Short Video & Design Thinking Reflection

Link to Student
Journal Entry For
Short Reflection Video

Short Video (product demonstration/design thinking video reflection):

https://youtube.com/shorts/MA7hkINA1h4?feature=share

DESIGN THINKING SELF-REFLECTION

Title - Being mindful about emotional design is a key to unlocking human satisfaction.

Design Project 1 was filled with iterations that were subtle and intuitive. Throughout the process, I used divergent-convergent thinking and an openness to learn how customers think about products and services.

At Starbucks, I empathized with customers on how they feel about the drinks and the imbalance of trash between the “landfill” bin (overwhelmingly full) and the “compost” & “recycle” bins (less than half full). In illustrating the scene, I drew and annotated hypothetical feelings.

From what I gathered first-hand, I began by defining my problem statement. I set specific parameters that might coincide with my ideas to improve the customer experience. I wanted customers to experience a unique coffee shop exchange unlike any other. I discerned that people did not like Starbucks because their food options were unhealthy or felt that the workaholic atmosphere was uneventful. More importantly, not many people felt that going to Starbucks positively contributed to their day.

Soon after, I surveyed and interviewed people in different age groups. I kept questions brief so that I could test the overall opinion of customer profiles. Then, the “Satisfaction Wheel” was born. It later found a cooler name: “The Boost-wheel,” a spin wheel intended to motivate people. In everyday life, the aspect of sustainability relates to everything. Energy, as the biggest contributor to climate change, is what Starbucks needs to act upon. However, greenwashing must be avoided. When design thinking is used effectively, it is a promising and receptive tool that engages perspective and solves human problems.