Contextual Evaluation of Digital Media Through Experience-Focused Participatory Bodystorming in a Full-Scale Spatial Prototype

Abstract

Distributed digital media and services are becoming more integrated to the spatial experience. This experience of the digital-hybrid needs a tangible method to asses its spatial legibility, digital interaction, and user experience. We propose a two-phased body-storming design and testing, to evaluate a novel concept of the Learning Branch for the financial industry, a flexible space that supports learning of digital financial services. The body storming exercises in both phases occurred within a full-scale, low-fidelity spatial prototype, where proposed interior environment was simulated with lightweight foam construction. The prototyped space was overlaid with digital experiences by introducing mobile apps and interactive media, from touch screens to visual projections. Final layer of service experience was added during the workshop sessions through enactment of service scenarios to test interactions between potential users and employees. The two-phase testing involved over 130 employees in the corporate bank, from various departments. Overall, the full-scale bodystorming provided an opportunity to have a ‘living-lab’ where new services could be evaluated through physical simulation, perform in-situ iteration and brainstorming of ideas, as well as uncover related issues and values related to HCI, such as privacy, in/exclusivity, complexity, acceptability, and implement-ability.