Sie Choon Hong

Starting the Project
Embarking on our interaction design group project, the initial stage of selecting a suitable mobile or web application to evaluate proved to be more challenging than anticipated. As the team settled, I took the initiative to engage my teammates by asking if they had any particular apps in mind for our analysis. Eager to contribute, I introduced Olio, a food-sharing app known for its mission to reduce food waste by connecting neighbours. I highlighted several pain points such as its poor navigation, which I believed offered ample opportunities for design improvements.

Choosing an App: Initial Discussions and Diverging Ideas
However, my teammates were unfamiliar with Olio. One of my teammates suggested alternatives like NUS Canvas and CourseReg@EduReg platforms more familiar to us but differing in scope and user interaction. After some discussion, two of my teammates decided to proceed with CourseReg@EduReg. This decision left me concerned about our ability to thoroughly evaluate the application, particularly regarding critical tasks such as course selection and conducting user research, which are integral to understanding user experience and identifying design flaws.

Addressing Concerns
Facing this challenge, I realised the importance of effective communication and persuasion within a team setting. I voiced my concerns about the limitations we might face with CourseReg@EduReg, emphasising that without the ability to perform essential tasks, our analysis could lack depth and practical relevance. Thus, we decided to proceed with NUS Canvas and this decision allowed us to work on a platform we were familiar with, ensuring we could perform a comprehensive evaluation.

Personal Reflection
Reflecting on this challenge, I gained valuable insights into the dynamics of group collaboration and the design process. It became clear that successful interaction design projects hinge not only on selecting the right subject but also on maintaining open communication and adaptability within the team. By addressing concerns early and encouraging a collaborative approach to problem-solving, we can navigate obstacles more effectively and enhance the overall quality of our work.

Personally, this experience reinforced the importance of taking an active role in team discussions and being willing to voice dissenting opinions when necessary. It taught me that leadership in a group project doesn’t always mean making decisions unilaterally but often involves facilitating conversations that lead to informed and collective choices.

Moving forward, I am more confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to group dynamics, ensuring that our projects are both achievable and impactful.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the initial challenge of selecting an appropriate application for our interaction design project was a pivotal learning moment. It highlighted the critical balance between individual contributions and team consensus, ultimately shaping a more thoughtful and resilient approach to our design process.