A pitch to the Fortune Society for a new communication system in the organization

2. BLUE PULSE: Hannah Guerin
Jane Lien
Bluetooth@Fortune Tara Tan

3. The Process: Our Thoughts
Q: What were the initial reactions to the project?
We had known that we would be working with youth. However, it came
as a surprise when we realized that we weren’t working with youth and
schools, but rather youth and an organization that helped reintegrate
prisoners back into society. Jane was shocked and imagined us going to
a prison. But, after the initial shock, she quickly came to appreciate the
project after learning more about the prison system and its complex and
seemingly unjust politics; the discussions helped her rethink some of her
initial prejudices. Meanwhile Tara had worked with Fortune before and
was excited to embark on a different perspective in designing specifically
for ATI clients, and Hannah, whom had known about Fortune through
Tara, was excited to collaborate with Fortune first-hand.
Q: What was the biggest challenge?
Time constraints were definitely a challenge as it made it hard to fully
embrace the society and its environment. We wished that we had more
time to spend talking to clients and getting to know them. Another
Group
challenge was working to satisfy the various views amongst ourselves
and of the clients, and the different priorities of all the users, ranging
Name Surname 1
from the Fortune teachers, to the career-oriented ATI clients, and to the
Name Surname 2
more youthful ATI clients.
Name Surname 3
Q: Has it impacted each of you?
Yes. In our culture, people tend to stereotype and have a certain
perspective of people who have been incarcerated or arrested. It was
interesting to be able to talk to the clients and find that we relate to them
at many levels. Furthermore, learning about the prison system has helped
us to see it in a new way. It is frustrating to see that the current system is
ineffective, costly, and needs to be redesigned.
Q: What did you take away from the project?
Fortune Society is a great place! Working with the organization and its
clients was definitely an unforgettable experience. The work that Fortune
do is invaluable and we hope more people will hear about them, use their
services, and support them.

4. Brainstorming: Polarity Map
We started brainstorming concepts around the word ‘engage’.
Using a polarity map we thought of ideas in the spheres of active/passive
and formal/informal. An active activity involves a client being on site and
physically participating in the activity. A passive activity is more like a
campaign where clients act merely as recipients. A formal activity requires
planning and a set time and place. On the other hand, an informal activity
happens more spontaneously and does not require extensive planning.
On our first visit to Fortune we presented our four original ideas
which consisted of, “Dress for Success,” “The Expressions Room,” “I Saw
You Doing Good Card,” and “Designed Space for Interaction.”

5. Our Preliminary Concepts:
Formal Redesign of the Recreation Room
Dress for Success was an idea Designed Space for Interaction
to encourage clients to dress- was an idea to renovate Fortune’s Redesigning the Recreation Room was an idea that we developed
up for special occasions, such spaces to encourage interaction from our initial idea, “Designed Space for Interaction.” The basis of
as class presentations and mock between Fortune clients and “Designed Space for Interaction” was to have a space that encouraged
interviews. faculty. Fortune clients and faculty to interact with each other. From client
The concept comments we realized that they enjoy the already existing recreation
space, in particular the ping-pong table, but it is challenging to get Fortune
Text describing the concept to replace old equipment or purchase new ones. Our goal with this concept
was to bring in new equipment and materials that they could use to interact
Repeat the following pages if necessary (one set for each concept). with one another such as, computers, a television, communal seating, and
snacks.
Passive ENGAGE Active
The Expressions Room was an I Saw You Doing Good was
idea to create a room filled with an idea for a campaign where
materials clients could use to clients and staff could reward
express themselves, from musical each other with “I saw you doing
instruments, writing materials, good” cards when they witnessed
and video recording tools. another Fortune member doing a
good deed.
Informal

6. Our Preliminary Concepts:
Taking Responsibility
This idea looks to create opportunities for the clients to step up and
assume responsibilities and hold accountability for their actions and paths.
From our interactions with the clients, we observed that clients did not
always hold through on their commitments; fundamentally, this would lead
to negative impacts for the community such as less event initiatives. Also,
we felt it important to empower the clients by motivating them to take on
challenges. For example, through open-ended class presentations, client’s
can select a topic of their interest and passion and pro-actively share it with
their peers.Although, it may not be the most ‘fun’ intervention for the Fortune
Society, we felt that if made mandatory, and initial reluctance was overcome,
it may stimulate better engagement from the clients, and give them more
opportunities to gain a sense of pride for their work.
In proposing this idea to the clients, we gained two primary insights.
Firstly, many of the clients seemed to be very career-oriented and they were
highly interested in interventions that would be effective in getting them
paying jobs. Secondly, an interesting thought between mandatory and optional
was instigated; the general population were disinclined to more mandatory
events adding to their already tight schedules, but also, some identified that
making activities optional might be a good way to separate out those who are
genuinely interested and wanting to learn something from those who attend
and distract at the cost of the rest of the class.

