating Instagram posts, stories, and other content for the project. This phase helped me understand the importance of content planning and how it needs to be aligned with the overall project goals to ensure coherence and effectiveness.

Week 10: By Week 10, we had finalized some of our design concepts, and I focused on creating Instagram post covers, product introduction posts, and other visual content for the campaign. I was responsible for ensuring consistency across all formats, from posts to videos and the website. This week was a reminder of how design consistency across multiple platforms can build a stronger brand presence and improve audience engagement.

Week 11: In Week 11, we refined our design concepts further, focusing on aligning the visual elements across different platforms, including Instagram and Xiao Hong Shu. We also created a Linktree to streamline our online presence. This week highlighted the importance of a unified strategy for digital content and the significance of making all content easily accessible to our audience.

Week 12: Week 12 was exciting as we began filming teaser videos with the real X-Board provided by Expedio. We arrived early at Taylor’s University, where my teammates played roles as workers in creative teams to simulate real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience allowed us to bring our designs to life and helped me appreciate the effort involved in creating realistic and engaging content.

Week 13: In Week 13, our group worked on refining the website design, editing TikTok videos, and designing our booth. We finalized the homepage and product overview for the website, as well as editing two teaser videos for TikTok. This week was a practical exercise in ensuring all elements of our project were aligned and ready for the final presentation.

Week 14: Week 14 was the culmination of our hard work as we prepared for the final presentation. We held a final meeting to review our PowerPoint slides, ensuring that all design elements and information were aligned with our goals. During the presentation, Mr. Toru praised our strategy, particularly the incorporation of giveaways through a competition. His feedback was a great affirmation of our efforts and taught me the value of adjusting our approach based on feedback to ensure the success of our project.

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