case book of past projects. the focus of this case book is of the research process that led to our insights, which in turn directs the product development.

1. Ariana Koblitz: design research & human factors
design case studies
february 2013

2. What does design mean to me?
As a design researcher and product designer, I strive to
bridge the understanding of consumer insights and the
{ }
behaviors we want to encourage in our users. I believe
design geared towards an impact for change in behavior as
well as experience is fundamental to the "cutting edge" of
any industry; this includes physical interface design as well
as hardware product development.

3. a tool Presentool
How do you design...
{ a map ChorDoer
} meaningfully?
a product 4Arms
examples of past projects reflect needs-oriented design
guided by design research tools and strategies.

4. a tool Presentool
Today’s middle schoolers have new frame of references
when it comes to presenting information. Technology
delivers an increasingly interactive experience.
Logitech Challenge [in methods course @ Stanford]

5. (unnatural stance) (impaired movement) (impaired interaction)
pain points
{ “I’m worried I’ll look awkward” “I can’t move like I want to” “I am used to sharing cool
things with my laptop; a
presentation isn’t the same”
what do you
use at home?
{
new presentation tools today’s middle schoolers have a different frame
{
of references than what I grew up with.
such as prezi allow for Technology delivers an increasingly interactive
revolutions in expandable canvases
experience.
Academica is notoriously slow to catch up to
digital PREZI and increase control in these new behaviors.
presentation flow, motion
presentations and other visual cues
(newer presentation formats) (multiple sources) (interactive elements)

6. this project meant prototyping its shape an exercise in researching
ergonomics of the hand, but was also an exercise in material finishes.

7. laser comes out straight from back of tool,
mimicking a natural hand motion
top layer changes functionality of tool [laser
pointer] [pen tool] [cursor]
controls mirror those of traditional presentation tools |
[pause] [forwards] [backwards]
Grip provides a comfortable, secure hold while
also allowing presenter to have full use of hands in
the event of props and engaging motions
USB connection means a wireless link to a laptop
PRESENTOOL

8. a map ChorDoer
If only kids always thought of chores as play.
How can we positively impact the negotiation between family
members when it comes to responsibility around the house?
Cultural Maps -- course at Stanford d.school

9. after interviews... we realized:
after house visits... family members need to present chores
as tangible, clear directives
after group reflections... chores need to appear in-time and in-
context
rewards related to the chores when the
whole family participates
+
ChorDoer was my first foray into the process of developing insights to concepts. I learned
the value of mentally preparing myself to be in someone else’s shoes and learn.

10. to set up: to play:
set chores do chores!
assign to specific see which ones are
locations time-sensitive
assign reward points upload photo to
assign to a family unlock reward
member, or leave as
bonus
photo notifications
and a “job well
done!”gives real-
time feedback
communicate keeping
with other family “credits”gives
configure the family members
apartment/ members something to strive
ask questions/send
house clarifications for, swap, and
includes rooms/ compete on.
swap chores
spaces
upload photos of
apartment layout the ability to see the
progress of all family
bridge the digital & chores creates a
the more photos the sense of
the real by better; chores accountability
customizing the become tangible
layout and view of instead of a vague
the apartment (street responsibility
view style)
CHORDOER

11. a product 4Arms
How may crutches allow users to retain physical,
social, and emotional independence?
project partner: Stephanie Tomasetta Senior Thesis Project

12. Our solution needed to incorporate an
understanding of the whole system of an
amputees experience. This means it starts from
the first conversation say a veteran has with his
physician at the Veterans Association, to when
{
he receives his crutches and begins the process
of learning how to walk with them, all the way
speak to the through the time his cuffs, and his grip, wear out
community of users Stumps R Us is a
community for The moments of life we focused on when
amputees, with searching for emotional support were when you
monthly athletic meet someone, the moments you need to
outings and transport an item from A to B, and the moment
brunches. you need to get yourself from A to B as well. .
speak to the
experts
{ Wayne Koniuk has been making leg
prosthetics for decades, prototyping
Bespoke Innovation has set out to
“bring more humanity to people
who have congenital or traumatic
with new materials and technology limb loss “.
type of purchase
add to existing vs add to existing
service offered
survey current
offerings
{ physical
comfort
emotional
support
physical
comfort
emotional
support
Current crutches address issues of style,
usability, and comfort. buy new buy new

13. we designed a cuff, with magnets at such an angle to be able to link together your
crutches. The attachment uses the same standard screws the majority of c-cuff crutches
issued by the Veteran’s Association uses. This way, veterans, as well as other medicare
insured patients, can supplement their crutches with 4Arms.

