Minor Project/ Final Compilation & Reflection
23.09.2025 - 30.12.2025 ( Week 1 - Week 15)
WANG JINYI / 0374697
PRJ62204 / Minor Project / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Final Compilation & Reflection
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
TASK PROGRESS
FINAL SUBMISSION
REFLECTION
INSTRUCTION
Fig 1.0 Module Information Booklet (MIB) PDF
TASK PROGRESS
Weeks 1–2: Project Setup and Early Understanding
In the first week, we formed our group, created shared documents, selected our project topic, and set up a FigJam board to organize our research and ideas. After meeting with Dr. Wong, we were advised to focus on building a basic background understanding of the topic, client, and problem space, rather than going too deep too early. At the same time, we began drafting interview questions for the client, knowing these would be reviewed and refined later.
By Week 2, our main focus was background research of understanding heat stress, outdoor working conditions, and the challenges faced by our client. This stage helped us align as a team and establish a shared knowledge base before moving into user research.
Weeks 3–4: User Research and Field Observation
In week 3, we developed initial user personas and started locating potential interviewees.
In Week 4, we conducted user interviews and completed field observations. Observing outdoor workers in real environments allowed us to understand how heat affects daily routines, decision-making, and physical endurance. Based on interview transcripts and observations, we refined our user personas and created empathy maps to capture users’ needs, frustrations, and behaviors.
Weeks 5–6: Synthesizing Insights
During Weeks 5 and 6, we focused on refining our findings. User personas and empathy maps were updated based on real data, and insights were transferred into presentation slides according to the proposal outline. We also reorganized our affinity diagrams to identify key patterns and pain points.
At this stage, our research shifted from information gathering to sense-making, helping us identify opportunity areas for design intervention.
Weeks 7–8: Ideation and Direction Setting
Week 7 focused on refining user point-of-view statements and generating ideas through Crazy 8s.
By Week 8, we finalized three main design directions:
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A COOLINK mobile app
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A redesigned smart rest stop
An awareness campaign
Each direction addressed heat stress from a different angle but remained connected under the same system. We also decided on a visual direction and began early prototype drafts in preparation for the client proposal.
Weeks 9–11: Prototyping and Development
After our proposal in Week 9, we moved into refining our prototypes.
The app team focused on creating a functional prototype. The awareness campaign team prioritized app banners and visual assets. The redesigned rest stop team researched systems and developed 3D models.
Weeks 12–13: User Testing and Feedback
In Weeks 12 and 13, we refined the app prototype and conducted user testing across our design outcomes. Feedback was collected, analyzed individually, and discussed as a team.
Weeks 14–15: Final Refinement and Presentation
The final weeks were dedicated to refining our designs and preparing for the final presentation. We rehearsed, aligned our narratives, and ensured each design decision was clearly justified through research and user feedback.
FINAL SUBMISSION
Over the course of this project, I was actively involved in every key stage of the design process. I consistently attended group meetings and contributed to discussions, particularly during the ideation phase. One of my main contributions was proposing the redesigned smart rest stop concept, which later became one of the three core design directions of the project. I worked closely with my teammates to refine the rest stop idea, focusing on its functions, usability, and feasibility. This included developing the concept into a modular system that integrates shade, hydration, information display, and rest. I was also involved in visual exploration, sketching, and supporting the design and 3D modeling process. In addition, I participated in presentations and helped articulate the design rationale and system thinking behind our proposal. Throughout the project, there were challenges such as aligning ideas across different design directions, managing time effectively, and ensuring the rest stop concept could realistically exist within real-world constraints. However, working through these challenges strengthened my understanding of collaborative design and system-based problem solving.
Observation
This group project highlighted the importance of clear communication and active participation in maintaining team alignment. Regular meetings were essential for sharing progress, resolving misunderstandings, and refining ideas collectively. I also observed that strong concepts require continuous iteration and feedback from teammates to become more grounded and feasible. Designing the rest stop revealed how complex it is to balance creativity with practicality. Considerations such as user behavior, public infrastructure limitations, and stakeholder involvement required constant reassessment of the design approach. Collaboration across different focus areas such as app design, campaign visuals, and physical infrastructure demanded flexibility and mutual understanding within the team.
Findings
Through this project, I learned the importance of system-level thinking when addressing real social issues like heat stress. A design solution is more effective when it considers not only the object itself, but also users, context, stakeholders, and long-term sustainability. I also gained a deeper appreciation for user-centered design, especially when designing for outdoor workers and vulnerable groups. Clear communication, responsibility, and openness to feedback significantly improve teamwork and design outcomes. Overall, this experience has strengthened my confidence in contributing ideas, refining concepts collaboratively, and approaching future design projects with a more thoughtful and realistic mindset.
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