PROJECT SCOPE
• Topic: Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)
• Timeline: November 2025
• Duration: 1 Week
• Team: 3 Researchers
• My Role: UX Researcher
• Methodology: Physical Prototyping, Sketching, Mid-Fidelity Wireframing, Video Demo
• Tools: Figma, Sketching Paper
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
• The product that we are developing is a smart backpack that serves as a wearable device that makes day-to-day life more convenient and efficient for users.
• The purpose of our smart backpack would be to address issues that many users have and make use of technology-based solutions.
• Our smart backpack would serve as an integral product for these users due to its innovation and user-centered design.
PAPER SKETCHES
• I sketched the layout for a smart backpack that included features such as:
• A GPS chips
• Zippers that lock and unlock
• A charging port
• Inventory tracking technology
• Similar to that, there was also a portable charger that can be placed in a distinct zipper at the bottom of the backpack.
PHYSICAL PROTOTYPES
• For the physical prototyping portion of our project, we decided to use construction paper to develop our idea further.
• We used the color lime green for the base and a pale green shade to highlight the distinct features, such as the sensor/GPS, lockable zippers, and charger zipper.
• After that, we used sticky notes as annotations for the features, in order to add more context to the prototype.
MID-FIDELITY PROTOTYPES
• The mid-fidelity prototyping that we did served as the bridge between the user and the actual backpack device.
• The wireframes that we generated focused on allowing the user to open their bags with ease, enable anti-theft features to ensure that their belongings are safe, and help with location tracking.
• Our wireframes were especially important because they make sure that all of the control is given to the user, granting them a unique sense of autonomy.
REFLECTION
• The main goal while designing the smart backpack was to create a product that addresses everyday challenges, such as misplaced items and theft, while maintaining convenience for users who are constantly on the move.
• Our design prioritized security and seamless technological integration without making the backpack feel too complex or heavy.
• Future refinements would focus on accessibility by incorporating a mechanical override system, refining the interface so users can control locking features, and experimenting with lighter, energy-efficient components to reduce the backpack's weight.
• Similarly, more testing can explore hybrid sensing options that could combine pressure and rFID technology for more precise inventory tracking.
• Lastly, user privacy and data security will remain a prioritized design consideration, making sure that location and sensor data are encrypted and controlled directly by the user.
