Final Blog

Thanks for the wonderful semester. I did learn lots from this class and from you. You are amazing professor who want his students to not just walk out with knowledge but also with how they can use this knowledge in their life. You are very understanding. Who understand student’s problem and know that they have not only one class but also other class work load too. You taught me that don’t think about big picture but think about that lots of small things make big pictures so think about small thing. Also always think about what users want and needs it is hard but very important.

Thanks
--- Tarana Patel

Matt Chambers - final blog

I've always felt that who we are is a sum of the experiences we've had. Every new experience is influenced by things we have done previously. For example; I'm in another class in which we had to design a solution to a problem. We had to sketch and prototype and address all the different aspects of the problem. Being in this class simultaneously helped me to know in what ways to go about tackling the problem. I knew how to sketch, how to prototype, how to make a concept for users and not for ourselves. So yes, I have learned a lot from this class, and I feel that no matter what I do in the future, I will be able to apply the concepts here, there.

As far as changing myself, my whole life has been a period of slow change, I feel. Changing in different ways, but always slowly changing. I don't know if I will take many risks, since I just don't seem like that is me. The time may come when I may need to take a risk and I hope that my slow change and life experiences will have prepared me for it.

Austin Frink Final Blog

Dear Marty,

   I would just like to say that I really appreciate the format and approach you took when teaching this class.  I like how you showed us cool songs every day at the beginning of class and I like how you took the time to have heart to heart(s) talks with us about life lessons.  You were a very good influence from the academic world, in sharp contrast with the systematic and impersonal teachers that I've had in the past.  In the middle of this semester, I was beginning to take school and life in general a little to seriously. I was getting upset with my life situation. I sort of felt trapped in all of the bullshit that I perceived to be the majority of what going to college to get a degree to get a good job to pay for "stuff" was all about. I was dissatisfied with how my life was going to say the least. I felt I was squandering my true potential by working so hard at school and putting my passion on the back burner.  However, after listening to a couple of your lectures about life and not getting caught up in all of the bullshit, it helped remember that opportunity is everywhere and I am not hindered by the things I thought were holding me back, but rather, I hold the key to my own happiness and my own satisfaction. It's all about living in the now. The right here, right now, and seeing the inherent beauty in the way life and the cosmos moves. The earth laughs in flowers as Ralph Waldo Emerson said. I will laugh too.   

Derek Schutz Final Blog

This class has probably been the most enjoyable class that I have taken so far throughout my college career. I have had fun, met new people, been entertained, and at the same time I have learned a lot of important lessons and concepts and have the feeling that I can walk away from this class with confidence. The most important thing that I have learned is that perfection is not possible, it is just the process and iteration at which you go through that leads you closer to the goal of perfection that is possible. Also, slow change takes time and effort, it is not simple. Looking at the entire and whole picture(game) is always important. Don't focus on the small things. This summer I feel as if I am taking a risk. I earned an internship at Community North hospital working with people under the category of medical anamatics. I am going to be working full time (40 to 45 hours a week) which is a big risk for me. I am still a college student and do not feel like I am ready to go out into the real world, however, I feel as if this summer I will be taking a big bite out of the real world. Working full time and having an apartment is a big step forward in my life, and this is just a little glimpse of what my life will be after I graduate from here at IU. Thank you for a great semester Marty!

Final Blog

Thanks for an entertaining semester, Marty. Not only was it entertaining, but I will walk out of the room on Wednesday a lot more knowledgeable and confident. If there is one thing you taught me, its to be yourself, do the things that you want to do and as long as those things are giving back to others, then you are living a good life. You also taught me not to dwell on the stupid, every day little things, but to realize the whole picture. Its important to understand that everything we do produces some type of result, that may not be immediate, but important in the end.

I really enjoyed the class and am very thankful for all that you have taught!

The Final Blog

First of all I am thankful for the last day of class extension, that's pretty nice. Anyway, what kind of slow change have I taken away from this?

I have learned a lot about class and life. One thing I always known, but never really understood, is the idea of slow change. I knew that nothing worth while came about quickly. But, I guess deep down I had always hoped I would just find myself in the "good" spot. After taking this class, I have learned that iteration is not just for projects, but for life. If I want something, I am going to have to be very intentional about it and work on it. If I don't get it, what went wrong, what do I need to work on, and how can I keep working towards a goal. I think these things will help me to be able to focus and move forward.

