[Redacted] Higher Ed.
March 2024
Examining Factors that Influence Focus and Concentration Amongst University Students
Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
Design Thinking (Behavioural)
Project Management
Affinity Diagramming
Prototyping
This research investigates how factors like diet, mental wellbeing, sleep patterns, technology use, and exercise affect university students' focus and concentration. The project aims to understand these influences and provide recommendations to help students succeed in their academic and professional endeavours.
Google Sheets | Pen + Paper | Google Forms | Atlas.ti | Fig Jam | Figma | Otter.Ai
whatt’s cookin’
March 2024
Examining Factors that Influence Focus and Concentration Amongst University Students
Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
Design Thinking (Behavioural)
Project Management
Affinity Diagramming
Prototyping
This research investigates how factors like diet, mental wellbeing, sleep patterns, technology use, and exercise affect university students' focus and concentration. The project aims to understand these influences and provide recommendations to help students succeed in their academic and professional endeavours.
Google Sheets | Pen + Paper | Google Forms | Atlas.ti | Fig Jam | Figma | Otter.Ai
Observing university students and the investigative journey towards discovery.
Challenges
• Time constraints limited concept testing.
• Difficulty in recruitment efforts for suitable candidates.
• Limited data due to small sample size.
Focus
• Understand factors attributed to poor focus and concentration.
• Help prepare students for their career paths.
• Address different distractions and management methods.
How-Might-We
...help users isolate from distractors?
...encourage users to schedule break intervals?
...incentivise task completion?
...help users visualise task progress?
Key Takeaway
In research, prioritising user needs and understanding their perspectives in the design process is critical. By focusing on empathy and user needs, HCI practitioners can create products that better serve their intended users and address their diverse behavioural attitudes. In most cases, these attitudes are dictated by their environmental and cultural contexts.
Observing university students and the investigative journey towards discovery.
Challenges
• Time constraints limited concept testing.
• Difficulty in recruitment efforts for suitable candidates.
• Limited data due to small sample size.
Focus
• Understand factors attributed to poor focus and concentration.
• Help prepare students for their career paths.
• Address different distractions and management methods.
How-Might-We
...help users isolate from distractors?
...encourage users to schedule break intervals?
...incentivise task completion?
...help users visualise task progress?
Key Takeaway
In research, prioritising user needs and understanding their perspectives in the design process is critical. By focusing on empathy and user needs, HCI practitioners can create products that better serve their intended users and address their diverse behavioural attitudes. In most cases, these attitudes are dictated by their environmental and cultural contexts.
Scroll
Scroll
Introduction
Introduction
Introduction
Our research led us to looking into factors attributed to focus and concentration in university students. Concepts such as diet, mental health, sleep, screen time, and exercise all seem to impact their academic performance. This project seeks to understand these factors and facilitate suggestions that will help students excel in their high-stress learning environment, build skills for future careers, navigate technology demands, and thrive in distracting workplaces.
The main target audience for this study are university students with the following attributes:
Age range between 18 - 30
Struggle less with maintaining focus.
Struggle more with maintaining focus.
This is a brief presentation of the case study and a complete version is available upon request.
Our research led us to looking into factors attributed to focus and concentration in university students. Concepts such as diet, mental health, sleep, screen time, and exercise all seem to impact their academic performance. This project seeks to understand these factors and facilitate suggestions that will help students excel in their high-stress learning environment, build skills for future careers, navigate technology demands, and thrive in distracting workplaces.
The main target audience for this study are university students with the following attributes:
Age range between 18 - 30
Struggle less with maintaining focus.
Struggle more with maintaining focus.
This is a brief presentation of the case study and a complete version is available upon request.
Request Complete Case Study
//
“64% of students expressed concern over maintaining focus and discipline, unsure if they would be able to motivate themselves ... They noted “my house is not the proper environment in which to do work” and that they “easily get distracted while on the computer.”
“64% of students expressed concern over maintaining focus and discipline, unsure if they would be able to motivate themselves ... They noted “my house is not the proper environment in which to do work” and that they “easily get distracted while on the computer.”
