Question

Interaction Design: A bicycle manufacturing company has developed a device that will help cyclists find routes and navigate... Design a version of this device to be mounted on bicycles for 12 year old children.

Hint:

When designing for children, prioritize clarity over feature density. Use voice and audio cues heavily to minimize the need for the child to take their eyes off the road. Gamification is a powerful tool to make the experience engaging and fun.

Answer 1

Step 1: Deconstructing the Design Brief: 
The target user is a 12-year-old child. The design must be simple, engaging, and safe. The device has a non-touch color screen and 7 physical buttons. Key features are voice input (microphone) and audio output (speaker). 

Step 2: Core Design Principles & Strategy: 
Simplicity: Minimize text and complex menus. Use large icons and graphics. 
Safety: The navigation interface must provide information at a glance, minimizing distraction. 
Engagement: Use gamification elements and a friendly visual language. 
Hardware Ergonomics:** Buttons must be large, tactile, and intuitively laid out for easy use without looking. 

Step 3: Detailed Concept Descriptions: 
1. Create a storyboard in 5 steps showing the user interface that enables the user to specify a new destination... (Textual Description of Screens) 
Step 1: Home Screen. The screen shows a large, friendly icon of a bicycle and the current time. Below it are three large graphical icons: "Go Somewhere", "My Places", "Explore". The child uses the 'Up/Down' buttons to highlight "Go Somewhere" and presses the 'OK' button. 
Step 2: Input Method Screen. The screen asks "How do you want to tell me where to go?" with two large icons: a Microphone (for 'Speak') and a Keyboard (for 'Type'). The child highlights the Microphone icon. 
Step 3: Voice Input Screen. A large, animated sound wave appears on screen with the text "Say the name of the place!" The child presses and holds the dedicated 'Mic' button on the device and says, "City Park". The device's speaker confirms, "Did you say City Park?" 
Step 4: Confirmation Screen. The screen shows a map with a pin on "City Park". Below it are two large buttons: a green checkmark ('Yes, let's go!') and a red cross ('No, try again'). The child highlights the checkmark and presses 'OK'. 
Step 5: Route Planning Screen. A fun animation shows a line being drawn on the map from the current location to City Park. The screen displays the distance (e.g., "3 km away") and an estimated time (e.g., "About 15 minutes!"). Below is a big "START RIDE" button. The child presses 'OK' to begin navigation. 
2. Present a detailed screenshot showing the information design that helps the user to navigate while riding... (Textual Description of Screen) 
Screen Layout: The top 80% of the screen shows a simplified, 3D perspective map view, like in a car's GPS. The route is a thick, brightly colored line (e.g., vibrant blue). 
Primary Navigation Aid: At the top of the screen is a large, clear graphical instruction. For an upcoming turn, it would show a large white arrow pointing left and the distance, e.g., "50m". This is the most critical piece of information. 
Audio Cues: The speaker would announce "In 50 meters, turn left." 
Secondary Information: At the bottom of the screen, a small bar shows: 

Left side: A small icon of a finish line with the remaining distance (e.g., "1.2 km"). 
Right side: The current speed (e.g., "15 km/h"). 

Color and Contrast: The map uses a high-contrast 'day mode' with simple, clear colors. The route line stands out significantly. No distracting, unnecessary details are shown. 
3. Illustrate the shape, size, and position of the screen, the 7 buttons, the speaker, the microphone... (Textual Description of Device) 
Form: The device has a rugged, playful shape, perhaps hexagonal, with rubberized grips on the sides. The material is a durable, brightly colored polycarbonate (e.g., orange or lime green). 
Mounting: It mounts in the center of the handlebars using a secure, quick-release clamp. 
Screen: A 4-inch square color LCD screen is at the center. 
Buttons: The 7 buttons are large, rubberized, and have tactile feedback. 

On the left side: 'Up' and 'Down' buttons. 
On the right side: 'Zoom In' and 'Zoom Out' buttons. 
Below the screen: Three buttons in a row - 'Back' (Red X icon), 'OK' (Green Checkmark icon), and a dedicated 'Mic' button (Microphone icon). 
Speaker/Mic: A small speaker grille is on the top face of the device, and a pinhole for the microphone is on the bottom, angled towards the rider. 
4. Illustrate a scenario in which the device is used for purposes other than the one mentioned above. (Textual Description) 
Scenario: "Treasure Hunt" Group Ride. 
Concept: The device has a feature where parents or friends can create a "Quest". A parent maps out a safe, multi-stop route in a local park. At each stop (e.g., "The Big Oak Tree", "The Fountain"), the child must answer a riddle or take a photo (using a hypothetical integrated camera, or by pairing with a phone) to unlock the next clue. 
User Interface: The navigation screen changes to a "Quest Mode," showing a treasure map interface. Instead of a destination, it shows a compass pointing to the next clue location. When the child arrives, a pop-up with the riddle appears. The child can use the microphone to speak the answer. 
User Needs Met: This gamifies cycling, encourages exploration of safe areas, and allows for fun social interaction if done with friends who also have the device. It transforms a utility device into a tool for play and adventure.