SenseFace

A Self-Guided
Divination System

 

Challenge: How might we create a divination system?


The design brief for this project was to generate a narrative and dynamic system for oracle divination. The constraints were self-defined and based on the intersection of previous personal experience with Tarot reading and my love of analogue drawing. I always draw faces and thought there was an opportunity to create a solution that allowed for face interpretation.

 

First Iteration of Prototypes


Using note cards I created a framework based the steps I take when I read Tarot. I leveraged the size and color coding to test how users might go through the steps and follow the instructions. .

gif_1

Instructions, Face Cards, Meaning and Interpretation Guide.

Webp.net-gifmaker

Face components in action.

 

Second Iteration of Prototypes


After a first round of testing, the framework proved to be successful enough to keep the form factor. This second stage was a more polished version of what was explored in the first iteration. To enhance the intention of self-guidance, it was designed to exist within a box that a person could individually experience.

The on-boarding kit.

The whole package.

The face components: one eye, a nose and mouth. Enough to get a sense of a face. Each component was categorized and given a meaning according to the line it was drawn with.


 

User Testing


3 rounds of user testing were conducted. The framework proved to be a successful experience for those familiar with Tarot readings although burdensome for those who don't enjoy reading. Future iterations could include improving the instructions and making the cards have more obvious meaning at first sight.

 

Conclusions


Overall, the outcome of the solution was positive since it generated a validated package ready for a next step of refinement. The basic framework resonated with users and with a few tweaks could exist in the market.