PortfolioHalvor Lindem

Me .............................................................. 3Process ....................................................... 4Project Management ................................. 6Information Architecture ........................... 8Mockups and Prototypes ......................... 10Visualization ............................................. 12Master Thesis ........................................... 13

Contents

For the last two years, I have worked as an interaction designer in DNV. The applications developed here are often domain specific and technically advanced. They are used professionally, mainly in the offshore and maritime industries.

From 2003 to 2008 I studied indutrial design at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Process

Research, workshops, interviews, user studies

User tests, evaluation, iteration

Background

Analysis

Prototype

Project Management

Creating tasks in online collaboration tools, describing the end result through text and images. Assigning tasks to developers and following their progress.

Following project development throughout sprints with project management tools.

Global collaboration through online conferences. Discussing requirements online with the development team in Shanghai.

Information Architecture

Translating customer information collections from CDs into an online information portal for customers in the energy industry.

The home page gives a comprehensive overview of asset status` and upcoming, current and recent events. Type specific information is found on dedicated pages.

The tools used and the complexity of the prototype is dictated by the goal. For conseptualisation, layout discussions and early user tests I use paper, Balsamiq or Sketchflow to create the prototype. Later in the process, pixel perfect representations of designs are helpful to make sure everyone involved knows what to expect. If the prototype is only used as a visual tool for stakeholders, I use Photoshop. If it is meant to illustrate interaction and is going to be used for user testing, I use Axure RP to allow interactivity. If I am designing a WPF or Silveright application, I do the final prototyping in Expression Blend.

Mockups and Prototypes

In the spring of 2006, I and a fellow student designed a kitchen concept we named Othello. We were only given the blueprint of an empty apartment. The rest was up to us.

After countless brainstormings and iterations, we decided on a concept we felt would maximize the amount of storage space, while giving a roomy impression through visual effects.

Cupboard doors and drawers all have glass surfaces. Black below regular kitchen counter height, white above, except for kitchen appliances, which are kept black to make a kitchen silhuette on the flat surface.

The main element in the kitchen is a large reinforced glass counter, with an intergrated induction cooker close to the wall, and a large sink on the end. The sink doubles as a cupboard for garbage bins.

The concept was modeled in 3D Studio Max and Catia. The image rendering was done in 3D Studio Max.

Visualisation

Master Thesis Design of High-Fidelity Entertainment Unit

I wrote my master thesis for Electrocompaniet. They wanted an all-in-one product with a bit more “wife appeal” than their current selection. It was to be a combined amplifier, dvd-player, radio and media center. Supplied with measurements of the components they wanted inside, I designed the Maestro.

To arrive at the right idiom I did a market analysis of the competition, organised a focus group of women and interviewed a number of clerks and customers in hi-fi outlets.

After arriving at a promising idiom, I presented Electrocompaniet with three viable options, together with a comparison analysis.

I proceeded to detail the overall design, taking manufacturing and assembly into account, as well as the display, controls and dvd-tray which would be the main visual elements on the front of the unit. Based on input from friends, fellow students, Electrocompaniet, hi-fi sales clerks, user tests and my own judgement, I managed to strike a balance between minimalism and good usability.

The Maestro is currently in production and is soon to hit the market.

Details

www.electrocompaniet.com/products/prelude/maestro.html

hlindem@gmail.com