This project was completed as part of a graduate human-computer interaction design course. The problem posed to us was to design an information system that produces a new experience for Disney World visitors and can later be applied to other Disney parks.
Our design process was characterized by iterations of user research, concept generation, prototyping and testing. Pictured is our intial graphic mockup.
Following an initial literature review examining a variety of topics (e.g. common experiences and problems in theme parks, unanticipated circumstances, user demographics, etc..), we developed several personas to represent the heterogeneous population visiting Disney World. After iterating through numerous concepts in ideation sessions, we decided our design would focus on extending the park experience to visitors once they have left the park through an automated camera and online digital photograph management system. We then used the card sorting methodology to structure the information architecture of our initial graphical prototype. Subsequently, we utilized user scenarios, task analyses, and interviews in several usability tests prior to designing and presenting our final interactive prototype.
Our final prototype reflected numerous changes suggested by usability testing and user feedback.
Users who have the Disney Memories package are provided with a RFID card. They are given the choice of selecting a card with their favorite Disney character on it. Each member of the group is given a unique card all linked to the same group account. Group members have online profiles to link all of their images and video together.
Cameras on Disney rides that take snapshots of individuals match the photos and video to the database containing the group profile. When a member carrying his/her card has their photo taken, the RFID tag links their photo to the profile. Disney Mobile phones with cameras can also have their photos automatically uploaded to the Disney Memories database.
Disney imagineers have strategically placed cameras in key locations of the park, framing picturesque iconic Disney landmarks. These locations provide easy opportunities for group photos. Each location has an outline a Mickey Mouse head, within this area a close range RFID detector is embedded to associate the group photo with their account. When engaged by the group ID, a five second camera timer is activated and displays the countdown to the snapshot. There camera locations are slender and unobtrusive to compensate for pedestrian traffic as well as other visitors wanting to take their own pictures in each area. In addition to the scenery and location of the camera, facing the outline of the Mickey Mouse head will intuitively direct the group towards the camera. Directions for operating these automatic cameras are displayed next to each station.
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You can view a prototype simulating a potential user scenario here. Please see our final design document for more in depth descriptions of our design process, rationale, and concept.
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