One example of a risk I am taking is my summer job. For the first time ever I am getting a technical job. I am afraid I am going to fail, but I am going to do it anyways. Even if I do fail, it will be an opportunity for me to learn, and perhaps I will succeed! Another slow change that I am taking it upon myself to work on is excercise. If my professor can go 14 consecutive days without stopping (congrats), then I should be able to as well. So, hopefully by next fall when you see me, I will be technology confident and muscular as well (I know, they don't normally go together).

L. Smith - Final Blog

I think the things we learned in class and the overall structure of the class was very beneficial in many areas. This is probably my first class since freshman year that I have not skipped any of the classes. The blogs were also a very good way to keep me motivated and up to date on the reading assignments. The weekly group projects have helped strengthen my teamwork skills which will be very valuable in future projects throughout my life. I had a great time in your class Marty, and you always kept me entertained. Best of luck with Glerb. I thought it was a great idea also.

Daniel Lee Blog 14

I’ve been sitting in front of my computer for at least 15 minutes, wondering what to write on this blog. I think this last blog topic is harder than all the ones before. Umm.. I thought the I300 class was very interesting. I really enjoyed Marty’s unique way of teaching. I really think that it was very affective to me. This is my first class at IU where I got 100% on attendance. Marty did an excellent job of designing the class so that each student is able to learn and experience what the whole playing the game is about. I was also challenged by Marty as he tried to go to the gym every day. I am trying to quit my smoking cigarette habit now. It is very difficult and very very stressful especially during the final exam period. Hopefully I’ll be successful. I would like to thank Marty for wonderful semester and best of wishes on G!erb which I think is an excellent idea.

Nick Swan (Blog 14)

It was great to be in a class where I was given the opportunity to actually learn and experience things first hand without having to respond to that with a scantron test or memorization of terms that I was going to forget after the course was over. This course was about actually learning and using everything you went over in class and I wanted to thank you for an awesome semester. The movie we have been watching in class has been great as well and has really allowed me think about my future and what journey I have ahead of me.

Elaine Fath Blog #14

Do you know how often an undergrad course comes along where the professor is willing to stand in front of the class and suggest that maybe, just maybe, there might be something out there, in the realm of human experience, that is more important than getting a passing grade in that course?

Not usually. Almost never.

Most people have a tendency to go through the motions of college with their heads down. And I mean professors, too--the ones that don't consider life outside their classroom, either those of their students, or, in the saddest cases of all, themselves. I'm guilty of it, too. And I think that at some point throughout the course of this year I decided that pursuing ideas and interests of my own didn't have a place in going through the motions of getting a college degree. And that's what it is, a lot of the time. Pass the class and move onto the next one. Do some extracurricular stuff. Join some clubs and teams. Go out on the weekends. Try and live the "ideal" college experience. I think some of the stuff mentioned in this class (the documentary in particular) has made me ask a crucial question about who I'm trying to live that ideal for.

That's what I want to change when I leave this semester. I want to make changes that make my life more about my own goals and not about the standards that I feel like others have set up for me. This summer, I want to start a blog--I want to design one logo, every day, for the next 365 days. I want to read and write more. I want to worry less about what others are expecting from me.

Most importantly, I want to start believing that the two years I have left here at IU can include my own goals, and not just what's on the syllabus and not just what's in my planner. That's what I'm hoping to change.

Horstman Blog 14

This class has been fun and has definitely shown me that not all group projects our bad if you have individuals that want to do well and willing to work with you. I have definitely learned that iteration is extremely important not just for this class, but everything I do. I feel that I have learned to take a risk in groups and meet individuals to come together for a common goal. Thank you for a great semester!

The Finale

This class was a very interesting, non-traditional class. I think that, because of this, I enjoyed the class and actually didn't mind showing up everyday. This class taught me to take a more laid back approach to classes but still work hard at the same time. It also got me thinking that if I ever run into the same issue twice in my life, I will have to take a look at myself and see if there is something within my life that I can redesign. As far as the planet goes, I am trying to use reusable water bottles and recycle as much as possible. I think I might need to redesign my habits and stop drinking and smoking and become an overall healthier person.(that is something for the near future)

THANK YOU MARTY FOR A GREAT SEMESTER!

Week 14 Josh Roberson

I think the things Ive learned in this class along with the videos we have watched have taught me something about my life in a design perspective. I think it taught me not to worry so much about getting a job, where the economy is, what I'm gonna do after college. Instead I need to just enjoy the spot I am in and iterate on that. As for slow change and bad habits, Ive been trying to eat better and get in shape for years. Its hard to stick with, but realizing its slow change and not something that's gonna happen over night helps to keep you going, that it will pay off in the end.