14. temporarily stow away,
greet friends,
pick up your things,
hang your bag,
4Arms Crutches make it easier to walk.
4Arms makes it easier to live.
and be on your way.

15. Thank you for taking a look at my past experiences! Please
feel free to contact me with any additional questions at
akoblitz@alumni.stanford.edu

16. Appendix Ariana’s credentials, at a glance

17. Ariana Tae Koblitz | arianakoblitz.squarespace.com | tel 3 1 0 3 8 4 7 8 6 4 | email a k o b l i t z @ a l u m n i . s t a n f o r d . e d u
EDUCATION COMPETENCIES
Stanford University - STANFORD, CA Language
B.S. in Product Design - December 2012 English (native)
RELEVANT COURSES:
German (native)
• Cultural Maps | Ethnographic insight as it relates to Chinese (proficient)
design; course at design institute (d.school) Japanese (JLPT Level 2 certified)
• Design Methods | Core in product design program; French (4 yrs high school proficiency)
design process
• Design & Manufacturing | CNC, lathe, mill, casting, Software
woodworking CAD:
Solid Works
CATIA
Kolding School of Design - KOLDING, DENMARK
Masters-Level course certificate - November 2012 Adobe Suite:
RELEVANT COURSES: Photoshop
• Nudge: Designing Positive Behavior | design sprint with Illustrator
local corporate clients InDesign
Internat’l School of Beijing - BEIJING, CHINA
HONORS & AWARDS
Internat’l Baccalaureate Certificate - 2009 EARNEST CHILTON AWARD (June 2012)
given to the outstanding Product Design student
of the graduating class
Urawa Lutheran School - SAITAMA, JAPAN
Independently organized year abroad - 2005 – 2006 MEMBER, Cap & Gown Women’s Honors Society
(November 2010-present)
John-F-Kennedy School - BERLIN, GERMANY FELLOW, Stanford Haas Center Public Service
Deutsche Mittlere Reife - 2005 Leadership Program (November 2009-September 2010)

18. Ariana Tae Koblitz | arianakoblitz.squarespace.com | tel 3 1 0 3 8 4 7 8 6 4 | email a k o b l i t z @ a l u m n i . s t a n f o r d . e d u
DESIGN EXPERIENCE
INTERN (MechEng) LUNAR DESIGN
SAN FRANCISCO
June 2012-September 2012
Generated concepts in mechanism, human factors, and user experience/usability design. Conveyed
complex ideas of our prototoyped products (medical, toy, household) to our clients in presentations.
INTERN (PD) LITE ON MOBILE
BEIJING, CHINA
June 2011-August 2011
Designed injection mold tooling of cell phones during the latter stages of manufacturing. Aided the
communication with their client’s American counterparts, clarifying needed changes.
PROJECT LEAD
STANFORD & BERLIN
September 2009-August 2010
Designed & implemented qualitative research project on designer & user relationship, analyzing
decisions and workflows. Received ME Summer Undergraduate Research Institute grant to pursue
project, which included developing independent coursework to prepare for ethnographic research &
case study in Berlin on designer-to-user relationship, analyzing decisions and workflows of Ursula
Wunsch, a designer specializing in wooden toys for disabled children in Berlin

19. Ariana Tae Koblitz | arianakoblitz.squarespace.com | tel 3 1 0 3 8 4 7 8 6 4 | email a k o b l i t z @ a l u m n i . s t a n f o r d . e d u
MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
SECTION LEADER
ME216a: Needfinding September - November 2012
Teaching staff to a course taught by Dev Patnaik of the design consultancy Jump Associates, Inc.
Led weekly discussions on readings, graded weekly assignments
VICE PRESIDENT | STANFORD PRODUCT DESIGN STUDENT ASSOCIATION (PDSA)
May 2011- August 2012
Oversaw all development of PDSA programs (created a mentorship program, recurring community
development events and initiated a closer communication between department faculty and
students)
Led directorship training (collaboration methods, event organization, management skills training)
RESIDENT ASSISTANT
ROBINSON DORM (September 2010 - June 2012)
Main contact concerning residents as a staff of Stanford’s Residential Education program.
Developed dorm programming to introduce residents to my academic pursuits as well as
interests

20. Ariana Tae Koblitz | arianakoblitz.squarespace.com | tel 3 1 0 3 8 4 7 8 6 4 | email a k o b l i t z @ a l u m n i . s t a n f o r d . e d u
ENJOYS SPENDING TIME
creating Mixed-media art pieces (check out arianakoblitz.squarespace.com/arts)
trekking (Tibet, Cambodia, Torres del Paine (Patagonia) ... )
swimming, and at one time playing rugby
jamming on the flute