Evaluation

I think that my group has worked well together both working separately, and colaborating with eachother very well. We have overcome problems such as missing members or others lacking in participation and been able to work around it, without it becoming a cause for concern which then would have haulted our progress.

We have changed our initial idea of the text to change the song device, to something which would be more beneficial to our chosen public location. We did choose a local pub, which was perhaps not an ideal place for us to base a group task on, although it was an intention that as we would probably be spending alot of time there, that it would be a good idea to maybe focus a task in there. However, socialising and work don't always work well together!

We did get alot of research and ideas done for the task but could have still done alot more, such as; taking more first-hand pictures, sketches, rough 3d models made from spare materials, mock ups of the design.

Overall, I think that we worked well in a group, however we were one member short due to one never attending, so we were more restricted to the amount of work we could do in comparison to other groups. ANother problem was how two of us were commuting to university, it also makes it more difficult to meet up in oru own time, but luckily with the hour gaps between lectures we used that time to meet up for the environment and contextual studies.

If we were to do a group task again, I would ensure that my group creates a schedule each week for tasks that we will complete, and to create blog posts more frequently, as I've found it hard to get back into the swing of blog posting everything. It's easy to forget to post any thoughts or ideas that you have along the way.

Equipment and material list

This is a list of all the things we will need to successfully deploy or installation:

Our devices ~ Small moblie devices encased in secure and waterproof containers, the containers will need to be linked to the device and the front screen much have a touch screen plastic sheet over it to allow users to interact with the device.

• Secure waterproof casing
• Touch screen sheet
• Fixture securing devices (Screws, nuts, bolts etc)

Anti theft system ~ The anti theft device will be a small gps device that is connected wirelessly too a sister device behind the bar, if the device goes our of range of the sister device an alarm will go off notifying the staff that the device is missing.

• Device itself
• Sister device with wireless accessRouter/modem

Van/Truck ~ To transport tables to and from the pub to be modified.

Power tools ~ To adjust the tables

Failure scenarios and backup plans

Within every installation there will be problems which occur, therefore we will need to have already prepared for common problems which could occur with this chosen type of technology. Our designed technology is an electronic, touch-screen ordering form, in the reach of every customer who will be located around a table.

The obvious failure scenarios would include;

1. Damage from liquid substance
2. Surface damage from objects
3. Power cut/damaged wires
4. Not enough power transferred to device

These can all be overcome, given that enough money would be funded for more features to be included to the device, otherwise the technology would cause to be more of a downgrade to the public process of making an order in the pub.

The failure scenarios can be overcome by applying the following to the technology;

1. Apply a water-proof surface to the screen, allowing visibility and touch-screen, but protection from liquids
2. Shock proof, allowing it to sustain a great deal of weight from objects such as pint glasses and plates
3. Enable a wireless version, in the case of wires becoming a hazard for customers. Although a wireless version could become worse for battery life
4. Install a stronger power supply/battery to the device, or enforce using a power plug to be used

Problems occurring is natural within technology installations, to have an installation to run smooth wouldn't be normal. Therefore you need to ensure that you have prepared for every scenario.

Backup plans?

In the case of our designed device not working, we will also need to construct a replacement, which will be quicker to install, and cost a lot less money. The reason for this is that you can test the device all you want to ensure that it works before the day, but what happens on the day can't always be expected to happen.

An ideal backup plan would be a slideshow presentation, which would include the content of the originally designed device but in briefer detail, so that customers can either; text in to a device which will record the orders (could be time consuming for a 'backup' plan), write the order onto paper and bring it up to the bar, with their table number (quick and easy to install).

Deployment overview

Time schedule for installation

1. We need to arrive early morning before the pub starts.
2. Purchase new tables a week before installation date to ensure delivery on time. This way the pub is not left without tables during the wait.
3. 7am – We get there, with touch screens in the van. Seeing as most pubs open at 12-1 that leaves us a lot of time to fit several installations. More time can be given for more installations.
4. 8am – we have made quick final checks of the area to ensure our installation can fit in and comply with rules and regulations.
5. 9am – we have installed the cables and electrical wires needed, ready for the installations.
6. 10am – the tables have been delivered with pre-cut sections for the screens and wires.
7. 10.30am – tables are positioned in correct places and wires are fed through.
8. 11am – by this time we have placed the screens within the tables, ensuring they fit with the theft and water proof devices.
9. 11am onwards (Pub/Bar Open) – time is spent testing each device works ready for the customers!

Here is a list of the things we need to carry out a successful deployment of our installation:

1. Top down Plans
2. Timetables and Schedules
3. Equipment and Materials List
4. Failure Scenarios and Backup Plans

 We have already covered the top down plans/birdseye view and the timetable so we've almost completed our list for a successful deployment and preparation.

Explanation of design

The idea of this device is to save time and hassle for the public who enter the pub from having to stand and que by the bar to order food and/or drinks. This will allow them to comfortable order from the seat of their table.

Image of storyboard design

So here is a rough storyboard of how the device would work in terms of processing an order from the customer. You would start with the home/display screen which would show the main menu, for either; the song list, or a food menu. Once clicked you will then have a comprehensive menu of the available choices, with a price and description (for food) and a list of artist, song and genre (for music). Once the choice of food is chosen, you will then have a detailed list of your cart, similar to the interface when you shop online, as it then allows familiarity to customers and ensures they don't feel puzzled when using the new technology. They will then be able to cancel anything which they initially ordered by clicking onto the product, to then click 'buy' to confirm the order and will be required to pay when a member of staff comes over to confirm the order and bring the starters/drinks.

Mockup design of system

Jamie created a quick design of how we intend the technology to work and look.

User Interface design

As you can see it should work effectively as a touch-screen interface, as the buttons are placed with enough spacing from each other, and are large. This means that even if you are semi-conscious then you should still be able to easily change song, order food and drink.

Here's an image created in photoshop to help understand how it will work;

Photoshop mockup of how the technology would look when installed

The device will be integrated into the surface for several reasons; the public will be eating on the surface and it would otherwise cause to be an obstruction, it will then be difficult to remove/take as it is closely fitted into the hole created into the surface. Having it fitted into the table can also have some cons, those of which we have already discussed and thought of some ways to overcome the problems. The main problem would be the risk of it getting damaged from general use, so it will need to be waterproof and scratch-proof, but also strong enough to withstand weight being hit onto it with force.

A list of requirements

After our research into the pub, it's surrounding area and the customers inside, we soon realised one big requirement that our installation had to do. That was simply get people away from the bar, to clear up that clustered space in the pub. So we decided to do create a multi functional touch screen application that allows customers to order the drinks from the table. We also thought that from this device the user could request to change the current song in the pub etc.

Firstly the obvious requirements that come with this are:

• It has to be waterproof (a pub constantly has drinks spilt on the table, on the floor, even on the walls) so this is the biggest thing we need to consider.

• It has to be theft proof. This is quite obvious, as no pub/bar wants there nice new equipment stolen by someone that after a few drinks thinks it would 'look lovely in there living room'

• Easy interface. Again very obvious, but with the constant effects of drink within the pub, using this must be simple – even after a few drinks!

• Will provide a simple lock system, so that it is not accidentally pressed when leaning on it. I.e System locks after 3 minutes of no use.

• Price must be below £100 for one of these LCD screens. As they have to be installed in tables. They won't be in all of the tables, as the use of the bar is still there, but they will be installed in a few. This is designed to simply reduce the cluster at the bar, as taking it away complete would remove the tradition of a pub.

These are just a few of the requirements for our system. They are only basic, but we need to begin the design process to help ensure these requirements are met.