“64% of students expressed concern over maintaining focus and discipline, unsure if they would be able to motivate themselves ... They noted “my house is not the proper environment in which to do work” and that they “easily get distracted while on the computer.”
Problem Area
Problem Area
Problem Area
There are various reasons on why each student chooses a specific major. These reasons can be influenced by culture, society, politics, psychology or finances. Two issues are explored pertaining to international students namely decision making process and challenges they face. Suggestions are also provided as a starting point for the concept development.
There are various reasons on why each student chooses a specific major. These reasons can be influenced by culture, society, politics, psychology or finances. Two issues are explored pertaining to international students namely decision making process and challenges they face. Suggestions are also provided as a starting point for the concept development.
There are various reasons on why each student chooses a specific major. These reasons can be influenced by culture, society, politics, psychology or finances. Two issues are explored pertaining to international students namely decision making process and challenges they face. Suggestions are also provided as a starting point for the concept development.
Why we chose the topic
Why we chose the topic
Many students have expressed their struggles with procrastination, lack of motivation, and low comprehension. We explored diet, mental health, sleep, screen time, and exercise as potential influences on focus. Following our literature reviews, we noticed that all five topics had a connection to focus and concentration among university students.
Many students have expressed their struggles with procrastination, lack of motivation, and low comprehension. We explored diet, mental health, sleep, screen time, and exercise as potential influences on focus. Following our literature reviews, we noticed that all five topics had a connection to focus and concentration among university students.
Many students have expressed their struggles with procrastination, lack of motivation, and low comprehension. We explored diet, mental health, sleep, screen time, and exercise as potential influences on focus. Following our literature reviews, we noticed that all five topics had a connection to focus and concentration among university students.
Learnings from our secondary research
Learnings from our secondary research
Juggling academic pressures with responsibilities can be overwhelming for university students, leading to stress and anxieties they often feel reluctant to address. This silence around mental well-being can negatively impact academic performance. Studies show some significant trends such as: rising anxiety, insufficient sleep, poor diet, and excessive smartphone use being prevalent among students.These lifestyle habits have a direct impact on focus and performance.
Irregular sleep patterns are linked to decreased motivation and concentration, while higher aerobic capacity and adherence to balanced diets are associated with improved cognitive function. Additionally, the constant allure of smartphones disrupts attention and hinders self-regulated learning, ultimately hindering the ability to achieve academic flow. Addressing these challenges and promoting healthy habits are crucial for supporting student well-being and academic success.
Juggling academic pressures with responsibilities can be overwhelming for university students, leading to stress and anxieties they often feel reluctant to address. This silence around mental well-being can negatively impact academic performance. Studies show some significant trends such as: rising anxiety, insufficient sleep, poor diet, and excessive smartphone use being prevalent among students.These lifestyle habits have a direct impact on focus and performance.
Irregular sleep patterns are linked to decreased motivation and concentration, while higher aerobic capacity and adherence to balanced diets are associated with improved cognitive function. Additionally, the constant allure of smartphones disrupts attention and hinders self-regulated learning, ultimately hindering the ability to achieve academic flow. Addressing these challenges and promoting healthy habits are crucial for supporting student well-being and academic success.
Juggling academic pressures with responsibilities can be overwhelming for university students, leading to stress and anxieties they often feel reluctant to address. This silence around mental well-being can negatively impact academic performance. Studies show some significant trends such as: rising anxiety, insufficient sleep, poor diet, and excessive smartphone use being prevalent among students.These lifestyle habits have a direct impact on focus and performance.
Irregular sleep patterns are linked to decreased motivation and concentration, while higher aerobic capacity and adherence to balanced diets are associated with improved cognitive function. Additionally, the constant allure of smartphones disrupts attention and hinders self-regulated learning, ultimately hindering the ability to achieve academic flow. Addressing these challenges and promoting healthy habits are crucial for supporting student well-being and academic success.
Why we’re exploring this behaviour
Why we’re exploring this behaviour
Understanding the various factors that affect university students’ focus and concentration is crucial for the following reasons:
Higher education can be a high stress endeavour where limited focus can leave students struggling to be mentally present and in turn contributing to mental and emotional fatigue.
