Narrative as Prototype
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Narrative As Prototype Izac Ross | March 17, 2015
description
As more and more of the experiences we craft are services that unfold over time — written, dramatic, and visual storytelling become the perfect early prototype. Designers can take advantage of the Narrative Paradigm, which states that all humans are natural storytellers and evaluators. Narratives are cheap and quick to make and evaluate. In this talk we will explore several narrative tools and when and how to use them in the design process.
Transcript of Narrative as Prototype
Narrative As PrototypeIzac Ross | March 17, 2015
@zaic
The Valley has a problem....
too much focus on technology & validate with leading questions
instead let's tell stories...
to validate value
not pixels
without...
jumping to pixels
or jumping to code
Stories are cheap and quick to make
Stories are culture...
Walter Fisher & The Narrative Paradigm
Logical rationale Narrative rationale– People are essentially rational – People are essentially storytellers
– Decide based on rationality – Decisions on the basis of good reason
– Situation determines the course of our argument
– Hist., bibliography, culture, & character determine good reasons
– Rational = how much we know and how well we argue
– Narrative rationality determined by coherence and fidelity of our stories
– World = set of logical puzzles that can solve through rational analysis
– The world = set of stories from which we choose
Logical rationale Narrative rationale– People are essentially rational – People are essentially storytellers
– Decide based on rationality – Decisions on the basis of good reason
– Situation determines the course of our argument
– Hist., bibliography, culture, & character determine good reasons
– Rational = how much we know and how well we argue
– Narrative rationality determined by coherence and fidelity of our stories
– World = set of logical puzzles that can solve through rational analysis
– The world = set of stories from which we choose
We evaluate stories through...
Test 1: Narrative CoherenceDoes the story hold together and make sense in our world?
Narrative Coherence: Questions
- How probable does it seem?- Are important details included?- How does it compare with other stories?- Do characters behave/think consistently?
Test 2:Narrative FidelityDoes the story fit our concept of the world?
Narrative Fidelity Questions
- Does it ring true to experience?- Does it provide good reason to change
to guide product decisions?- Does the story seem valuable?
…thus we are great bullshit detectors
If the story of your product or servicedoes not resonate...
…why would people use it?
What are the elements of stories...
Story Terminology
Characters
Settings
Plot
Conflict
Resolution
Props
Activities
Interaction TerminologyPersonas
Contexts
Flow/Sequence
Problem/painpoint
Solution
Interfaces
Tasks
Narrative Frameworks
Hero’s Journey
User’sHero Journey
3 Ways of telling...
Written ScenariosBodystormingExperience Prototypes
Scenarios
Need a framework
See, Think, Do
Body Storming
Act out the interface too...Don’t forget to act out the interfaces
Experience Prototypes
Combine the learning from both Scenarios and Bodystorming
The A/V/I Script
Video Interface Audio
Camera pans to Sidney Walking on screen, holding her iPhone.
Phone vibrates and lights up with message.
(Whirling of the suitcase behind her her)
Camera zooms in on iPhone as it is being set down by Sidney on the hotel desk.
Her Reservation is up on screen, including the key and room number.
Receptionist says you can find anything you need through the Virgin Hotels app, including ordering drinks and unlocking your room.
Receptionist points to her phone and explains the amenities using the the phone.
The iphone screen changes to show the list of amenities.
Let me show you. Here is where you will find the pool and how to order drinks.
Sidney walks away with the phone in her hand, tracking her to the elevator.
iPhone glows with key card.
Music in the lobby
Sidney walks up to her room and waves her phone at the nob
Door knob unlocks and shines green.
click of the lock and chime of the swipe of the phone
She walks into the room and falls on sheets.
He
Go forth and create stories!
…and test their value with users
Thanks!
@zaic
References- Narrative Paradigm - wikipedia- The Hero's Journey: The World of Joseph Campbell (film)- Storytelling and Interaction Design - Dave Malouf
Additional reading– Scenarios section (pg 101-109) of About Face 4– Story Maps– Bodystorming, Getting the Awkward Out Early – Neck Down Designing: Service Design + Bodystorming
