Z-BOT
"Introducing Z-Bot, an innovative programmable educational robot meticulously designed with customizable features tailored to a diverse range of age groups. Our mission in this project is to empower the younger generation by providing an engaging platform for learning programming skills."
Client
Z-Tech
Year / Duration
2023 / 16 Weeks
Category
Educational Robotics
Type of Work
Research
Concept Development
User Experience
Design for Manufacture
Engineering
Project Management
Designers
Burak Keseci
Aykut Koç
"Z-Tech, a recently established startup, approached us for consultancy regarding the development of their flagship product centered around their programming education system. Given their limited experience in product development, they sought a comprehensive turnkey solution, encompassing everything from engineering to the final product. As the team lead, I spearheaded the process, beginning with the formulation of a detailed project scope and defining SMART goals to ensure a well-structured approach."
"Our collaborative efforts aimed at Z-Tech's success resulted in the creation of a product that seamlessly integrates tangible programming to block based programming through intuitive engagement. The emphasis on enhanced customizability ensures the continual development of challenging tasks, creating a user-friendly and a desirable appeal that caters to a broad age range. The outcome reflects our commitment to delivering not only a functional product but also one that aligns with Z-Tech's vision for an engaging and accessible programming education system."
Challange
Craft a cornerstone product for Z-Tech that fulfills the diverse needs of users across age groups. Seamlessly integrate solution that resonates with users through tangible and app-based engagement, aligning with Z-Tech's vision for a comprehensive programming education experience.
Research
Conduct qualitative benchmark & paralel market researches define and asses target user persona.
Concept Development
Mind-mapping & brainstorming, Hard trend adaptations, ideation sessions & concept refinements.
Engineering Design
Define package, develope CAD design, ensure feasibility with assigned engineer and hand over mold ready 3d data.
Project Management
Conduct kick-off workshop, Define scope and goals. Project planning and follow up and project landing.
Services
I led a kickoff workshop, ensuring alignment with client expectations in a new domain, prioritizing budget, timeline adherence, and quality. Defined precise scoping and measurable goals through client engagements, and conducted field and web research during the empathy phase to identify user's unique needs.
In the conceptualization phase, I collaborated closely with the client, refining directions based on input. Emphasizing usability and manufacturability, critical meetings with stakeholders to shape and define the package. Progressing to the CAD phase, I developed feasible data with the assigned engineer, overseeing structural details and facilitating data refinement to a moldable state.
_edited.jpg)
I navigated an empathetic phase, conducting comprehensive field research by engaging directly with students and instructors in their classrooms observing the problems and needs through their engagement with existing solutions. Additionally, I leveraged web insights to understand the preferences of the alpha generation.
Users express a desire for fidget interactions and micro-moments to foster meaningful connections. However, focusing on a specific age group poses challenges. Customization and the inclusion of constructive toys amplify the potential for diverse tasks. Emotional bonds and characterizations at different levels attract users, creating a more engaging experience.
From initial rough sketches to detailed concept illustrations, I synthesized ideas stemming from explorations and observations during the empathy phase. These were refined with client input. In the second concept phase, two distinct directions evolved, incorporating desired features from the initial concept phase. The concepts were narrowed down and refined, aligning closely with the envisioned 3D output, considering feasibility and production dynamics.
Initating the project I've implemented GIM 'Generative Ideation Matrix' a creative ideation technique crafted by me refined through my professional experience. This agile idea and form generation method involves swift thumbnail sketches, combining visual elements placed both vertically and horizontally on a chart. Guided by project principles focused on geometric elements, I explored rapid visual combinations to foster innovative ideation. Please refer to the visual for detailed instructions on my invented method, Generative Ideation Matrix (GIM), in the attached article.
Introducing Z-Bot, the programmable educational robot meticulously crafted to cater to a diverse spectrum of age groups. Our primary objective is to address the specific and varied needs of individuals across different age brackets through a sophisticated customization framework.
Z-Bot is not just a robot; it is a dynamic tool designed to evolve seamlessly with a child's developmental journey – from the foundational stages of tangible programming to the advanced realm of full maker mode.
A unique and balanced design characterization fosters user acceptance, turning the product into a companion and creating emotional connections.
Z-Bot offers an effortlessly intuitive tangible interface with a specially crafted layout, serving as a versatile platform for assigning specific tasks in block-based programming as users progress. The button interaction, featuring a uniquely designed popping effect, enhances the user experience, fostering a seamless and engaging connection.
Featuring a Lego-compatible interface, later replaced with a metric interface, Z-Bot evolves with a child's growth, providing continuous programming challenges. Notably, its axle compatibility with Lego allows for functional customization, while a dedicated sticker area adds a playful touch for expressing mouth expressions, adding an element of fun to the learning experience.