It is a huge determinant of a student’s future and their career path. In order to excel in their journey, they need to develop their mental faculties and be trained in performing specific tasks for a long duration of time.
Despite having a detrimental effect on attention span, technology has become ubiquitous with students’ personal and academic lives. Learning to manage its use is crucial to sustaining mental well-being.
Managing increasing distractions in the workplace and being able to switch back and forth between social engagement and productive tasks is a skill modern day students can greatly benefit from.
Understanding the various factors that affect university students’ focus and concentration is crucial for the following reasons:
Higher education can be a high stress endeavour where limited focus can leave students struggling to be mentally present and in turn contributing to mental and emotional fatigue.
It is a huge determinant of a student’s future and their career path. In order to excel in their journey, they need to develop their mental faculties and be trained in performing specific tasks for a long duration of time.
Despite having a detrimental effect on attention span, technology has become ubiquitous with students’ personal and academic lives. Learning to manage its use is crucial to sustaining mental well-being.
Managing increasing distractions in the workplace and being able to switch back and forth between social engagement and productive tasks is a skill modern day students can greatly benefit from.
Understanding the various factors that affect university students’ focus and concentration is crucial for the following reasons:
Higher education can be a high stress endeavour where limited focus can leave students struggling to be mentally present and in turn contributing to mental and emotional fatigue.
It is a huge determinant of a student’s future and their career path. In order to excel in their journey, they need to develop their mental faculties and be trained in performing specific tasks for a long duration of time.
Despite having a detrimental effect on attention span, technology has become ubiquitous with students’ personal and academic lives. Learning to manage its use is crucial to sustaining mental well-being.
Managing increasing distractions in the workplace and being able to switch back and forth between social engagement and productive tasks is a skill modern day students can greatly benefit from.
Hypotheses
Hypotheses
Hypotheses
After conducting literature reviews from peer-reviewed sources, we structured a few assumptions to guide the research. These hypotheses covered the 4 key areas we had planned to explore namely; sleep, technology use, well-being and diet. After identifying the emerging themes from our research, we narrowed the scope of the project to look into sleep, well-being and technology use.
After conducting literature reviews from peer-reviewed sources, we structured a few assumptions to guide the research. These hypotheses covered the 4 key areas we had planned to explore namely; sleep, technology use, well-being and diet. After identifying the emerging themes from our research, we narrowed the scope of the project to look into sleep, well-being and technology use.
After conducting literature reviews from peer-reviewed sources, we structured a few assumptions to guide the research. These hypotheses covered the 4 key areas we had planned to explore namely; sleep, technology use, well-being and diet. After identifying the emerging themes from our research, we narrowed the scope of the project to look into sleep, well-being and technology use.
Sleep
Sleep
Sleeping habits positively contribute to the quality of focus and concentration in students and their academic performance.
Sleeping habits positively contribute to the quality of focus and concentration in students and their academic performance.
Sleeping habits positively contribute to the quality of focus and concentration in students and their academic performance.
Technology
Technology
Screen time usage negatively affects a student’s ability to maintain focus.
Screen time usage negatively affects a student’s ability to maintain focus.
Screen time usage negatively affects a student’s ability to maintain focus.
Well-being
Well-being
Mental health support services provided by the universities positively affect a student’s focus.
Mental health support services provided by the universities positively affect a student’s focus.
Mental health support services provided by the universities positively affect a student’s focus.
Research
Research
Research
Next step was drafting some research questions that would guide the interviews. We then created some research tools for participants to complete as a way to collect additional data and insight. Our target audience was represented by part time and full time college students as participants.
Next step was drafting some research questions that would guide the interviews. We then created some research tools for participants to complete as a way to collect additional data and insight. Our target audience was represented by part time and full time college students as participants.
Next step was drafting some research questions that would guide the interviews. We then created some research tools for participants to complete as a way to collect additional data and insight. Our target audience was represented by part time and full time college students as participants.
Research Questions
Research Questions
Do sleeping habits positively contribute to the quality of focus and concentration in students and their academic performance?
Do sleeping habits positively contribute to the quality of focus and concentration in students and their academic performance?
Do sleeping habits positively contribute to the quality of focus and concentration in students and their academic performance?
