From solid software development to unique digital products: Building emotions in 3 dimensions.

Abstract

This thesis deals with the topic of applying modern design tools in the development process of agile companies. I developed workflows capable of quickly generating insight over client’s and technology users’ feedback, in a modern and engaging way. The tool benefits from applying Moodboards to discuss technical design concepts in a common, non-technical and stress-free language, both from the perspective of the clients and the development teams. The output of these interactive feedback sessions are then used to define and improve directions of projects, in an iterative process of continuous improvement. The thesis also presents other accessory tools that were built to efficiently use the feedback information to extract color palettes and design systems for projects.

I use a real-world study case from a software development company to illustrate the tools and protocols developed, as well as to discuss and point future directions for research and developments using this thesis’ outputs as a solid base. Apart from the study case, the thesis brings a theoretical part describing the theory behind the technical aspects of this thesis, as well as an overview of the state-of-the-art tools used by design professionals and developers working in the software development industry.

The thesis resulted in the new design tool/approach that worked on a case from Mindhive Oy, provided a base for implementing the concepts as part of their product development pipeline, and are general enough so other companies can benefit from the ideas presented here.