Conceptual Design Process That Integrates Digital Technology and Tangible Communication
Avakimyan, Karina (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120533108
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120533108
Tiivistelmä
The thesis presented the concept of a design process which integrated digital technology and tangible outcome. Focus was on developing a visual view of how a modern postcard-sending application prototype would look like. The motivation behind the research was originating from sustainability and changes in communication. Traditional postcards were taken as inspiration and combined with a mobile design. The objective was to gather feasibility, user interest, and functional design for the concept. Furthermore, two research questions were used as guidance: How can a postcard sending application promote sustainable practices? and how do users respond to the design and functionality of the concept?
Communication theory, sustainability principles, personalisation, design methodologies and mobile application development foundations were the research project’s theoretical structure. A low-fidelity prototype was then created, using Canva. User feedback was collected through an online questionnaire, with the link to the prototype. The questionnaire evaluated users’ involvement with traditional postcards, their overall interest in the concept, pricing and sustainability takes, and suggestions for visual improvements to the prototype. In addition, the business side was briefly analysed using the Business Model Canvas framework. Subsequently, environmental considerations and ethical requirements, such as GDPR compliance, were also addressed.
The data collection shows that personalisation, and physical keepsakes are important for users. Moreover, interest was shown in the environmental focus, and many indicated willingness to pay slightly more for a sustainable product. The user feedback and competitor analysis helped with setting the applications price. Surveys participants showed interest in the concept and gave valuable insights for improvement. With this information, a more enhanced prototype was created. The research concludes that through material choices and on-demand production the concept promotes sustainable practices. This study can be used, either to create a new application or to suggest competitors' improvements to their services.
Communication theory, sustainability principles, personalisation, design methodologies and mobile application development foundations were the research project’s theoretical structure. A low-fidelity prototype was then created, using Canva. User feedback was collected through an online questionnaire, with the link to the prototype. The questionnaire evaluated users’ involvement with traditional postcards, their overall interest in the concept, pricing and sustainability takes, and suggestions for visual improvements to the prototype. In addition, the business side was briefly analysed using the Business Model Canvas framework. Subsequently, environmental considerations and ethical requirements, such as GDPR compliance, were also addressed.
The data collection shows that personalisation, and physical keepsakes are important for users. Moreover, interest was shown in the environmental focus, and many indicated willingness to pay slightly more for a sustainable product. The user feedback and competitor analysis helped with setting the applications price. Surveys participants showed interest in the concept and gave valuable insights for improvement. With this information, a more enhanced prototype was created. The research concludes that through material choices and on-demand production the concept promotes sustainable practices. This study can be used, either to create a new application or to suggest competitors' improvements to their services.