Redesigning the Classic Teaching Lectern

Sponsored by Steelcase, Inc.

Design Process

PHASES

As previously stated, the objective of the project was to design a lectern and develop a finalized physical prototype for presentation to Steelcase Inc. The team broke the design process leading up to this deliverable into numerous key stages.

Phase 1: Background research + user interviews

  • October 1st , 2011 - January 16th

Phase 2: Form and Function Development

  • January 16th - February 14th 
  • Milestone:Completed CAD assembly

Phase 3: Seating & Wheelchair Accommodation

  • February 14th - February 26th 

Phase 4: Modularization and Adjustability

  • February 19th - March 8th
  • Milestone: User testing summarization of prototype 1

Phase 5: Technology Integration

  • March 8 th - March 23 rd    

Phase 6: Wire, utility, and peripheral management

  • March 21st - April 6th

Phase 7: Manufacturing refinement

  • April 3rd - April 20th
  • Milestone:  Culminated with Prototype 2 completion

USER TESTING

During the project, the team solicited user feedback throughout the design process to ensure the useability of the final product. The team conducted three different phases of user testing throughou the design process. Starting with brainstorming and interviews to develop the pre-concept and to understand what professors need in a teaching lectern. Using this feedback, we developed an initial concept design in which we conducted interviews and user testing on to develop a refined concept. Finally receiving user input on the built physical prototypes to find ways in which we could improve it.

In total, 53 professors of various specialties at Northern Arizona University critiqued the concept during the design process. Questions posed through these interviews addressed open-ended design problems and helped characterize profiles of current teaching styles. Phase 2 began following the selection of the two-part selection by Steelcase.

DESIGN CHANGES

The following table summarizes all changes and additions to the design that were a direct result of user feedback. Each of the significant steps will be further explained in following sections.


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