Phase X Archaeology Screen
This is my senior capstone project done during my final two semesters at the University of Cincinnati DAAP. With guidance and feedback from my professors, I was responsible for the entire project, from the initial research to the final assembly of the product. From the outset, the goal of my capstone was to immerse myself in a topic, field, or user group I knew nothing about. After deciding I wanted to work on scientific tools, I leveraged the UC archaeology program and other local CRM archaeology companies to learn more about the field. I was able to shadow a dig for two weeks at a 16th century Native American village site led by Professor Ken Tankersley. During this dig, I was able to interview practicing archaeologists in the field and personally experience their day-to-day challenges. Ultimately, I endeavored to redesign one of their most used pieces of equipment, the screen. Screens are used to separate excavated dirt from artifacts.
Role: Designer
Professor: Steve Doehler, Alex Xu
From the beginning of the project, I kept my users in mind, doing extensive prototyping and testing to ensure a usable and comfortable experience.
Deep Dive
Snapshots from the dig on a 16th century Native American site along the Little Miami River just outside of Cincinnati. Run by Prof. Ken Tankersley, I work with archaeology students on the dig and in the lab, excavating artifacts such as pottery sherds, arrowheads, carbonized seeds, and other remnants from the inhabitants of the village. We even found evidence of Spanish pottery on this site.
Understanding
After being fully immersed in the dig, I took a step back and mapped out different opportunities that could be improved with design. In addition to my learnings from the dig, I interviewed several local CRM and museum archaeologists to get ideas, advice, and opinions. After settling on designing an improved screen, I got to work sketching out concepts to share with key users and stakeholders.
Concept direction sketch
Showing concepts to key stakeholders
Prototype evaluation and feedback
Prototype testing
Examples of sketched ideas to be shared with key stakeholders and users who I worked with to get valuable feedback.
