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Pointing
in the right direction.
Helping refine a mouse for laptop users
Swiftpoint
developed an innovative pointing
device aimed at laptop users.
The design concept is intended to overcome limits and frustrations encountered
with the traditional computer mouse.
Still in concept stage, Swiftpoint had a swag of prototypes but planned
to launch a single product.
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Swiftpoint hired Bowmast to help determine a combination of design features
most likely to provide an intuitive and functionally effective
experience for the end user.
While many features and functions of the prototype variants showed promise,
it was impossible to build all of these into one product.
Our task was to uncover which features from the many
prototypes would be taken forward into production.
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We carried out user research to compare and evaluate ergonomics,
usability and performance
using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
We recruited target market end-users to ‘road test’ each
prototype. From observation and user feedback we were able to measure
and identify the strengths and weaknesses of each of the sometimes
very subtle design features.
We took an iterative approach in parallel with product
development, generating real-world insights to inform and inspire the
industrial design and marketing teams.
As the product became more defined, we used a diary-based
ethnographic approach. Research participants used the freshest
batch of prototypes over several days, allowing us to understand aspects
of natural use over time in different contexts and
during different tasks.
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We helped Swiftpoint make an informed decision on the design
strategy which would best fit both their brand and end user need.
Our insights provided clear direction at key stages,
fuelling the product development process with genuine understanding
based on observation of actual usage.
Swiftpoint saved money and time by being able to focus
their resources on a design solution they had confidence in.
Our methods and research findings helped build consensus between
internal teams and promote a user focus within the company,
allowing other design streams to benefit through empathy with customer
attitudes and behaviours.
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