Update

So it's been a while since I've made a blog post, I thought I'd check in.  I'm thoroughly enjoying my semester.  Learning a lot, getting immersed in my projects, and getting some March Madness.  Things are going great.  

Alternative ​Spring Break

I spent my spring break in Chicago.  I worked at the Adler Planetarium in their Space Visualization Lab.  It was so much fun.  Not only is there some amazing technology in there, but it was great working with my mentors and interacting with the visitors.  The SVL had a Kinect hooked up to a 15 monitor array, a couple of 3D displays, and lots of other neat stuff.  I was lucky enough to work with a PixelSense table.  My project involved conducting a usability evaluation on the solar system application on the PixelSense, and the platform in general.  I spent a few days doing some field research - interviews, usability tests, observation - to get determine what visitors think about the technology and how they interact with it.  I proposed some ways to help create a better experience.  I also worked on some rough wireframes for new apps that could take advantage of the unique PixelSense technology to make the table into a better teaching and learning experience.

New Projects

I just picked up a couple new projects.  While they're still in their infancy, I want to share what I will be working on over the next few months.  ​

U of M Nonprofit and Public Management Center

Right now, my team is getting started on user research (Personas, Heuristic Evaluation, Usability Testing, etc.) and IA work ( assess and reorganize the categorization and structure of the site to better serve its users).  We'll use this information to propose recommendations for the website redesign.

​Michigan Health Information Network

This one ​is still very much in square one, but I am very excited to get started on it.  The MiHIN is an exchange dedicated to the idea of improving the healthcare experience and providing a central location for health information for the state of Michigan.  There's a lot of work that can be done, from research to design.  I think a site like this is extremely important, so I can't wait to help users get the info they need.