INTRODUCTION
In this year of Term 2 Year 2, students of BSC202B are required to write
a report based on subject Designing For Usability 2 (203CR) in Key Assignment
2. In this Key Assignment 2, students need to redesign pervasive computing which
is paper prototype. Each of student had given a choice to conduct the tasks
based on paper prototype. There are three tasks of paper prototype that
students need to choose in the world that can be used. The tasks analysis are
easy task, medium task and hard task need to complete by students in order to
do this Key Assignment 2.
Paper prototype is a variation of usability
testing where representative users perform realistic tasks by interacting with
a paper version of the interface. It is manipulated by a person who are
‘playing computer’ means that who are does not explain the interface is
intended to work. The goal of paper prototyping is to see if users can get
stuff done with the interface. It is used to check functionally, terminology,
navigation and page layout. This ensures that students can complete the
critical user journeys with the interface. Paper prototype is carried out with
early design ideas and concepts. The students have choose three types of paper
prototypes which are torchlight for easy task, remote air-cond for medium task
and the hard task is smart television.
OBJECTIVE
The
Key Assignment 2 have the objective where is the student need to redesign
pervasive computing after doing some usability assessment. The redesign should
be in the form of paper prototype based on student task analysis and the
interface design principles and guidelines presented in the lecture. The
learning outcome from this assignment is student have gained experiences
applying design principles and guidelines. Student also gain experiences in
explaining the design that they already done based on principles.
DESIGN
1)
EASY
TASK INTERFACE DESIGN
The
easy task interface is the torchlight. This task require the user to turn on
and off the torchlight using the provided interface design. The first design (Figure
1) was designed just like any other normal shape of torchlight with the
exception of unique interface design feature while the second design is only
one button that can control the torchlight.
The
first design (Figure 1) provide simple interface, such as when user click the
button to on then the torchlight will be bright to the something or somewhere
and when user click the button to off by a slider that will be dim. As the
button for the on and off are touch and click effective, the user does not
require to press or flick anything instead by touching the round are of
torchlight. Once touched, the torchlight itself will also light to indicate
that the torchlight is currently. The symbol user for the on and off torchlight
are the universal on or off switch that only require one button. The slider for
bright and dim are scrollable wheel.
The
second design (Figure 2) also provided simple interface for on and off multiple
light torchlight and was designed for mobile devices. The interface design of
torchlight has two improvement than the Figure 1. The torchlight will be
automatically turn on when user touch at the specific place to hold, but when
user want to turn off the torchlight, user only need to flip the screen from
button to the top. Besides that, the torchlight can be change to make it long
or short. It provides the stand for user use it at any situation they are.
2)
MEDIUM
TASK INTERFACE DESIGN
The
medium task interface is the remote air-cond. This task require the user to
turn on and off the remote air-cond using the provided interface design. The
first design (Figure 3) was designed just like any other normal shape of remote
air-cond with the exception of unique interface design feature while the second
design are provided many button that can control the remote air-cond.
The
first design (Figure 3) provide crowded interface, such as the same shape of
button without option on the interface design of remote air-cond. The symbol
user for the on and off remote air-cond are the universal on or off switch that
only require one button. The air-cond will be functionally when user switch on
the remote-cond. The other functions for each button are require by icon. For
example, the symbol of fan means that the speed of air-cond like the fan and
the symbol of temperature by using the chart. As the many button for the
various function like on, off, temperature, fan and so on. It make the user
feel confuse to use the button. Once clicked, the remote air-cond itself will
also sound to give signal that it is using.
The
second design (Figure 4) just provided the simple interface for any button that
have on the remote air-cond and it was designed for mobile devices. The
interface design of remote air-cond have a few improvement than the Figure 3.
The remote air-cond basically have been confused for user who are not familiar
with it. It is because the interface of remote-aircond have many buttons. So,
the new interface design it will provide the screen interface with the option
by each of button. In addition, the remote-aircond will be a modern design and
it will be change by a thin remote air-cond. When the user use it, they will be
more understandable the option of any symbol that change from button to the
touch screen.
3)
HARD TASK
INTERFACE DESIGN
The
hard task interface is a smart television. This task require the user to turn
on and off the smart television using the provided interface design at the
screen. The first design (Figure 5) was designed just like any other normal shape
of smart television with the exception of unique interface design feature while
the second design is only one button that can control the television for the
turn on or off.
The
first design (Figure 5) provide simple interface, such as when user click the
button to on then the smart television it will be function to the screen and
when user click the button to off by the interface of smart television it that
will be dim. As the button for the on and off are touch and click effective,
the user does not require to press or flick anything instead by touching the
round are of smart television. Once touched, the smart television itself will
give feedback to indicate that the smart television is currently. The symbol
user for the on and off smart television are the universal on or off switch
that only require one button. Another button have been provided by remote
control.
