Co- operative evaluation and redesign
Contents
1. 52 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 Information 9 Sequence of Confusing Very Clear Displays 9 3 TERMINOLOGY AND SYSTEM INFORMATION O7 1 2 3 41 5 N Comments A 10 Use of terms Inconsistent Consistent throughout the device 11 Terminology Never Always related to task 12 Feedback about Never Always progress 9 4 9 5 LEARNING O7 1 2 3 41 5 N Comments A 13 Learning to Difficult Easy operate the device 14 Exploring new Difficult Easy features by trial and error 15 Remembering Difficult Easy names and use of commands 16 Performing tasks Never Always is straight forward 53 Interactive Media 2006 07 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK LUIMNIGH OLLSCOIL 17 Help messages Unhelpful on the display Helpful 18 Supplemental Confusing reference materials Clear 9 6 PERCEIVED EASE OF USE NA Comments 19 Learning to operate the Unlikely device would be easy for me Likely 20 I would find it easy to Unlikely get the device to do what I want it to do Likely 21 My interaction with Unlikely the device would be clear and understandable Likely 22 I would find the device Unlik2. Task 8 Decrease Volume The decreasing volume button is identified and the volume appropriately lowers Task 9 Turn off device No problems here as the user clicks the power button once to turn the player off Task 10 Identify the state of device from screen prompts and comment on the new display New system is much clearer and there is no confusion on how the system is powered on The LCD screen promotes greater feedback than the smaller screen of the existing artifact 38 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 6 4 4 1 Review The user successfully navigated their way around without hesitating on any of the tasks above They state that problems with navigation had been eliminated through a larger screen on the prototype 6 4 5 User 5 Task 1 Turn on device Power was achieved through a single click of the Power button Task 2 Play the CD The user immediately pressed the Radio CD button to access the CD Task 3 Skip to Track 3 The user proceeded directly to Track 3 by clicking on the gt gt seek button Task 4 Repeat Track 3 The confusion of some of the previous users was mirrored as the user took some time to identify the repeat abbreviation It was eventually located and selected Task 5 Shuffle Tracks The Shuffle abbreviation was quickly identified and activated by the user Task 6 Switch to Radio The user was back in Radio mode with just
3. 30 Interactive Media 2006 07 6 3 3 User 3 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Evaluation Date 18 12 2006 Sex Female Age 22 Occupation Undergraduate Student Prior knowledge of Sony CDX S11 No Prior knowledge of another In Car system No 6 3 4 User 4 Evaluation Date 18 12 2006 Sex Female Age 19 Occupation Undergraduate Student Prior knowledge of Sony CDX S11 No Prior knowledge of another In Car system Yes Blaupunkt system Ford Fiesta 6 3 5 User 5 Evaluation Date 19 12 2006 Sex Female Age 20 Occupation Undergraduate student Prior knowledge of Sony CDX S11 No Prior knowledge of another In Car system No 6 3 6 User 6 Evaluation Date 19 12 2006 31 Interactive Media 2006 07 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Sex Male Age 61 Occupation Senior Lecturer Prior knowledge of Sony CDX S11 No Prior knowledge of another In Car system Yes 6 3 7 User 7 Evaluation Date 19 12 2006 Sex Male Age 43 Occupation University Porter Prior knowledge of Sony CDX S11 No Prior knowledge of another In Car system Limited knowledge of own system 6 3 8 User 8 Evaluation Date 19 12 2006 Sex Male Age 44 Occupation Postgraduate Student Prior knowledge of Sony CDX S11 No Prior knowle
4. seeseeseeseesseeseeseseesseesesessstesseserssressessesseessesstssresseest 21 5 3 F cton Utne 3 accsosiatesintacd senieratcoaneaanieeeitioe eae 23 5 3 1 SOD BUNOS E E 23 5 32 oiis EEEE EEE AE EEE ANE ERA A E E E E aiei 23 5 3 3 Vol me amp Seek BUTTONS istisini itaenea oaeaeei 23 Das Ah P E E E E E E E E Ade ane NARS 24 5 3 5 Repeat amp Shuffle Buttons ss rccsccsnndsstaesdusssiwnonasstanmnadponMassstuinedeseeoneanass 24 SA Display SCreei esiri ere een a E a E a EEEE EEEE TAA EREET 25 5 5 Adobe Photoshop MACROMEDIA Flash 8 Audacity 26 o o E o ISLE eT i o ES AAEE ene er E en 26 CHAPTER EMPIRICAL EVALUATION iisssinvsccxcasanictanssdeeasinaiceanacnniocas 27 6 1 Cooperative evaluation Setup cccccccssecescessceeseceseceeeeeeeeeeseecsseceeeeeeeeensees 27 6 2 User Task Listesinin ncrs n a io EEEE EEEE a aeii 28 6 2 1 Task 1 Turn on MEV ICE ctagcansararrsanctadsavnsadtetnnsetvurseasianieiaderamacmunsies 28 6 2 2 Task 2 Play CD ssiccsasspascinshstucseasnnccinn sata e ERT 28 6 2 3 Task 3 Skip to Track SS sssussircastsnastsxexatnsesstotepasaeceo teen oeetens unesestwolousnievs 28 6 2 4 Task 4 Press REP SAL sx ceacesaterscnnnacsacuoueaseeceanniensvounrsavenaseiaenseureacemaareneors 28 6 2 5 Track 5 Shute Tah Serrin aea AAE REENE iat 29 6 2 6 Task 6 Switch to BRAGG igs cacsecactrcaveveadenicsenarorgerseioace aeaegesaenomeue 29 6 2 7 Task 7 Go to Today fm via preset 2 nsesensseseseseessesesseessessrssressesse 29
