the interview

Understand who they are (demographics, values, etc.), how they use lamps currently, what they need light for, and why they need light? What other desires do they have? What opportunities are there? Think beyond just a light source (think about alternative interactions)?

I decided I wanted to interview my aunty over my little cousin first as when interviewing a child it is often harder to gain valuable feedback and knowledge on what their needs are. It allows me to gain an overall insight into their life and gather more detailed answers for their bedroom lamp specifications. I will then after this process ask a few questions to the child about his own interests favourite colours etc.

Over the telephone I rang my aunty and explained this exciting design project I was undertaking and asked for her participation. Here are some highlights from this interview typed out after scribbling notes when she was talking on the phone: B: Thank you so much for joining me today to ask you as a parent some questions for my uni assignment. I really appreciate you giving up your time to help me! I have a few questions based on my assignment of 'design and prototype a lamp for a friend or family'. I am wanting to design one for your son Luke and want to gain insight from you as his mum.

B: Firstly I would just like to ask how was your day today? V: lockdown with younger ones definitely has its challenges with keeping them entertained but loving spending quality time with them !

B: how many people live in your household and ages? V: there is my son Luke, Who is 7 my husband Nick 37 and myself self 35. B: how many bedrooms do you have in your household? V: there at 3 my son sleeps in his own room, me and my husband share a room and we also had a spare bedroom for visitors. B: what is your favourite activity to do with your kids? V: we love family bike rides puzzles and reading books. late night storytelling is although our favourite night B: as a parent what values do you want to instill in your child? V: cultural heritage (cook island maori), he values education, respect kindness and family values. B: Currently do you have a lamp in your house and if so where? V: Luke has a lamp in his room we have one in the lounge and one and our room for reading B: Does Luke use the lamp in his room and where is it in the room V: Luke has one on his desk that collects a lot of dust I've never seen him use it B: What do you think would encourage him to use his lamp V: An interactive element maybe? not necessarily an item just used to complete homework at night B: And as for the lamp as there any special modifications you think Luke would like EG a button switch a dim or bright light? V: I think Luke would prefer a button switch or even a sensor for when it gets dark as he likes to have a little bit of light when he sleeps. Probably more of a dimmer light rather than a bright white one.

some rough notes taken from the phone call with my aunty Vicky on the 29/4/2020

I then proceeded to talk to Luke on the phone briefly and ask his 3 consice questions that I typed up quickly as he was very busy needing to watch his new 'spongebag episode'

B: Hi Luke miss you!! I hope you are enjoying school at the moment I have a few questions for my own school project is that ok if I ask you?

L: of course!

B: In your room you have a lamp what do you use it for?

L: I don't use it. sometimes I use it for light at night but it is quite bright

B: what are your favourite activities?

L: I really like reading and biking outside

B: what is your favourite colour?

L: red!

B: thanks Luke ill see you soon!

From these interview I took to answering the questions listed above. I wanted my answers to these to be precise and informative so when I look back on this information I can see my key findings quickly.

how does Luke use his lamp currently?

he currently has a lamp and does not use it.

what do they need to use light for? and why do they need light?

his school work. he is young although he doesn't like the dark so dim light is needed at night in order for him to get a peaceful sleep

what other desires do they have?

for the lamp to be interactive with another purpose other then just for dim light

what other opportunity's are there?

to benefit the value my aunty wants to see in Luke of heritage, respect and education

alternative interaction possibilities?

taking from what my aunty values and Lukes needs possible alternative interactions could be an interactive night light? educational lamp? can draw on it? I will look into this deeper during secondary research which will inspire my ideation.