How does screen time usage negatively affect a student’s ability to maintain focus?
How does screen time usage negatively affect a student’s ability to maintain focus?
How does screen time usage negatively affect a student’s ability to maintain focus?
Can students be influenced to adopt longer (up to 30 mins) class times with classroom movement breaks (CMB) to focus better?
Can students be influenced to adopt longer (up to 30 mins) class times with classroom movement breaks (CMB) to focus better?
Can students be influenced to adopt longer (up to 30 mins) class times with classroom movement breaks (CMB) to focus better?
Do mental health support services provided by the universities have a positive effect on the student’s focus?
Do mental health support services provided by the universities have a positive effect on the student’s focus?
Do mental health support services provided by the universities have a positive effect on the student’s focus?
Are higher levels of focus and concentration learnt and not associated with genetics?
Are higher levels of focus and concentration learnt and not associated with genetics?
Are higher levels of focus and concentration learnt and not associated with genetics?
Can a well-balanced diet with the consumption of fruits and vegetables contribute to a positive effect on students’ attention and academic performance?
Can a well-balanced diet with the consumption of fruits and vegetables contribute to a positive effect on students’ attention and academic performance?
Can a well-balanced diet with the consumption of fruits and vegetables contribute to a positive effect on students’ attention and academic performance?
Research Methodology
Research Methodology
Interviews
10 participants passed the screening phase and we promptly scheduled them for interviews.
10 participants passed the screening phase and we promptly scheduled them for interviews.
Methods
Methods
Virtual structured interviews
Virtual screen recording with desktop devices i.e. laptop
Utilising online video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
45 - 60 minutes interviews.
10 participants (2 per group member)
Snowballing sampling from friends and family.
University participant tool.
Virtual structured interviews
Virtual screen recording with desktop devices i.e. laptop
Utilising online video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
45 - 60 minutes interviews.
10 participants (2 per group member)
Snowballing sampling from friends and family.
University participant tool.
Virtual structured interviews
Virtual screen recording with desktop devices i.e. laptop
Utilising online video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
45 - 60 minutes interviews.
10 participants (2 per group member)
Snowballing sampling from friends and family.
University participant tool.
Research Tools
We created two tools to be used as part of the research. We also included a description of how each tool works and its purpose.
We created two tools to be used as part of the research. We also included a description of how each tool works and its purpose.
We created two tools to be used as part of the research. We also included a description of how each tool works and its purpose.
Tools
Tools
Generic Timeline Journal (Daily Habits)
A general record of the participant’s daily habits in a 12 hour span with emphasis on hours where they experience flow state (intense focus).
Diary Study
A specific record of the participant’s daily routine split into morning, midday and night, with emphasis on activities performed, screen time usage, emotions, meals consumed, and level of perceived focus.
Generic Timeline Journal (Daily Habits)
A general record of the participant’s daily habits in a 12 hour span with emphasis on hours where they experience flow state (intense focus).
Diary Study
A specific record of the participant’s daily routine split into morning, midday and night, with emphasis on activities performed, screen time usage, emotions, meals consumed, and level of perceived focus.
Generic Timeline Journal (Daily Habits)
A general record of the participant’s daily habits in a 12 hour span with emphasis on hours where they experience flow state (intense focus).
Diary Study
A specific record of the participant’s daily routine split into morning, midday and night, with emphasis on activities performed, screen time usage, emotions, meals consumed, and level of perceived focus.
Affinity Mapping
After interview coding, we grouped our findings to create themes in an affinity map.
After interview coding, we grouped our findings to create themes in an affinity map.
After interview coding, we grouped our findings to create themes in an affinity map.
Process
Process
Placed all the codes and phrases from the inductive/deductive coding on figjam and began looking for similarities. Codes and phrases that had similar patterns were grouped together and ranked what category had the most pattern occurrence. These were then classified as the emerging themes for our research.
Placed all the codes and phrases from the inductive/deductive coding on figjam and began looking for similarities. Codes and phrases that had similar patterns were grouped together and ranked what category had the most pattern occurrence. These were then classified as the emerging themes for our research.