EDIT: I just wanted to add that this has been one of my favorite and most enjoyable classes at IU thanks to the different style of the class and a great professor. Thanks Marty wish you the best, and if I see you around Ill be sure to say hey.

Week 12 &13 Josh Roberson

What Ive learned most from this course is how the design process works and its not as easy and straight forward as it seems. I often find myself critiquing all of the things that I use everyday, and thinking about how I think it could have been done better or more simpler using obvious design. I guess what I am taking away also has to do with the design process. That when designing something it takes many small ideas and to iterate on those. You aren't just gonna have one big bang of brilliant thinking and it solves the problem and are done.

Week 14 Blog Assignment

Designing Your Life

That’s the topic of this blog assignment. We spent an entire semester talking about human-computer interaction design; you know, designing the obvious. And perhaps you’ve learned something along the way; not just the intellectual skills, not just the things you learn in order to pass a course, get the grade, but real things — the things that are truly important. Slow Change. Not twitter, not IM, not your cell phone — not the high school-like chatter that occupies so many of our conversations: "she said …; he said …" Really, who cares? WTF does it really matter? I’m talking instead about Slow Change. Important stuff. Life stuff.

Did this class teach you to take a risk? To learn in a new way? Did it make you think that on the next iteration of “playing the [design] game” you might actually change something about yourself? When will you stop taking from the planet and give something back instead? What are you planning to do to minimize bad habits and focus on the new and healthy?

I realize this note is a bit strange. Hey, it’s the last blog note! Let’s mess it up a little bit. Give me something interesting to read this week. It’s just between you and me. No one is watching. Have fun. The deadline is the last day of class. An easy 15 points.

Horstman Blog 12&13

In I300, I have learned that iteration is extremely important and I have actually used iteration not only on my projects for this class, but I have used it in my other classes from anything from sketches to writing scripts and papers. I truly understand how important iteration is and how it can make my ideas so much clearer and more professional.

Chad Jordan - Blogs 12 & 13

From this course, I have learned an understanding of design processes and how to create a design from the problem phase through research, design iterations, usability testing, prototyping and implementation.

I am taking away from this course the importance of designing with the user in mind, rather than for the technology's sake.

McColgin Blog 12 & 13

I have learned a lot from taking this course. Aside from finding my new potential passion and something to pursue in graduate school, I have actually learned what it takes to create something beneficial. I have always thought that the best things succeeded, but I never knew what made something good. I learned how easy it is to create something technology centered (which I tend to make things because they are cool) instead of doing the right thing and making it user centered. I learned what user centered actually means! I have also learned the steps for creating a solid idea, redesigning it, testing it, and iteration. My father actually is in the business of HCID, but up until now I never understood what he did or how he did it. This class has not just benefited myself and my goals in what I want to do with my life, but it gave me a new appreciation for what my father does and through this I have been able to draw closer to him. Thanks Marty and AI's for everything this semester!

Tarana Patel (blog 12 and 13)

When I register for this class I had no idea how INFO I300 class is going to be. But form very first day, when Professor Marty explained why products are design the way they are. I get really interested in the HCI Design , the way professor Marty explained every topic I never get bore in class in fact that inspired me to come to all of class. I did not realized how times pass so fast and feel like wish we had more time. When I first came to this class, I was so worry about everything, but after some time my all worries were gone. I have learned lots form this course which will help me lots in my future. I feel like I have learned very useful trough all of project we did in this course. I am taking away lots of things from this class. I really enjoy the all and each topics we learned in class. Learn that always think about what users needs, it is hard to figure out but this very important. Sketches are very important many sketches help lot, you can change and add. Thanks for the wonderful, amazing, and very helpful semester.

Thanks
Tarana Patel

L. Smith - Blog 12 & 13

I have learned a lot in this course. I was very unfamiliar with the HCI design process as a whole when the semester began. I rarely used to think about the work and effort put into an application when I was using it. Now I appreciate well-designed pages and applications more. I have also benefitted from the group experience. Majority of other classes require one large group project that places you with a bunch of strangers. This class allowed us to choose our groups and meet new students as well as strengthen our teamwork skills each week. I feel that I have become a better team member and have developed many useful design practices that will benefit me in the future.