7. Our Preliminary Concepts:
Becoming Effective Peers
The idea behind “Being an Effective Peer” stemmed from the “I
Saw You Doing Good” concept where clients and staff could encourage
one another with a card when they saw someone doing a good deed. We
learned from the clients though that encouragement and thanks were
already being said and as one client puts it “to have someone say that to
you, is already a reward in itself.” We then decided to revise the idea.
The “Being an Effective Peer” idea would have been a
collaboration between Fortune Society and The Gentleman Project
(www.thegentlemanproject.com). Clients, staff, and volunteers from The
Gentleman Project would have buttons that could be passed out when
someone did a good deed for you. The campaign would also include a “wall
of good deeds” and encouraging quotes posted in places like bathroom
urinals. While the idea did not pass the feedback session intact, the idea
brought up the issue of communication at Fortune and we saw how humor
was well received by the clients.

8. Our Final Idea:
Blue Pulse: Bluetooth@Fortune
After receiving feedback on “Redesigning the Recreation Room,”
”Becoming Effective Peers,” and “Taking Responsibility,” we went back to
the drawing board. From the three concepts, we identified communication
as a principle factor that could be improved at Fortune, and humor as
something that resonates well with clients.
This led us to brainstorm about how we could improve
communication channels at Fortune. One client got us thinking when
he said posters were ineffective forms of communication - Posters are
not read, unless you put them somewhere that is in the way, “like on the
doorknob.” Another client added that it might be more effective to receive
texts messages directly to his cell phone.
Merging key findings from the three concepts and feedback from
clients, we came up with the idea of using Bluetooth technology as a
form of communication. We have branded the Bluetooth messaging
system Blue Pulse; and the communication messages being sent called
Bluetooth Blasts.
By making communication easier and more effective, clients
would be empowered to take responsibility and become more effective
peers by being more informed, and by having the ability to take initiative
to plan events and organize clubs themselves. Furthermore, humor could
also be used spontaneously with Bluetooth Blasts being sent by clients
themselves, or by Fortune.

9. Blue Pulse campaign branding
The following spreads are user blueprints that depict the chronological experiences
and interactions of the various users with Blue Pulse.
We have identified two types of users: active and passive - both of which can be
either Fortune staff or Fortune clients.
An active user (sender) would be one who has a message that he/she would like
to spread to the community through Blue Pulse. On the other hand, a passive user
(recipient) would be those who accept to Bluetooth Blasts to their cell phones.
The system that we propose is simple: the sender fills out a Bluetooth
Blast form with their message and details, and hands it in to the Blue Pulse
Coordinator. The coordinator then inputs the message into the system using
a computer, and programs the message’s designated blast time and time
period. In order to avoid disrupting classes and meetings, Bluetooth Blasts
could be organized to only be sent out during breaks.
Blue Pulse will be about an innovative communication experience
for the society. Communication is essential to any organization or community
Additionally, the Blue Pulse campaign would incorporate the idea
and therefore, we seek to impact the Fortune Society significantly through
of redesigning a space for interaction. Along with Bluetooth symbols in cell
the introduction and use of Bluetooth technology.
phone designated areas, there would also be blue furniture and wall décor.
In the entryway to the building, there would be a symbolic portal, to signify
to users that they are stepping into a Blue Pulse zone. These additions strive
to excite the clients about Blue Pulse and encourage them to take advantage
of this new form of communication.

10. Touch points (material
Bluetooth Blast
Touch points
evidences)
evidences)
- FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF THE ACTIVE/ SENDER USER message forms
(material
activity equipment
Bluetooth Blast
Writing utensils machine
interface line
time
Blue Pulse can be first
introduced at a Fortune
Fortune’s clients’
meeting, where all clients
actions
Active
user’s
and staff are present. There
actions
can be a demonstration of
the system and time for
Q&A. interaction line
time
At receptionist desk, client
BLUEPRINT
As Blue Pulse is in its Client wants to be active fills in the Bluetooth Blast Client hands Student
Onstage (visible to
earlier adoptive stages, within Fortune Society form to organized
the clients)
form, where he writes his
(visible to
Onstage
we propose that the
the clients)
and takes initiative to Blast message and details receptionist. activity falls into
receptionists (Vilma plan desired event/ specifics, such as blast time. place.
societal message.
and Farad) can pioneer
The Fortune Society
If client does not understand
Fortune Society
the project, and employ system, receptionist would
the roles of Blue Pulse visibility line answer all questions. time
Coordinators. However,
as the system becomes
Backstage (invisible
Fortune creates Receptionist Fortune
more intergrated in the forms, and has enters message and student
to the clients)
(invisible to
the clients)
Backstage
society, Fortune may them printed. into Bluetooth organizer have
look to find volunteers system and collaborated on
blasts it. project logistics.
within their community
to be responsible for the
program. internal interaction line
time
Bluetooth technology Third party help
Support processes
company fixes up the for respective
processes
(kitchen)
Support
system. organized
Fortune)
(outside
activity (i.e.
Bluetooth company also YMCA)
provides continuous
technical support.