The
second design (Figure 6) have been provided with the crowded interface for each
of button to give functionality. The interface design of smart television has
two improvement than the Figure 5. The smart television will be automatically
turn on when user touch at the any place on the smart television screen, but
when user want to turn off the smart television it have been provided the button
to turn off only. In addition, the shape of smart television a little bit
change which is the top of smart television is a curve shape. It looks a little
bit different from the other smart television. Besides that, the smart
television have been provided the three button such as turn off, volume (+) or
(-) and the station of television. So, without use the remote, user also can
use the button at the smart television.
METHODOLOGY
A system of broad principles or
rules from ant methods procedures may be obtained to interpret or solve
different problems within the scope of a particular discipline. The research of
methodology is the process used to collect information and data for the purpose
of making paper prototype decisions. The methodology may include publication
research, interviews, surveys and other research techniques. It also could
include both present and historical information.
From
this Key Assignment 2, student have been make the research by observation.
There have seven types of observation which are casual and scientific
observation, natural observation, subjective and objective observation, direct
and indirect observation, participant and non-participant observation,
structured and unstructured observation and the last is controlled and
non-controlled observation. Each of observation have their aim to be
functionality for the task.
The
student make the observation based on the pervasive computing that already have
in the world. Then, the student have already done with the new design for the
same of each pervasive computing that student decide to make research. From the
observation that student have done, the project of paper prototype have been
successfully.
THREE TASKS CHOOSEN FROM TASK ANALYSIS
These three task are designed with two
different interfaces each in order to make comparison of which prototype meets
the most usability goal and which are not. Each of design are not to be better
than one. The three task chosen from the task analysis are:
Easy
Task – Torchlight
This task required user to turn on or off
the torchlight.
PROS
AND CONS
Interface Design – Figure 1
Pros – Figure 1 design are much simpler that the
Figure 2 and only provide less option for the user to complete the task.
Torchlight slider once touched. The touch are wide enough for any people who
are use it. The slider are placed below the light area to prevent user find it
when use.
Cons – This design was meant for interface
mounted torchlight and can only control one light bulb per torchlight. The
design does not offer much option for the user.
Interface Design – Figure 2
Pros – The ability to control the multiple
torchlight and simple interface. The torchlight for which light is currently on
and which is off. Touch for the replace button slider controls. It can be long
and short torchlight.
Cons – The interface of torchlight be change to
the many function. The torchlight can be use by touch on the specific place and
when the user want to turn off, it just need to flip the screen from bottom to
the top of torchlight.
Figure 1 : The torchlight
Figure 2 : The improvement of torchlight
Medium
Task – Remote Air-Cond
This task required user to navigate through
each function of button on the device.
.
PROS
AND CONS
Interface Design – Figure 3
Pros – The design of Figure 3 are much crowded
that the Figure 4 and only provide less option for the user to complete the
task. Remote air-cond have been control by using the variety of button. The
user feel confused when they are not familiar use the remote air-cond.
Cons – This design was meant for interface of
remote air-cond was crowded without option. It just provided the symbol of each
button. The user who are not familiar will be confuse to use it.
Interface Design – Figure 4
Pros – The ability to control the multiple
remote air-cond and simple interface. The remote air-cond for control each of
function that have on air-cond. Choose and touch the options that have on the
screen remote air-cond with the suitable function.
Cons – The interface of remote air-cond will
reduce the buttons and add the option of each the button. The remote air-cond
also be change by a thin remote air-cond like mobile devices.
Figure 3 : The remote air-cond
Figure
4 : The improvement of remote air-cond
Hard
Task - Smart Television
This task required user to control live of
television with multiple options on screen.
.
PROS
AND CONS
Interface Design – Figure 5
Pros – Figure 5 design are much simpler that the
Figure 6 and only provide less option for the user to complete the task. Smart television
have only one button to turn on and off. The any other button have been
provided use the remote control.
Cons – This design was meant for interface
mounted smart television and can only control one function which is turn on and
turn off the television. The design does not offer much option for the user.
Interface Design – Figure 6
Pros – The ability to control the multiple smart
television and simple interface. The smart television for which live of
television is currently on and which is off. Touch for the switch on the smart
television. There have been provided three of button at the interface of smart
television.
Cons – The interface of smart television be
change to the many function. The smart television can be use by touch on the
screen and when the user want to turn off, it need to hold at behind of the
screen smart television. The other button have been function for the volume,
turn off and section of television.
Figure 5 : The smart television
Figure 6 : The improvement of
smart television
WHICH PROTOTYPES WILL MEET THE USABILITY GOALS
1)
The
torchlight
Based on two
types of prototype for interface design principles that have design it consist the
differentiation between each other. For example, the first design and second
design has differentiation of interface design. The second design has screen to
appear the information when user make option. However, the size of the
torclight is not suitable for the first design because it has fewer buttons. It
should design with the big size of the torchlight. Compare with second design
the size of the torchlight is suitable because it has no button and it have
more space on the screen. Second design also include the screen for information
to display but in first design no screen provided for user. In addition, it
also includes the symbol to turn on or off the screen of the torhlight to make
user easy to use it.