Placed all the codes and phrases from the inductive/deductive coding on figjam and began looking for similarities. Codes and phrases that had similar patterns were grouped together and ranked what category had the most pattern occurrence. These were then classified as the emerging themes for our research.
Research Considerations
Research Considerations
Avoiding confirmation of hypotheses:
We were considerate in not showing bias to the participants’ responses despite our preconceived opinions.
We were considerate in not showing bias to the participants’ responses despite our preconceived opinions.
Respect of privacy:
We tried not to probe too much when it came to personal information. If a participant mentioned their lack of focus is due to personal reasons, we didn’t pry.
We tried not to probe too much when it came to personal information. If a participant mentioned their lack of focus is due to personal reasons, we didn’t pry.
Capturing stories:
We will keep it conversational, interactive and comfortable by letting them share their personal stories and experiences.
We will keep it conversational, interactive and comfortable by letting them share their personal stories and experiences.
Being non-judgemental:
We will not judge their responses, habits, or other information they share.
We will not judge their responses, habits, or other information they share.
Ensuring anonymity:
We will make sure their identity and what they have shared remain anonymous.
We will make sure their identity and what they have shared remain anonymous.
Keeping personal opinions away:
We will try to ensure that we don’t share our opinions when they’re trying to share their experiences, habits or personal situations.
We will try to ensure that we don’t share our opinions when they’re trying to share their experiences, habits or personal situations.
Providing informed consent forms:
These forms were to let the participants know that we prioritised their safety. They were able to sign off on whether they want to be recorded and be informed about not having to answer uncomfortable questions.
These forms were to let the participants know that we prioritised their safety. They were able to sign off on whether they want to be recorded and be informed about not having to answer uncomfortable questions.
Frameworks
Frameworks
Frameworks
To get started on creating this framework for understanding to share with our stakeholders, we first identified the emerging themes from our research through appraisals, coding and affinity mapping. We then created our behavioural archetype to inform the journey map as our framework of choice in understanding the problem area and context.
To get started on creating this framework for understanding to share with our stakeholders, we first identified the emerging themes from our research through appraisals, coding and affinity mapping. We then created our behavioural archetype to inform the journey map as our framework of choice in understanding the problem area and context.
Emerging Themes
Emerging Themes
We created affinity maps from quotes and categories found in our appraisals and inductive/deductive coding to discover the prevalent themes in from our interviews.
We created affinity maps from quotes and categories found in our appraisals and inductive/deductive coding to discover the prevalent themes in from our interviews.
Sleeping Habits
Some participants noticed that staying up late tends to affect their productivity the next day. They also mentioned that having a good sleep schedule, waking up early, and following a consistent routine helps them stay focused.
Some participants noticed that staying up late tends to affect their productivity the next day. They also mentioned that having a good sleep schedule, waking up early, and following a consistent routine helps them stay focused.
Some participants noticed that staying up late tends to affect their productivity the next day. They also mentioned that having a good sleep schedule, waking up early, and following a consistent routine helps them stay focused.
“For someone like me, to be more productive during the day, I need to have a good sleeping schedule.”
“For someone like me, to be more productive during the day, I need to have a good sleeping schedule.”
“For someone like me, to be more productive during the day, I need to have a good sleeping schedule.”
Mental Wellbeing
Participants mentioned that anxiety and unresolved issues can contribute to a lack of focus and productivity. Other factors such as pressure and time constraints play a significant role in maintaining focus.
Participants mentioned that anxiety and unresolved issues can contribute to a lack of focus and productivity. Other factors such as pressure and time constraints play a significant role in maintaining focus.
Participants mentioned that anxiety and unresolved issues can contribute to a lack of focus and productivity. Other factors such as pressure and time constraints play a significant role in maintaining focus.
“So initially I really have a tough time focusing, because I already have a lot of anxiety and thoughts running through my mind.”
“So initially I really have a tough time focusing, because I already have a lot of anxiety and thoughts running through my mind.”
“So initially I really have a tough time focusing, because I already have a lot of anxiety and thoughts running through my mind.”
External Distractions
Phone notifications, web browsing, and ambient sounds contributed to a loss of focus in some participants. Social media is noted to be particularly distracting, especially the curiosity sparked from notifications.
