We talked about logistics and agreed to meet twice a week—one hour on Tuesdays and one hour on Thursdays. David will be out of the country for three weeks in late-July/early-August, so we’ll make arrangements to meet (skype, video chat) at convenient times during those weeks.

David’s initial response to my thesis project—based on the executive summary sheet and the revised mid-point proposal I previously emailed him—was very positive. Without much further explanation on my part, he was able to grasp my objective and goals. He was also quick to point out some challenges which I’ve also thought about as well. We both got on the same page rather quickly, so I’m looking forward to continuing our discussion in future meetings.

I mentioned to David that one of my initial goals for this semester was to tackle branding & identity. He is open and willing to reviewing this work, but we both realize that I will benefit most from his advice on concepts and strategy. Therefore, I will adjust my goals a bit for this semester to accommodate.

Things to think about between now and the next meeting:
1. Design engine? Or veneer?
2. What is the input device? Historically, this has been constrained to text driven Q&A. What are alternatives?

TURNING POINT values emotional intelligence and offers emotional navigation products that foster the development of emotional skills.

STEERINGWELL doesn’t see the value in developing emotional intelligence. That’s why their emotional navigation products are designed to make all your decisions; so you don’t have to.

Here’s an updated executive summary with the latest look & feel I’m considering:

No one really knows what the future looks like, or how technology will advance. Presently, smart phones, mobile devices and mobile applications are the hottest innovations. We’re seeing new and amazing apps everyday that mash-up social networking, cloud sourcing and augmented reality for all sorts of practical functions. But in 2035, such devices would be a thing of the past; predecessors to something unrealizable today. By placing my thesis out in the future, I’m allowing myself the freedom to imagine mobile devices in a new way.

The sky’s the limit.

(original image courtesy of flickr)

Allow me to introduce Steeringwell, the leader in emotional navigation technology.

I was able to secure the domain name, so I’m planning to develop it into a “corporate” website over the coming months. Visit Steeringwell at http://steeringwell.com.

What is the problem?

If tools are helpful, what are some examples that support this?

What is the benefit? Better decision-making skills? Happier lives resulting from lowered stress/anxiety?

What will this thing look like? A book? Website? GPS-like devices? Guides? Program? Self-help? WHAT?

How can the analogy be further developed? If GPS devices can get you to where you’re going, what can EPS devices do? How far does the analogy extend?

Can there really be an emotional dimension to technology?

How real or hypothetical is this projected intended to be?

I found these discussions extremely useful as a debate was raised as to whether technology should “control” emotional navigation—forcing an emotional decision—or merely offer guidance for decision-making. If my intent is to brand a company around its suite of products, do I suggest that these products remove the need for emotional intelligence or will they reinforce that necessity? If these tools offer guidance, then how accurate will my algorithm be that produces the solution? Is it even possible to determine a definitive solution? How much of a Psychology thesis do I want this project to be? Clearly, more questions arose from this exercise, but I’m glad I’m able to address them sooner than later.

As a result of these brainstorming sessions, I’ve decided to frame my thesis project in the following way:

1. A company, set in 2035, has become the industry leader in Emotional Navigation technology after introducing tools which generate emotional responses on behalf of the user without user-intervention.

2. The language used for branding the company will be entirely in the voice of the company.

3. It is difficult to properly assess a person’s emotional state or to offer emotional guidance without first having access to some personal information. If this proposed technology is to work, it may need to intrude on people’s privacy. Perhaps this is why no such technology is in existence today.

4. By not having some sense of emotional intelligence or control over emotional decision-making, one runs the risk of losing human experience or humanity. Creating a hypothetical reality where that risk has become a foregone conclusion, I’m able to advocate emotional intelligence in an ironic and playful manner.

In his inspiring presentation at TED2010 this month, Blaise Aguera y Arcas made a statement that struck a cord with me. He said that “mapping is not just about cartography; it’s also about imagery.” He and hia team demostrate the potential for layering user-generated photos (using Photosynth of Flickr photos) and even video (via telepresence using backpack cameras) over Bing maps.

TED

For this thesis project, there are four sets of deliverables:

1. Primary Deliverables
2. Branding/Identity
3. Products
4. Services

Primary Deliverables accounts for final artifacts which encapsulate the thesis project in its entirety. Branding/Identity accounts for work contributing to overall recognition of the company’s brand. Products accounts for the company’s merchandise (either physical or virtual). Services accounts for various aides which make up the rest of the company’s offerings.

In addition, the matrix groups each deliverable within six design disciplines:

1. Print Design
2. Information Design
3. Web + Interaction Design
4. Mobile + Interaction Design
5. Package Design
6. Industrial Design

To view to full timeline, click here.

I’m really excited to see the progress we’ll make with AR in 2010. In particular, I’m excited to explore how I may potentially incorporate it into my thesis. Since information, direction and locality are important elements in physical navigation, I make the observation that navigation in the emotional sense employs the same elements but to a different end. In other words, if we can potentially use AR to improve wayfinding (providing driving directions, pin-pointing nearby POIs, locating the nearest restrooms, etc.), why not use it to improve our emotional well-being as well?

I came across this video created by Keiichi Matsuda that exaggerates the future of AR but also opens our eyes to what’s to come. Designers should look at it as a reference for “What NOT to do.”