Soft Opening Feedback
On Monday, the team presented the kindworks prototype to faculty for the Soft Opening at the ETC. The core features of the site were functional, but not polished. Gears could be added to the Machine and viewed, posts could be added to the forum and categorized, and accounts could be created. Features for printing and ordering Gear Tags were also implemented.
Faculty were briefly acquainted with the high concept before being walked through the process of adding Gears and obtaining Gear Tags. The presentation also demonstrated the mobile version of the site on a smartphone and tablet, introduced the types of merchandising possibilities that have been investigated, and discussed future potential for this idea, as well as testing initiatives undertaken this semester. The project Web site was also reviewed on Tuesday, along with the project’s media archives, including promotional video rough-cuts and post-mortem documentation.
Faculty provided useful feedback that was reviewed on Wednesday. The key area in which the product needs improvement is in its visualization. The home page, utilizing a locked safe metaphor, and lacking informative content, was not perceived as inviting. Along similar lines, the branding as a whole lacks the human element to complement the mechanical motif.
Additionally, the means by which Gears are visualized in the Machine fail to convey the sense of size that will inspire visitors, and navigating the Machine in order to access content feels less fluid than it should. To a large degree, the team has been aware of these shortcomings, and has been and is continuing to work on improving the appeal of the home page and the functionality of the Machine.
Faculty also reinforced the necessity of PR outreach initiatives, providing a few new resources to connect to. The impression overall seemed to be positive, and the facebook connectivity plans, as well as illustration of potential expansions of the idea were well received.
The Final Push
With about a week and a half remaining until the team’s final presentation, a schedule has been created detailing specific tasks and deadlines for this time. Efforts are centered on creating a more inviting and informative landing spot for the site, a more human-oriented visual theme, and improving the features of the Machine to allow for more coherent and fluid visualization and navigation. The final presentation is in the planning stages, and will be further developed throughout the following week. The promotional videos are also being worked on, with the three-minute piece receiving the greater deal of attention so as to achieve more visual coherence with the narration and a more inspirational, rather than analytical focus. Additionally, the design and technical documentation is being assembled for handoff, and work is being done to better illustrate the future possibilities for this project.
Outreach and promotional endeavors remain on the radar as well, and on Thursday the team had the opportunity to meet with Charley Johnson of the Pay It Forward Experience. It was a very productive and inspiring meeting, as the future of this movement was discussed, and Charley expressed a desire to help in any way possible, for which the team is very grateful. It was the perfect way to celebrate National Pay It Forward Day!
The team is still looking into additional press and event-driven opportunities to raise awareness for the initiative, making use of contacts provided by faculty. And next Thursday, May 3, the team will be presenting the project to visitors to the ETC for the BVW Spring Festival, which will provide another chance to get the word out about this project.
By This Time Next Week
Expect slides for the final presentation to be prepared by next Friday, as well as a revamped Web site aesthetic, with improvements to the Machine visualization. A Story of the Day will be displayed on the home page, and a click selection for connecting Gears will be implemented. Documentation will have progressed, and mockups of future development concepts will be complete. The promotional videos will have addressed concerns voiced in Soft Opening feedback, and should be nearing completion.
