Context
In an exploratory interview study investigating the challenges people experienced after the unexpected transition to remote work, I identified a design opportunity based on an unmet user need.
The opportunity to overhear and spontaneously switch between small group conversations is not well supported by popular video conferencing platforms. This insight led to a prototype integrating “permeable spaces”.
Three Features of Prototype: BlendZoom
Awareness (real-time video, keywords, sentiment analysis) + switch button;
Awareness (real-time video, keywords, sentiment analysis) + invitation;
Awareness (real-time video, keywords, sentiment analysis) + virtual drink.
Testing the Prototype
Awareness
Example survey question: how much were you aware of what Group Two was talking about?
Switching motivation
Example survey question: how much would you be motivated to switch to the other group conversation in feature one (switch button)?
Rudeness
Example survey question: how rude would it be if you switched to the other group in feature one (switch button)??
Rate from 1-7: 1= least; 7= most
See an interactive demo of the prototype here!
Solution: Blending Cross-Breakout Interactions
Providing awareness of what is happening in another small group conversation through:
Real-time video,
Keywords,
Sentiment analysis;
Options, motivations or excuses to switch groups without being rude.
One Minute Video Introducing Three Features
What Did I do?
Conducted an exploratory interview study to uncover unmet user needs in remote informal communication.
Pinpointed actionable design opportunities that directly led to a prototype integrating “permeable spaces” to video conferencing platforms.
Led a team of engineers and researchers to build the prototype, improving users’ ability to monitor and switch between multiple small group conversations by 35%.
Conducted concept and usability tests to evaluate the prototype and inform future product development.