Funny Business: Using Comics in the Design Process

NOT my presentation - posted with permission for archiving/linking purposes. Workshop by Amy Cueva of Mad*Pow, from UPA Boston 2008. Originally posted at http://www.slideshare.net/AmyCueva/UsingComicsInTheDesignProcessUPABostonCueva (some strange font issues over there now)

Transcript

1. Prepared by: Amy Cueva – Founder & CXO Mad*Pow 603.436.7177 September 20, 2008 Funny Business - Using Comics in the Design Process WORKSHOP FOR UPA BOSTON
2. Introduction Hey, I`m Amy. I work at Mad*Pow, an Experience Design Firm. We`re really excited about the results, and I`m here to share some tips with you! We`ve been using comics in the design process to help us communicate… Integrating thinking from the work of McCloud, Cheng, Sadaca, and Hardee.
3. Introduction First off, How many of you have used comics in the design process? What brings you here today? For those who have, how did it work out? For those who haven`t, what have you heard?
4. Things we will cover… Introduction to Comics Why use Comics? When to use Comics? How to Introduce Comics Samples of Comics Different Methods An Exercise Q&A
5. Introduction to Comics Com.ics (kom`iks) n. plural in form, used with a singular verb. 1. Juxtaposed pictorial and other images in deliberate sequence, intended to convey information and/or to produce an aesthetic response in the viewer.
6. Introduction to Comics lComics were used by the ancient Egyptians to communicate history and concepts.
7. Introduction to Comics Michael Eisner says comics are lSequential Artz
8. Introduction to Comics Scott McCloud (who wrote great book to the right) says lComics and cartoons are different. One is an approach to picture making, the other is a medium which employs that approach. l
9. Introduction to Comics Kevin Cheng calls comics the lUniversal Languagez.
10. Introduction to Comics Ikea says comics make good directions.
11. Introduction to Comics The 9/11 Committee thought comics would be a good way to communicate history.
12. Introduction to Comics Google says comics are a great way to communicate the features of a new product.
13. Comics & Experience Design – Some History Kevin Cheng has been presenting and promoting the idea since 2006, and many articles have been written about it. The concept has been tried by many and has gained momentum over the past few years. Google made a big splash communicating how users would experience benefits with their new product.
14. Why Use Comics in the Design Process? Comics can help people understand: Persona: Emotion, Actions, Response Context: Environment, Conditions, Other Actors Time: Sequence, Process Channels: Print, Online, Phone, In Store Interaction: Dialogue, Flow Screen Design: Core Elements
15. Why Use Comics in the Design Process? Comics can also help people understand: A concept A strategy A change Problems Opportunities Attitudes Dependencies What really goes on with users
16. Comics may be a better way to tell a story. Comics can communicate: How your product will compete How it will function How it will coordinate with other sites or systems A current process or experience A brand new process or experience Points of frustration or ideas for improvement A multi-channel experience High level findings from research or testing
17. When to Use Comics When your presentation matters When you have a great idea When you want feedback on a concept When something very new is being introduced When you want people to fully grasp a problem When you want to facilitate a brainstorm To communicate to a diverse team Prior to or during wireframing During and After research or testing When you want to insert the users voice When you need to get quick and dirty
18. When to Use Comics Comics can be used as: A Concept Document Task Flows Use Cases Informal Walkthrough Materials Research Findings Usability Test Findings Personas lDay in the Lifez Training Documentation Marketing Materials
19. Samples Comics: Promotion of eLearning Tools
20. Samples Comics: Promotion of eLearning Tools
21. Samples Comics for Design: Sedaka
22. Samples Comics: Kevin Cheng
23. Samples Comics: Mad*Pow for Client
24. Samples Comics: Mad*Pow for Client
25. Samples Comics: Mad*Pow for Client
26. Samples Comics: Mad*Pow for Client
27. Samples Comics: Martin Hardee
28. Samples Comics: Google
29. Samples Comics: Mad*Pow for Aetna
30. Samples Comics: Mad*Pow for Aetna
31. Methods for Creating Comics: Free Hand Comics are about expression not perfection. We all can hand draw comics.
32. Methods for Creating Comics: Free Hand Emotion
33. Methods for Creating Comics: Free Hand Position and Motion
34. Methods for Creating Comics: Free Hand Setting & Props
35. Methods for Creating Comics: Free Hand Speaking and Thought Bubbles
36. Methods for Creating Comics: Free Hand
37. Methods for Creating Comics: Free Hand Pencil Ink Digital
38. An Exercise Describe yourself: Draw you as a stick figure experiencing an emotion. Place yourself in a setting and give yourself a speaking or thought bubble. Place in other people and props if you want. Start in pencil, and then ink it in.
39. Methods for Creating Comics: Image Libraries Courtesy of Martin Hardee & Sun
40. Methods for Creating Comics: Powerpoint Considerations: • Point 1 Text. Considerations: • Point 1 Considerations: • Point 1 Text. Text. Text.
41. Methods for Creating Comics: Visio
42. Using Comics Comics can illustrate: Persona, Context, Environment, Behavior, Emotion, Time, Reaction, Thoughts, Words, Actions, Flow, Interaction, Screen Design, Multiple Channels, Other Actors, Technology Support, Operational Dependencies, Strategy, Governance, Design Considerations.
43. Process for Creating Comics Who is the audience? What is the objective of the communication? What is the essence of the idea? Which personas will be involved? What is the high level flow or script? Are there any considerations we will point out? What medium will you use to illustrate? How will the comics be presented?