5. Overall the user is generally satisfied with the restructured layout of the Sony CDX S11 In particular they admire the relocation of the CD eject button next to the CD tray which instantly uncovers the function of the buttons The user also commends the greater elevation of the buttons and the larger LCD screen for improved performance and feedback Interestingly the user made a useful suggestion that designer try to eliminate any grooves that look like buttons but overall is impressed with the new prototype 34 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 6 4 2 User 2 Task 1 Turn on device The user clicks the Power button and activates the system without any difficulty Task 2 Play the CD The user switches to CD mode effortlessly Task 3 Skip to Track 3 The user swiftly completed this task by scrolling along the gt gt seek button until receiving confirmation on the LCD screen that Track 3 was currently playing Task 4 Repeat Track 3 The User imports their experience of audio systems to click on the digit 2 while a looping symbol confirms his action has been successful Task 5 Shuffle Tracks The User correctly identifies SHUF as the Shuffle function on the system and clicks on the digit 3 to shuffle the CD tracks Task 6 Switch to Radio By pressing the Radio CD button the user has successfully navigated from CD mode to Radio mode without any hesitan
6. hyre fra L C Panes G Vv a Sham M L Audio Listings for Radio presets 49 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 UMN Ott a a iS a I Play ED switch tocDmec Ship to jeck S j Repost Heck S Find Shuffle e Switch to Raclio vO Tane Fe Tolan trad i eee ie preset I Z Decrease Volume eS G a o i SA e lt C er 7 a r E3 MN O Gedo z po Initial Task List 50 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH peters of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 Mlle poner bation bse n Sg Sok belino 1 i bah tenia Auk Sooke Ince a number tF oS Dist bright Symbol nereiee brighter 3 loge off button Alterations to prototype 51 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 Questionnaire for User Interface Satisfaction Please rate your satisfaction with the Device e Try to respond to all the items e For items that are not applicable use NA e Add comments as necessary 9 1 OVERALL REACTION TO THE DEVICE O7 1 2 3 41 5 N Comments A 1 Terrible Wonderful 2 Difficult Easy 3 Frustrating Satisfying 4 Dull Stimulating Be Rigid Flexible 9 2 DISPLAY O7 1 2 3 41 5 N Comments A 6 Reading Hard Easy characters on the Display 7 Highlighting Not at all Very much simplifies tasks 8 Organisation of Confusing Very Clear
7. 6 2 8 Task Se D cteas Volens eresien rii asna iea a 29 6 2 9 Task 9 Turn GFF devisant iini aai EE 29 6 2 10 Task 10 Identify the state of the device from screen prompts and comment on the NEW display sciciss csssdssnevssvasacccansesnecenscddccevandassnessssaiendasnesvaosaaccanses 30 63 Wer Prole 52 5 2ep tscasechanseiontateasslave ioe S 30 6 3 1 LO a EE T E E ete 30 Interactive Media 2006 07 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH as of LIMERICK 6 3 2 OR EEE 30 6 3 3 US e E E E E E eee 31 6 3 4 LOES e N AEE TE E E ET 31 6 3 5 USEE Jarian snc ncaa E E RE 31 6 3 6 LO i EET E E E E E 31 6 3 7 MST E E EEE 32 6 3 8 LAES o AE E E E E E 32 GA Performing the Tasks icsse a 32 6 4 1 MOS Us EE E AE A A AAE 33 6 4 2 LOS E E A E E EE 35 6 4 3 VUS e E E rn T 36 6 4 4 LOS a E E EE E E EE 38 6 4 5 USEE I eriaren e E N A A a 39 6 4 6 MDI E AAE S 40 6 4 7 MSU 7 EAE E NE 42 T CONCLUSION sa chicssassrossaevaanssu tierce un aasaastcesqaernneaaaalneabucsessiwraaataendersamatemnareas 44 REFERENCES prunieri aeea iiaieesiauasensahsaccaaiapboashvnedagisaasanioaay 45 D APPENDICES orrecrsersorsetassssaeninenaseieia ii rea aE EAEE AESTATE ASEE 46 9 1 OVERALL REACTION TO THE DEVICE eee eeceecceseeeteeneeeeeeeeeeneeeaee 52 De DISPLAY ceren iana eRT ee 52 9 3 TERMINOLOGY AND SYSTEM INFORMATION 53 DA E E E ee 53 9 5 LEARNING caespiiiesea bircncoustuspsexnanca tnssonsies eaS N EAE ea as TEETE AEST 53 9 6 PERCEIVED BASE OF USE iiss ccisssisasssascsaivsnsnsadsda
8. Renaming one of these buttons was considered the best amendment to make to the prototype to assure users that these are two distinct functions Display items a Picture courtesy of Sony C nO Tdio Gand Vcaiien CDX S11 User Manual Frequency Station name Clock RDS data Tam 4 6 ERROR PREVENTION It is important that the new prototype of the Sony CDX S11 is designed carefully so that previous errors can be prevented Certain elements of the physical layout of the Interface needed to be revised in order to eradicate unforeseen problems Eject from CD cradle 17 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 A large button on the bottom left corner of the screen allowed the user to take the interface from its working position However the button is situated right next to the Volume lower button and is extremely sensitive ejecting at the slightest touch and powering off the player unexpectedly Thoughtful consideration would have to be made in order to eliminate this common error without transforming the interface completely As mentioned earlier the availability of a confirmation window allowing the user to cancel certain actions just before execution will greatly limit the number of potential errors from occurring 4 7 RECOGNITION RATHER THAN RECALL The relative small size of the LED screen 9cm x 1 5cm only serves to offer the user very limited information on tracking c
