Synopsis
I was tasked with designing and developing an Alexa Skill prototype. My skill related to memory palaces. A memory palace is a memory technique where you visualize a location you are familiar with and you assign different ideas to specific items in that location.
Overview of Alexa Skill
My prototype was an introduction to the concept of a memory palace and included a tutorial where the user input five different playing cards using their voice and then the Alexa Skill quizzed them to see if they memorized the cards in the order they were input. Once I had created my prototype, I tested it with a few people.
My prototype was an introduction to the concept of a memory palace and included a tutorial where the user input five different playing cards using their voice and then the Alexa Skill quizzed them to see if they memorized the cards in the order they were input. Once I had created my prototype, I tested it with a few people.
Time Frame: 4 Months (2018)
Memory Palace Skill Intro
Challenges
Designing without Visuals
I was forced to think in a different way because there weren't any visual elements to my Alexa Skill. Because of this, I focused on systems instead of visuals.
I was forced to think in a different way because there weren't any visual elements to my Alexa Skill. Because of this, I focused on systems instead of visuals.
This challenged me to think about logic on a deeper level than most projects require. I had to really focus on how a person would go between the steps in my Skill. I created a user flow diagram to keep track of everything.
Designing within Constraints
Another challenge was working within constraints. The Alexa platform has a unique system and working with voice forces you to think inside the box. Being forced to work within a limited system pushed me to truly be creative with how I implemented my ideas.
Another challenge was working within constraints. The Alexa platform has a unique system and working with voice forces you to think inside the box. Being forced to work within a limited system pushed me to truly be creative with how I implemented my ideas.
Video of User Flow Diagram
Tutorial Beginning
Assigning Cards
Confirmation of Correct User Input
Taking the Tutorial Quiz
What I Learned
Adapting to Limitations
I learned how to adapt my prototype when an aspect of it wasn’t working the way I had envisioned. I struggled with getting my skill to take user input in the way I had designed it because at the time I no longer programmed on a daily basis.
I learned how to adapt my prototype when an aspect of it wasn’t working the way I had envisioned. I struggled with getting my skill to take user input in the way I had designed it because at the time I no longer programmed on a daily basis.
Also, I was still learning the unique quirks of the Amazon AWS coding platform. As a result, I wasn’t able to allow people to enter in the required information for each step of the tutorial in a natural way.
This lead me to create a solution that functioned, however it greatly interfered with the testing process. Unfortunately, my tests didn’t go as well as I had hoped, but I programmed a working prototype that allowed me to still test users. It was a fun challenge and it further reinforced my empathy for developers.