Synopsis

POMATO (Personal Organizer for Managing Activities, Tasks, and Obligations) adapts the Pomodoro Technique using a data-enabled design approach to personalize time management. It integrates user data and machine learningto optimize work schedules for individual productivity and well-being.

Reflection

In the “Data-Enabled Design” course, I aimed to integrate data more deeply into the design process, especially in data visualizations and understanding data as a creative material. My efforts in simple data visualizations were a good start, though more complex ones are a future goal. I successfully grasped data’s conceptual role in design (ideation), but applying it was challenging. Our initial approach with ‘wide’ data and vague goals shifted to more contextual data and specific aims like improving time management. A key learning was the importance of deep, contextual data over broad, big data.

We faced challenges in aligning our product’s target audience with our research participants, questioning whether a pivot in approach was needed. For future projects, I suggest a tandem approach: one team following classical design methods and another focusing on Data-Enabled Design principles. This would balance data-driven and opinion-based decisions, drawing from lessons like prioritizing contextual data and user stories. The course taught me valuable insights for future data-driven design projects, aligning with my professional vision.