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Overview of What's to Come Assignment

Dining Unplugged

The Problem statement in Dining Unplugged by Cecily Cermak from Professor
Noble’s Spring 2012 class is, “ Restaurant patrons in San Francisco remain connected to
technology through smart phones, tablets, etc. while eating in restaurants, however they
are missing out on the importance of social interaction.” Cermak finds it irritable that
diners in a specific city are more focused on their cellphones or other hand-held devices
while eating in restaurants. Cermak’s purpose statement was to, “Research and develop a
system to encourage diners to disconnect from technology and enjoy their dining
experience.” The author focused on finding a solution to the problem by creating a visual
system to encourage diners to not use their hand-held devices, and to enjoy their meal and
their company.
The major activity Cermak used to collect her data was to observed patrons in San
Francisco restaurants such as Q Bar, Crunch Fitness, and Brick House café. Cermak
found that most San Franciscans not only are occupying their phones, but the person
talking on their phone annoys other customers in the restaurants. Chapter two of Dining
Unplugged was well organized and displays a well-developed data.
Cermak’s hypothesis was clear and specific by stating, “… If people refrained
from using technological devices while dining in restaurants, they would regain necessary
by social interaction and the “in real life” moments they have been missing out one.” The
author’s hypothesis was tested through her own observations. The collected data she found from observing people led her to believe that people are losing their social
interaction by being on cellphones.
In chapter three, Cermak restated the problem and purpose statement, hypothesis,
and explained the importance of the research, the procedure and chapter summary.
Cermak’s research concludes by identifying the solution to the problem. She developed a
phone application that tracks the time the phone has been idle or unused. By doing so, the
phone user earns credits that can go towards restaurants that support the application. The
timer will stop if the phone is in use by the patron. This application directly participates
in the phone use problem and provides an applicable reward-based solution.
The appendix material was not introduced in the Table of Contents, therefore it
was unclear on where to find this section. Overall, Cermak’s research was very clear and
well organized. The author had found important key issues and determined a well developed
plan to solve the problem.

Coming Home

The Problem statement in Coming Home: Life After Study Abroad by Lee
Schellenberger from Professor Noble’s Spring 2012 class states, “Students returning to
San Francisco State University after living abroad often experience symptoms of re-entry
shock that go unacknowledged and may worsen over time.” Author Schellenberger
introduced a problem among San Francisco State University students that after studying
abroad, undergraduates often suffer from re-entry shock, which is a from of depression or
anxiety. Schellenberger’s purpose statement was, “To research transition shock and
design a method to aid in the readjustment process.” As a designer, the author found a
visual design to help students who experienced re-entry shock.
The author’s procedure used published books, journals, and articles online that
were easily accessible to students in San Francisco State University. Schellenberger uses
student interviews, surveys, and other data collection methods to determine the amount of
students who had suffered from re-entry shock after studying abroad. The chapter was
beautifully presented visually, but the amount of text in each chapter is cluttered and
contains too much information that could be narrowed down.
The author’s hypothesis was, “A design addressing issues of students awareness,
parent/ peer understanding, and university support will ease symptoms of re-entry shock
and improve the readjustment process for all those affected.” Schellenberger’s hypothesis
was clearly stated by including the solution of his problem statement. In chapter three, the
ideas are not too clear, however, it did support the hypotheses. It is somewhat organized
and the solutions were unclear to follow. Schellenberger’s conclusion was clearly presented because he restated the problem and purpose statement, as well as the hypothesis and major findings. The
appendix was clear and necessary to his material. Overall, the report was strong and
visually acceptable. However, his data collection was not too clear or specific.

Save Your Sole

The Problem statement in Save Your Sole by Jay Moscardini from the Spring 2012 class
states, “Collectors of high-end sneakers store them in conventional conditions under
common methods that can lead to a decline in the appearance of shoe components and are
in need of an effective method for ensuring their investments are protected.” Moscardini
brings awareness that shoe connoisseurs are spending a great amount of money on shoes
but are not storing them properly. Moscardini’s purpose was, “To research and develop a
solution that would lend to successfully showcasing prized collectible sneakers while
offering necessary protection.” The author’s plan was to come up with a solution that will
display the shoes while maintaining value through protection.
The major activities involved in the data collection included a survey and
consultation with three panels of experts. Although Moscardini had done a survey, it was
not thorough due to the limited scope of the research. Chapter 3 of Moscardini’s book is
organized and presented well. It contained the author’s design process and his ideation
before coming up with the final product. The hypothesis was, “Developing a storage
solution that displays collectible sneakers and defends them from material degradation
will protect their long term value and overall appeal.” The hypothesis was clearly stated
and is tested through the author’s design process.
The conclusion of the research displays a shoebox that is sleek and fashionable.
The author took shoeboxes to the next level by adding some key materials to make the
box easy on the eye. The appendix material was nicely displayed, as well as the sketches
of his shoe-protection-box. Overall, Moscardini’s book was enjoyable to read and well
organized.

Problem & Purpose Statement

September 3, 2012

3 Problem and Purpose Statements

1. Problem Statement: The cardboard cylinders used for toilet paper rolls are discarded and produce a massive amount of waste.

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this study is to develop a sustainable solution for discarded toilet paper cylinder that promotes reuse versus waste.

2. Problem Statement: The number of Cyber Bullying cases grows larger every year and threatens to undermine the safety of web use for teens and young adults.

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this study is to develop a method to prevent the spread of Cyber Bullying and promote responsible Internet use. 

3. Problem Statement: Talking on cell phones while waiting in line to order coffee in coffee shops is a distraction and causes service delays and disrupts the atmosphere. 

Purpose Statement: The purpose of this study is to expedite time spent in line and reduce disturbance while ordering coffee.