Bodystorming

Bodystorming – similar to brainstorming - can be defined as a type of participatory method for demonstrating concepts with a physical approach. This involves, if you will, mimicking an experience. Ideas are developed through acting them out in that particular location, interacting physically, active engagement, and at times utilizing props such as maps or photos to give a sense of place, scene, and reality. This allows first-hand experience and understanding for research issues and solutions, which leads to effective evaluation of product design. Thus, unlike brainstorming it is not just a written idea, and is often a technique that is used in the early stages of interactive design.

When designing our tricycle tractor we wanted to take into consideration any disabilities or pains individuals may have, therefore, we can design the tricycle tractor to include these type of users. Below is a bodystorming activity we did in order to understand how a person with arthritis feels. These relates back to the individuals in Scenario 1 and Scenario 3.