Lead Product Designer

Rob Brogan  • Peerlist

In the Fjord Makeshop, we consider where nascent technologies might go in the near future, and how to best design for them. 

Using the Amazon Echo as a starting point to consider the very human interaction of speech with such an artificial interface, we prototyped two scenarios with the Amazon's SDK: a local guide in your hotel room, and a bed-side care coordinator that asks as about your physical and mental state each morning. 

While using the Echo during this prototype exploration, we documented the most useful design considerations too aide other designers for their own voice UI projects. 

Designing for Voice

Qualcomm wanted to demonstrate the value of its new LTE-direct technology with tangible, real-world examples of its potential use to consumers.

Within one week, we performed some brief interviews, and created physical journey maps to represent the digital and physical landscape. The exploration resulted in a list of branded services, which solve specific pain points and are only possible with LTE-Direct. By grounding potential opportunities in understanding users’ needs and behaviors, Qualcomm and Fjord created the future of proximity-based discovery and connecting.

Qualcomm: Exploring location-based services

The ocean is an ecological, social, and economic support system that touches nearly every aspect of our lives. Understanding how it can sustain our planet is vital for understanding our future. 

Through data visualization, ESRI interactive mapping tools, and beautifully informative infographics, the Ocean Health Index website illustrates the dynamic relationship between the ocean and humanity. The website serves as a tool for researchers, policy makers and the public to understand the current state of the world's oceans, and identify how we can better manage our relationship with them.

Ocean Health Index

Mount Gay Rum, the oldest brand of rum in existence, has been produced on Barbados with passion and unparalleled excellence since 1703. Mount Gay’s history is one of passion, courage and unshakable conviction. For over 300 years, the brand has been defined by generations of visionaries, whose untiring quest for excellence and innovation explains why Mount Gay is the oldest, as well as the greatest, brand of rum in the world.