Phone notifications, web browsing, and ambient sounds contributed to a loss of focus in some participants. Social media is noted to be particularly distracting, especially the curiosity sparked from notifications.
Phone notifications, web browsing, and ambient sounds contributed to a loss of focus in some participants. Social media is noted to be particularly distracting, especially the curiosity sparked from notifications.
“And I'd say the most distracting is just hearing the notification, because it just builds up your curiosity, what can that be? Or who is that or, you know, something, something around that?”
“And I'd say the most distracting is just hearing the notification, because it just builds up your curiosity, what can that be? Or who is that or, you know, something, something around that?”
“And I'd say the most distracting is just hearing the notification, because it just builds up your curiosity, what can that be? Or who is that or, you know, something, something around that?”
Design Concept
Design Concept
Design Concept
In this stage, we decided to prioritise the “Consistency” stage as it pertains to maintaining the habit. We looked at several solutions such as productivity apps and gamified priority cards. Still, we settled on an analog solution for we believe it to be the most helpful to the user. Ensuring users spend less time with technology is a viable solution to our problem and it’s feasible enough for the user to adapt. However, desirability may not happen immediately as the user will be switching from digital platforms to an analog system. In the consistency stage, the opportunity area our concept focuses on is “How might we help users schedule work sessions with intervals”. We recognise the area as contributing to maintaining the newly established positive habits. We also included incentives in the design concept to facilitate task completion—helping our target audience (end-users) view their progress.
In this stage, we decided to prioritise the “Consistency” stage as it pertains to maintaining the habit. We looked at several solutions such as productivity apps and gamified priority cards. Still, we settled on an analog solution for we believe it to be the most helpful to the user. Ensuring users spend less time with technology is a viable solution to our problem and it’s feasible enough for the user to adapt. However, desirability may not happen immediately as the user will be switching from digital platforms to an analog system. In the consistency stage, the opportunity area our concept focuses on is “How might we help users schedule work sessions with intervals”. We recognise the area as contributing to maintaining the newly established positive habits. We also included incentives in the design concept to facilitate task completion—helping our target audience (end-users) view their progress.
In this stage, we decided to prioritise the “Consistency” stage as it pertains to maintaining the habit. We looked at several solutions such as productivity apps and gamified priority cards. Still, we settled on an analog solution for we believe it to be the most helpful to the user. Ensuring users spend less time with technology is a viable solution to our problem and it’s feasible enough for the user to adapt. However, desirability may not happen immediately as the user will be switching from digital platforms to an analog system. In the consistency stage, the opportunity area our concept focuses on is “How might we help users schedule work sessions with intervals”. We recognise the area as contributing to maintaining the newly established positive habits. We also included incentives in the design concept to facilitate task completion—helping our target audience (end-users) view their progress.
Prototype
Prototype
With this design concept, we aim to test the possibility for users to maintain a new habit through an analog based system. Our objective is to help users be able to schedule regular work sessions, while paying attention to their break intervals. Some design interventions and channels from our discussions are also included, namely:
Task management and prioritisation
Time management
Progress trackers
Periodical self assessment
Regular breaks and check-ins
Regular mindfulness and meditation schedule
To further make this concept successful, we leveraged the decision levers that seek to:
Help them in building a consistent routine
Use goals to incentivise them in finishing their tasks
Help them minimise external distractions from technology
We believe proper use of this system will be a positive contribution towards good habits we want to instil in the user. The desired habits we want to inspire from this system are consistency, accountability and mindfulness.
With this design concept, we aim to test the possibility for users to maintain a new habit through an analog based system. Our objective is to help users be able to schedule regular work sessions, while paying attention to their break intervals. Some design interventions and channels from our discussions are also included, namely:
Task management and prioritisation
Time management
Progress trackers
Periodical self assessment
Regular breaks and check-ins
Regular mindfulness and meditation schedule
To further make this concept successful, we leveraged the decision levers that seek to:
Help them in building a consistent routine
Use goals to incentivise them in finishing their tasks
Help them minimise external distractions from technology
We believe proper use of this system will be a positive contribution towards good habits we want to instil in the user. The desired habits we want to inspire from this system are consistency, accountability and mindfulness.