9. a simple click of the Radio CD button Task 7 Go to Today FM via preset 2 The user used their knowledge of existing car CD players to swiftly locate Today FM on the radio presets of the player Task 8 Decrease Volume The volume of radio was decreased quickly and simply through application of minus volume control Task 9 Turn off device No complications arose here as the device was quickly powered off by clicking the Power 39 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 button Task 10 Identify the state of device from screen prompts and comment on the new display The user commented that the new larger screen will have an additional benefit to drivers controlling the system The user s uncertainty about the Volume Seek functions on the existing artefact has been eliminated through an improved interface display on the new interface However The user does express some concern about the use of some functions questioning their value as distinct buttons on the interface 6 4 6 User 6 Task 1 Turn on device The user spotted the Power button and switched the system on easily They acknowledged that the system has defaulted onto radio and prepared for the next task Task 2 Play the CD Having been asked to visualize that there was a CD in the player the user instantly pressed the Radio CD button to which the system transferred onto CD mode Task 3 Skip to Tr
10. confines of a car in its natural environment The evaluators spent a minimum of 30 minutes each evaluating and assessing the device There were two stages of during this evaluation The first was when the device was in Radio Mode and the second was when it was in CD Mode UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 3 3 SECOND PASS EVALUATION This second pass evaluation required the group as a whole to discuss their findings as discovered in the first pass evaluation The objective of this evaluation was to focus on those aspects of the device that appeared to cause the most adversity It was also conducted in conjunction with the users manual supplied with the device It was noted that most first time users tended to avoid those situations on the device that were not clear and these items were the main focus of discussion during the second evaluation 3 4 EXPERT FEEDBACK 3 4 1 Power On The car stereo is not On even when the key is in the ignition of the vehicle The user still has to turn the system on Locating the On button was very complicated Much fiddling and pressing of buttons ensued It was eventually discovered that the button that labelled Source was also the On button This button was also used to switch from CD to Radio The possibility of keeping the power button and the switch button separate was made This button should also be labelled with the universal symbol for
11. power line breaking the circle Also suggestions were made to incorporate symbols instead of text on many buttons 3 4 2 Display Screen The display screen was of a poor size It was noted that the text displayed on the screen was of a pale uniform colour It was suggested that the colour could be of a more luminous brighter colour and perhaps that the colour could change according to the setting the device was on It was also suggested that an Equaliser which reacted to the audio being used on the display screen would be an added feature and provide interaction with the user A suggestion was made to change to an LCD screen The 10 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 text that was displayed at any point was apparent and conveyed the message required in a clear and concise manner 3 4 3 Text on Buttons Initial viewing showed too many buttons in the control area There were grooves that were made to look like buttons when buttons might have been of more use It was noted that text was very small on the buttons The font colour too light and size did not lend itself to being quick to read at a glance The numbers on the buttons were a good size Abbreviated text displayed on many of the buttons led to confusion as opposed to clarity of understanding with regards the function of the buttons No understanding for the button labelled ATT and SENS Also the meaning behind the buttons labell