11. Touch points (material
entrance props
- FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF THE PASSIVE/ RECIPIENT USER
Touch points
evidences)
cell phone
evidences)
(material
cell phone
activity equipment
cell phone
campaign props
interface line
time
Blue Pulse can be first
introduced at a Fortune
Fortune’s clients’
meeting, where all clients
Passive
actions
user’s
and staff are present. There
actions
can be a demonstration of
the system and time for
Q&A. interaction line
time
Receptionist greets
BLUEPRINT
Client activates During breaks clients Student
As Blue Pulse is in its
Onstage (visible to
incoming client. Client Bluetooth on his/ her receive Bluetooth organized
earlier adoptive stages,
the clients)
sees ‘Activate’ campaign cell phone. Blasts from Fortune. activity falls into
(visible to
the clients)
Onstage
we propose that the signs. place.
receptionists (Vilma An ‘accept/ decline’ Client sees message
If client does not
and Farad) can pioneer message appears about activity details
The Fortune Society
understand system,
Fortune Society
on their cell phone (or Fortune updates).
the project, and employ receptionist would screens.
the roles of Blue Pulse visibility line
answer all questions. time
Coordinators. However,
as the system becomes Receptionist Fortune
Backstage (invisible
enters message and student
more intergrated in the
to the clients)
into Bluetooth organizer have
(invisible to
the clients)
Backstage
society, Fortune may system and collaborated
look to find volunteers blasts it. on further
within their community organization.
to be responsible for the
program. internal interaction line
time
Support processes
Bluetooth technology Third party help
processes
(kitchen)
Support
company fixes up the for respective
Fortune)
(outside
system. organized
activity (i.e.
Bluetooth company also YMCA)
provides continuous
technical support.

12. The client perspective (storyboard)
Active users fill in a form
to submit the message they
would like to have Bluetooth
Blasted, and pass to Blue Pulse
Coordinator.
Users walk in. Pictograms and Blue Pulse User receive a request to con- Users captivated by their
Coordinator on site to explain nect to the Blue Pulse network. changed environment, and are
the system. interested in what Blue Pulse
is.
Users go about their daily Bluetooth Blast comes through File transfers to the user’s Bluetooth Blast file trans- Waves others over to view
activities: chilling at break on phone! The message is phone. ferred! the message together, and talk
time. titled. If interested user accepts about the message content.
the file transfer.

13. Bluetooth Blast Message Examples
Text messaging (SMS), though an option, would have
cost clients every time a message was received. Using a Bluetooth
system, on the other hand, would be free for recipients, and only
consist of a one-time cost to buy and install the technology to the
Fortune Society facility in Long Island City. We feel that Fortune
could likely seek sponsorship for this cost. The Bluetooth system
is currently being used in areas such as malls for advertisement
and tourist sites for site navigation tools.
With Bluetooth, clients and staff can send messages
regarding upcoming community events, club information, birthday
announcements, humorous encouragement, amongst others.
Clients and staff can determine message content for Bluetooth
Blasts, and the Blue Pulse Coordinator at Fortune will ultimately
decide what messages are appropriate and the number of messages
The Bluetooth communication
that will be blasted in a day.
channels support various
multimedia files, therefore
messages can be sent as text,
images, sound, and even movies.

14. The various touchpoints
Clockwise, from top:
Client’s cell phone + Blue Pulse
Interface, Client filling in a
Bluetooth Blast Message form,
Pictogram brochure explaining
the system, Redesigned Fortune
Society entrance way, Redesigned
Fortune leisure + cell phone
designated area

15. Blue Pulse - Pictograms Blue Pulse - Bluetooth Blast Form

16. Blue Pulse campaign (continued)
Blue Pulse branding would be located in the entry
way (see picture below) in the form of a portal, giving people
passing through a visual sense of entering the “Blue Zone.” The
branding would also be evident in cell phone designated areas
(see right page) through blue room furnishings.

17. The Bluetooth technology system Bluetooth technology companies and our sources
Software also provides tools to
measure success rate. Fortune
staff could analyze this data.
blueMAGNET
http://www.bluemagnet.com/xrange2000.html
Input software
managed through a
computer. Proximity Media
- message title http://proximitymedia.com/home.htm
- message
- blast time period
BluetoothOn
http://www.bluetoothon.com/
Equipment:
- a wireless bluetooth
hardware with antenna
- software for the computer
- wire to attach hardware to Files supported:
computer - text
- still images
- animated images
System abilities:
- audio
- detects devices within radius of 350 feet
- video
- no maintenence cost; comes with a
- Java applications
warranty
- vCard (Business cards)
- vCal (Calender events)
Pricing: about $150 per unit