Interactive Touch Table for COP28
Timeline
Oct 2023 - Dec 2023
Platform
55in Interactive Touch Table
My Role
Lead Product Designer
Introduction
Mubadala, a prominent investment company based in Abu Dhabi, has tasked our UI/UX team with creating an interactive table for COP28. The purpose of this table is to educate people about their responsible investing journey, which has helped in the transition towards building a low-carbon economy.
The Challenge
Creating an interactive table for COP28 presented distinct challenges, involving diverse content on a 55-inch screen and determining the best way to highlight Mubadala's dedication to responsible investing and sustainability. This encompassed addressing both informational and experiential dimensions of the user journey.
This case study delves into how I led our team our team to overcome these obstacles to create an engaging and informative platform for Mubadala's responsible investing journey.
Research
During the research phase, we analyzed the needs of the diverse international audience at COP28, considering cultural differences, and language preferences, and ensuring global accessibility.
We conducted stakeholder interviews to gather insights and perspectives and analyzed feedback from previous COP conferences to identify patterns and preferences.
Activities and Design Methodologies:
Device Exploration
The design challenge introduced a new element—a 55-inch touch screen. To ensure a seamless and familiar interactive experience, we conducted extensive research on various touch screens for the 55-inch touch screens.
Stakeholder Insights
Identified client preferences and understood Mubadala's dedication to sustainability. Explored content requirements and strategically positioned the storyline.
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Alignment and Roadmap
To guide the design team through the project's short timeline, I created a Product Roadmap with key stages, milestones, and tasks. We validated our assumptions through interviews, research, and theme creation.
Market Research Learnings
Gained valuable insights into user preferences for screen interactions. Informed design decisions for touchpoints and service design. Established a comprehensive understanding of user engagement with large screens.
Defining Scope and Ideation
To refine the scope of the interactive table, I immersed myself in a comprehensive content analysis, meticulously mapping out potential content flows and Information Architecture touchpoints. This strategic approach aimed to narrate Mubadala's narrative in the most compelling and engaging way.
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Simultaneously, my focus extended to crafting an early visual identity for the interactive table. Establishing the look and feel early in the process was foundational, guiding the subsequent design decisions.
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In a collaborative team effort, we diverged to explore various look and feel themes. We identified two designs that harmonized seamlessly with client preferences through a convergence process, ensuring alignment with project goals.
Activities and Design Methodologies:
Sketching and Low-Fidelity Concepts
Based on the proposed information architecture, I outlined key design components to enhance navigation and user experience. I then created initial sketches and low-fidelity wireframes to provide a tangible visualization.
Wireframing for a Seamless User Journey
Through careful planning and wireframing, we curated content flows to ensure a seamless user journey and establish a compelling narrative for Mubadala's interactive table at COP28.
UI Exploration
In the design phase, we brainstormed themes, identified two designs, and moved to the UI design phase. Here, we created visually appealing and functionally coherent high-level designs.
Stakeholder Feedback
Collaborative feedback provided design direction aligned with the client's objectives. A comprehensive approach created a visually appealing interactive table that showcases Mubadala's story for its audience.
Crafting a Visual Narrative: From Content Analysis to Collaboration and Wireframing for Mubadala's Interactive Table
Prototype
and Testing
As we approached the end of our project timeline, we had to put in long hours to complete the task. Our focus shifted towards turning our ideas into a reality and making sure that the final product was visually appealing and worked seamlessly while maintaining an engaging storyline.
Prototyping
In order to bring our design ideas to life and make them interactive, we used prototypes. This allowed us to mimic the real user experience and get useful feedback from our clients and users. Prototyping was crucial in testing the functionality, identifying any potential problems, and refining design elements to ensure that the final product met both the aesthetic and functional requirements. Ultimately, prototyping acted as a link between our creative ideas and the actual implementation of the product.
Iteration and Refinement
We refined the interactive table's design during the Iteration and Refinement phase, making necessary adjustments to improve usability, functionality, and aesthetics. The result is a highly functional and visually appealing design, ensuring an exceptional user experience.
Areas of iteration:
Responsive Design for Dynamic Content
During the project, the client added new content which required a responsive design approach. As a result, we made changes to the layout and structure of the table design to allow for future additions. Our goal was to ensure that the interactive table could accommodate new partners or content without affecting the overall visual balance of the screen.
Flow Modification for Detailed Content
As the client requirements evolved, we had to include more detailed content. To make sure that the information was presented in a coherent and user-friendly manner, we modified the flow of the content iteratively. This iterative process allowed us to adjust the interactive table's structure to accommodate the complexity of the added content.
Balancing Animation and Workflow Efficiency
Based on user feedback , we streamlined the user interactions to maintain a visually engaging and efficient experience.
Last-Minute Adjustments for Optimal User Journey
To enhance the user journey, we made last-minute adjustments. We fine-tuned interactive elements to ensure an intuitive and engaging experience that aligns with project goals. This enabled us to dynamically respond to evolving requirements and ensure an optimal user experience.
Transition to Development and Launch
During the design phase, we collaborated with developers to ensure that our concepts for the 55-inch interactive table were feasible. This early engagement helped to establish a solid foundation for a smooth transition into the development phase.
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To ensure a clear understanding of design intent, we provided developers with detailed handoffs including specs, assets and documentation. We maintained ongoing communication, clarifying queries and fostering collaboration to minimize roadblocks.
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We’re Live! Our interactive table design is up and live to the public with an A record 84,000 people are in attendance at COP28 in Dubai
Learnings
and Future
During the process of designing the interactive table for COP28, it was important to reflect on both the challenges encountered and the successes achieved. This process of introspection played a significant role in enhancing our design strategies and refining our approach.
Top Challenges and Lessons Learned
Limited Time
for Iteration
Challenge: The tight deadline may limit design iterations. Iterations are crucial for fine-tuning the experience and enhancing the design.
Strategy: Focus on key design elements, prioritize high-impact features, and manage time strategically for efficient iterations that enhance the overall design.
Deeper Understanding of Design Strategies
Reflections on challenges and successes gave us insights into effective design strategies. Managing evolving content is key for adaptability while navigating animation and workflow deepened our understanding of user-centric design. This process now guides future projects, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and user-centricity in all our designs.
Complex Design Requirements
Challenge: Designing an interactive table with a 55-inch screen, engaging storytelling, diverse content, and seamless user interactions in a short timeline is complex.
Strategy: Prioritize crucial features, and simplify design.