12. 6 07 7 CONCLUSION The objective of this project from a group perspective was to construct a modified version of a system that had clearly defined design flaws Additionally the process was always followed according to the user Centred design process integrating potential end users of the product into the redesign and functionality of the Sony CDX S11 While we would have liked to have implemented more of the changes requested of us by task users time constraints meant that this could not be fully achieved We found the addition of the Power switch button and the revision of the Volume and Track seek controls to be the most significant enhancement on the existing artefact Users could now distinguish between major functions arguing that the newer prototype had been made straightforward to control than the original Through the results of the questionnaire filled in by task users on completion of their Task evaluation we received strong feedback on a number of important elements of the system e The display area was clear and understandable by users Users observed that the increase in the size of the screen while keeping text and integers the same size offered them the addition of extra symbols and icons for improved feedback e Terminology throughout both the radio and CD modes remained consistent and easily understandable e Overall users quickly adapted to navigation of the system and expressed confidence that they would accustom to th
13. D Mode was also rearranged in the prototype to be situated above the main text on display A final adjustment to the prototype to ensure as authentic a situation as possible involved adding pre recorded CD Tracks and Radio preset stations to the prototype 5 5 ADOBE PHOTOSHOP MACROMEDIA FLASH 8 AUDACITY Photoshop was used to create the initial prototype images which would later be imported into Flash The buttons that would need to be functioning through the Flash prototype were kept vacant in the Photoshop image The display screen was also left empty Flash was used to create the functioning buttons on the prototype It was also used to create the animated icons and display text Actionscript was used to control how the buttons would react as if in a real time environment Audacity was used to mix and establish Track and Radio music This enabled the prototype to maintain an air of authenticity 5 6 CONSTRAINTS Due to technical and time constraints not every alteration and suggestion made during the evaluation process could be incorporated into the prototype The controls were kept to the primary functions as would be used by a car driver 26 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 6 CHAPTER EMPIRICAL EVALUATION 6 1 COOPERATIVE EVALUATION SETUP Following the completion of a fully operating prototype of the new Sony CDX S11 the next step in our evaluation required the recruitment o
14. D mode Task 3 Skip to Track 3 Without hesitation the user pushed the gt gt Seek to quickly navigate their way onto Track 3 of the CD Task 4 Repeat Track 3 The user hesitated on this task and remarked that the repeat function was quite difficult to locate On further investigation they spotted the appropriate icon and selected the Repeat function for Track 3 Task 5 Shuffle Tracks 36 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 The User simply pressed the digit 3 on the interface and identified the Shuffle symbol on the LCD screen confirming their action Task 6 Switch to Radio The user had no problems reverting back to radio mode through the Radio CD button Task 7 Go to Today FM via preset 2 The user quickly accesses Today FM through the six radio presets on the interface Task 8 Decrease Volume By pressing the minus button on volume control the user successfully reduces the volume of the system highlighted in text on the LCD screen Task 9 Turn off device The user turns off the system conveniently through a simple click of the Power button Task 10 Identify the state of device from screen prompts and comment on the new display The user confesses that she cannot understand the function of the EQ3 but does commend the newer display commenting that it had been difficult to differentiate between Volume and Tracking on the existin
15. UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLESC OTE LUEMNIGH SONY CDX S11 CAR CD RADIO EVALUATION AND REDESIGN Authors Frank Leonard Juley Mc Gourty David Delaney Lecturer Dr Luigina Ciolfi Module CS6021 Foundations of Interactive Media Submitted in part requirement for CS6021 Foundations of Interactive Media To Dr Luigina Ciolfi Dec 2006 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 Table of Contents L CHAPTER Sony CDX acess baccseestedvnccacens ease auc r E EE aTe 6 1 1 MTVTTAAA CLIO 0 PAEAN PA AE E E A S ATE awaneenee 6 1 2 THE SONY CDX SII srnrssiienenenie n a n RR iE 6 2 CHAPTER RESEARCH orostsieaconcarctewasesesas ences ipasentuaseranessaeseavcnconeateadesemverdeenrsuaisae 8 2 1 Back oroni oerset eia E EA EE E 8 3 CHAPTER ANALYTICAL HEURISTIC EVALUATION eeceeeeees 8 3 1 Definition W Ukapedia CO ss dissdssiccanvstieconnssanccadedsacasixtedensihadccamnsiuassseatcceniens 8 Si First Pass EV AIM AION ssrin near aidean ensia aN E Aa EERENS 9 3 3 Second Pass Evaluation s ssssssneessesessesessseseesesseseestssesesseseesesseseesesseseessss 10 34 Expert Feedback sncrssira nn E A ES 10 3 4 1 Power OM siose oa a ASEA EE 10 3 4 2 DIS Play CL Cel sssrin N E 10 3 4 3 Text on SIN ete aloe ceva pace cian eraai etsade annen oaia aeieeiaii 11 3 4 4 Ejecting From Cradle vcaseiecsraaseosidcxssbsssauastsiciasse cicada E iis 12 3 4 5 CD Player M d a cavevcrsacsuatvnscivsatoaauniebvaasslonssavecechecueeounsvaimanou
