Introduction
This is a proposal for my thesis that I would be working on for the next 1 year.
It includes the initial stage consisting of research result and project needs based on social, economical and technological aspect of the current photography user experience.

Product directions, ideations and development processes are not included in this stage, and will be executed during spring 2010 ~ fall 2010.

The outcome of this project will be a product, or a product system that will improve the current digital imaging experience.




Abstract
The digital revolution has brought change into the photo industry and made almost everything shift to digital. This thesis deals with the overall digital imaging experience which includes the capturing, storing and sharing, and printing process.

The study of social background and trend showed that the customers of the digital age could be segmented into 4 different groups, each having different understanding and different attitude toward digital devices. Needs for these user groups were also found to be different accordingly. And the trend of people struggling in the digital world with information overload and thus seeking for simplicity and digital diet also implied the needs of this thesis topic. For the economical aspect, the market trends indicated that companies are now trying to add unique features and nostalgic elements to their products and also are trying to use it for marketing purposes to compete in the saturated market. Also new technologies such as haptic interface are being implemented to give more tangibility to digital devices.

From this understanding of the social, economical, and technological background and trends, user research was executed for further needs finding. And by observation, one on one interview, and online survey, needs were grouped into 4 categories which are picture characteristics, emotional expectation, interface & aesthetics, and printing & storing.

Based on the needs found from the research a conclusion could be made that “If design can help improve the overall image capturing process, the digital imaging experience will be easier, more approachable and fun”.




Free hard copy of the book is available upon request.
Please contact gooret@gmail.com for further information.