GoalJudge an invented helper with the seven questions and describe how it could change a life.
New words
scenario · a short story about a situation, used to test an ideaprototype · a first simple version made to test an ideaobjective · based on facts, not on feelingsscore · a mark that shows how well something did
Explanation
Let us judge an invented helper called the Flash Bell. A lamp flashes and a wristband buzzes when someone presses the doorbell, for a person who cannot hear it. It is only an idea, so nobody needs to buy anything. Use the seven questions and write yes, partly or no, with a short reason. Then count the ‘yes’ answers to get a score out of seven. A second scenario: a person with low vision wants to read books. What would you design? Perhaps a lamp-shaped reader that reads a page aloud as you hold it under it. Judge that idea with the same seven questions. Finally, think about change: how might the Flash Bell change Adel’s day? He does not need to ask anyone if the postman has come. He is more independent, and a visitor can call without waiting a long time.
Area
Answer
Reason
accessible
yes
light and buzz, no hearing needed
credible
partly
only the school club has tested it
desirable
yes
it solves the bell problem
findable
no
no help sheet yet
usable
yes
one switch
useful
partly
works at only one door
valuable
yes
more independence
Worked examples
Score of the Flash Bell: four ‘yes’, two ‘partly’, one ‘no’. So it scores 4 out of 7. The team now knows what to fix first: the help sheet.
Malak draws a reading lamp for a person with low vision. A page placed underneath is read aloud. She asks: is it usable? A grown-up helps test one button, and the answer is ‘yes’.
Before the Flash Bell Adel waited at the door for a visit. Afterwards he works at his desk and the lamp tells him when someone arrives. His day is calmer and he is more independent.
Class activity
Judge a new idea. Invent a helper for a person who cannot hear the school bell, or draw your own. Copy the seven-question table and fill it in with yes, partly or no and one reason each. Count the ‘yes’ answers and write your score out of 7. What should you improve first?
Practice
1
In the table, which areas have the answer ‘yes’? Count them.
Four: accessible, desirable, usable and valuable.
2
Which area should the team fix first, and why?
Findable, because its answer is ‘no’.
3
A lamp-reader reads a book page aloud for a person with low vision. Which area asks if it is easy to use?
Usable.
4
Give one way the Flash Bell could change a person’s day.
For example: he can work calmly and does not wait at the door.