2)
The
remote air-cond
Based on first
design and second design the differentiation between both designs is the
interface design of the button and screen. First design have many button with
important function only unlike second design designer provided the option on
the screen where it only touch to select the items. However, the first design
include sound, but in second design just the screen. So, user will has a little
bit difficulty by using the sound remote air-cond. Just touch on the screen
which is it will function through the touch screen.
3)
The smart television
Based on the two prototypes that been
designed, this prototype is better than other one. This first design is better
because it has button to set the volume and programme. It have menu button to choose the menu that
user want to choose. It is also having the button on and off to turn on and off
the smart television. It is also having the speaker for the audio. It will play
when the time that user set for smart television is turn on. For second design,
it have button but it has also used thumbprint to detect the programme. The
button have been provided behind the screen. It have three of button which are
volume, programme and off button. When the user want to turn on the smart
television, they just require to touch the screen. The shape of the improvement
smart television is curve at the top and square at the behind also bottom.
THE
REASON OF INTERACTION STYLE THAT HAVE BEEN CHOOSE WILL MORE SUCCESSFUL
The reason of the smart television have been meet the usability goals
because it easy for user to make the observation before used it. For example,
the buttons that have been provided just simple but user can understand it. It
can be the use will choose any of two smart television because it just a simple
interface design. Besides that, the labels of symbol on the smart television
used the simple options. It also make user can fast to make the decision to
change other options without wait for a long time. So, the interaction style
that have been choose guarantee will successful.
OVERALL
Ben Schneiderman’s 8 Golden Rules of
interface design guidelines.
1.
Strive
for Consistency
The smart television have the
similar situations where identical terminology have been used in prompts and menus.
The consistent color, layout, capitalization and so on should be employed
throughout. If menus, prompts and help screens are consistent, the user can
quickly make out what is to be done in the next step.
2.
Cater
to Universal Usability
A good interface should cater
to universal usability. Recognize the needs of
smart television and design for plasticity, facilitating transformation of
content. Novice to expert differences, age ranges, disabilities, and
technological diversity each enrich the spectrum of requirements that guides
design. Adding features of smart television for novices, such as explanations
and features for experts, such as shortcuts and faster pacing, can enrich the
interface design and improve perceived system quality.
3.
Offer
Informative Feedback
For every
user action of smart television, there should be system feedback. For frequent
and minor actions, the response can be modest, whereas for infrequent and major
actions. The response should be more substantial. Visual presentation of the
smart television interest provides a convenient environment for showing changes
explicitly. Offering informative feedback to the users for the actions they do
gives the users confidence that they are proceeding in the right direction.
4.
Design Dialogs to Yield Closure
Sequences of
actions on smart television should be organized into groups with a beginning,
middle, and end. Informative feedback at the completion of a group of actions
gives developer the satisfaction of accomplishment, a sense of relief, a signal
to drop contingency plans from their minds and an indicator to prepare for the
next group of actions.
5.
Prevent Errors
As much as
possible, design the smart television such that users cannot make serious
errors. For example, gray out menu items that are not appropriate and do not
allow alphabetic characters in numeric entry fields. If a user makes an error,
the interface should detect the error and offer simple, constructive and
specific instructions for recovery.
6.
Permit Easy Reversal of Actions
As much as
possible, actions should be reversible on smart television. This feature
relieves anxiety, since the user knows that errors can be undone, and
encourages exploration of unfamiliar options. The units of reversibility may be
a single action, a data-entry task or a complete group of actions, such as
entry of a programme.
7.
Support Internal Locus of Control
User
satisfaction is high when they feel that they are in control of the smart
television. It will avoid surprising interface actions, tedious data entries
and so on. User should feel that they are controlling the smart television.
Experienced users strongly desire the sense that they are in charge of the
interface and that the interface responds to their actions.
8. Reduce Short-Term Memory Load
Human processing of smart
television is limited in short
term memory. Therefore, it will keep display simple. Smart television also consolidate multiple-page displays and reduce
windows-motion frequency. Smart television
should not require re-entry of songs, multiple-page displays should be
consolidated, and sufficient training time should be allotted for complex
sequences of actions.
REFERENCES
3. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/methodology.html
REFLECTION WRITTEN
From the Assignment 2 that already done, I have got many knowledge about
Paper Prototype based on the redesigning pervasive computing. I have got the more
details information when I have already made research the three pervasive
computing before proceed it to make the research. Besides that, I think this
report also made me study many techniques observe the pervasive computing. I
have already choose the torchlight for easy task analysis, remote air-cond for
the medium task analysis and the smart television for the hard task analysis.
So, after finish the sketches all of the task I can give the
good explanation related with this topic to others because I have
understand the Paper Prototype.
EXPERIENCES AND
FINDINGS
The experience that I have already got from this assignment is
I can learn to redesigning the pervasive computing. It need me to think
creative and efficient to complete this assignment. The Paper Prototype is the assignment
that have given by our lecturer. It so fun to complete it because it based on
our logic thinking. We can create any types of paper prototype that suitable
with the assignment. I have finished my assignment
day by day until complete.