With this design concept, we aim to test the possibility for users to maintain a new habit through an analog based system. Our objective is to help users be able to schedule regular work sessions, while paying attention to their break intervals. Some design interventions and channels from our discussions are also included, namely:
Task management and prioritisation
Time management
Progress trackers
Periodical self assessment
Regular breaks and check-ins
Regular mindfulness and meditation schedule
To further make this concept successful, we leveraged the decision levers that seek to:
Help them in building a consistent routine
Use goals to incentivise them in finishing their tasks
Help them minimise external distractions from technology
We believe proper use of this system will be a positive contribution towards good habits we want to instil in the user. The desired habits we want to inspire from this system are consistency, accountability and mindfulness.
Use Case
Use Case
1. The What + Why
Start by acknowledging why you want to improve your focus and what goal you are trying to accomplish.
2. Ideal Progress
Plan your week’s school responsibilities and set a target time for each task. Note down your reward for completing all tasks on or before the target time.
3. Actual Progress
After working on the task, assess the progress made. Record the actual progress made towards completing the task. Use the sheet to log the number of hours the task took. Compare this time to the target time set beforehand.
4. Time
Fill in the hourly time boxes at the end of each day for reference. This information will be helpful during introspection at the end of each week.
5. Distraction Log
Throughout the day, note any distractions that divert your attention from the task. Record these distractions in a log to identify patterns and work towards improving focus.
6. Feeling (Task Completion)
Reflect on how you feel after completing the task. Write down your emotions or satisfaction level related to finishing the task.
7. Feeling (Distraction)
Reflect on how you feel after getting distracted. Then compare the time distractions take to allocated tasks that could have been completed in the same period. Reflect on how that makes you feel.
8. Learning
Plan the next week’s tasks based on what you learned from the previous week.
9. Consistency
Apply what you learned to accomplish the next week’s tasks on/before the target time, and reward yourself!
Takeaways
Takeaways
Takeaways
Lessons Learnt
Lessons Learnt
User-Centred Design: The project emphasised understanding users and avoiding manipulative design practices. This reinforces the importance of user-centred design principles.
User-Centred Design: The project emphasised understanding users and avoiding manipulative design practices. This reinforces the importance of user-centred design principles.
User-Centred Design: The project emphasised understanding users and avoiding manipulative design practices. This reinforces the importance of user-centred design principles.
Learning a New Discipline: Despite the initial difficulties in understanding behavioural science within the context of HCI, it proved to be a valuable learning experience.
Learning a New Discipline: Despite the initial difficulties in understanding behavioural science within the context of HCI, it proved to be a valuable learning experience.
Learning a New Discipline: Despite the initial difficulties in understanding behavioural science within the context of HCI, it proved to be a valuable learning experience.
Empathy and User Needs: The project instilled a new approach to design, emphasising the benefits of understanding the user's environment (cultural, physical, mental, and social). This knowledge is vital for creating products that meet user needs.
Empathy and User Needs: The project instilled a new approach to design, emphasising the benefits of understanding the user's environment (cultural, physical, mental, and social). This knowledge is vital for creating products that meet user needs.
Empathy and User Needs: The project instilled a new approach to design, emphasising the benefits of understanding the user's environment (cultural, physical, mental, and social). This knowledge is vital for creating products that meet user needs.
Considered Changes
Considered Changes
Prioritise User Interviews: The project underscored the importance of user interviews. In the future, allocate more time in user research to develop intuition for tagging decision markers.
Prioritise User Interviews: The project underscored the importance of user interviews. In the future, allocate more time in user research to develop intuition for tagging decision markers.
Prioritise User Interviews: The project underscored the importance of user interviews. In the future, allocate more time in user research to develop intuition for tagging decision markers.
Incorporate Co-design: Including participants in a co-design model for further concept development will be a valuable approach in future projects.
Incorporate Co-design: Including participants in a co-design model for further concept development will be a valuable approach in future projects.
Incorporate Co-design: Including participants in a co-design model for further concept development will be a valuable approach in future projects.