16. ack 3 At first the user attempted to play track 3 of the CD by pressing the digit 3 on the bottom of the interface As this action was incorrect the user implemented his alternative choice of locating track 3 through scrolling through the gt gt icon under Seek to which the track was finally located Task 4 Repeat Track 3 Once again the REP symbol was recognized as the Repeat function and a corresponding loop symbol appeared to highlight the action Task 5 Shuffle Tracks 40 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 Similarly to the repeat function the user correctly identified SHUF as the shuffle function and easily shuffled the tracks by pressing the digit 3 on the interface Task 6 Switch to Radio The straightforward task of switching back to radio mode was achieved by the users contact with the Radio CD button Task 7 Go to Today FM via preset 2 The user now aware from earlier errors that the digits 1 6 programmed the preset radio functions located Today Fm by pressing the digit 2 on the interface to which Today FM appeared on the screen Task 8 Decrease Volume The user pressed the minus volume button and recognized their action through the descending volume level on the screen Task 9 Turn off device The device was powered off without any difficulty Task 10 Identify the state of device from screen prompt
17. anism the prototype also incorporated symbols to enhance the users experience when selecting these functions 1 1 8 Original Rep 1 1 9 Modified 24 amp Shuf prototype Buttons text Rep amp Shuf UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 5 4 DISPLAY SCREEN The screen in the display area was enlarged from the original dimensions to allow for additional icons and graphics to be demonstrated to the user Suggestions were offered to alter the text colour from pale grey to a vivid luminous shade of blue An option of incorporating an LCD screen was also suggested Simply adjusting the colour of the text in the resized screen allowed the user a clearer view of the text being displayed despite the font size remaining the same Additional animated graphical designs were incorporated into the display screen These included an icon with a rotating CD to demonstrate that a CD was in use and an interactive equaliser Both the CD and Equaliser icons in the original design were static and had very little scope in the display screen It was considered that static icons relayed insufficient feedback to the user 1 1 10 Display screen including static icons and compacted view in original 1 1 11 Display screen of prototype demonstrating display screen colour and animated icons 25 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 The Track information displayed when in C
18. art of a course assessment for the CS6021 module Foundations of Interactive Media at the University of Limerick The nature of this study is as follows Title Evaluation of the Sony CDX S11 Car CD Radio player Purpose In this study we intend to evaluate the Sony CDX S11 Car CD Radio player in terms of its usability This involves asking users to perform certain tasks offered by the system or product that are representative of the types of 46 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 N tasks users would normally perform using this system and give feedback in terms of how usable or otherwise the system or product is I declare that I have been fully briefed on the nature of this study and my role in it and have been given the opportunity to ask any questions before agreeing to participate I understand that my role in this evaluation is as a co evaluator and that this is not an evaluation of my ability knowledge or intelligence rather it is an evaluation of the system or product in terms of its usability The particular tasks that I will be required to perform have been explained to me and I understand them I also understand that that I will be required to think aloud while performing these tasks The thinking aloud method has been explained to me and I understand that no personal private or confidential information is required from me I fully understand that there is no obligation on me to participate in thi
19. cy Task 7 Go to Today FM via preset 2 The User browsed through the preset channels and pressed the digit 2 on the interface the screen prompt confirming that he had selected the requested station Task 8 Decrease Volume The User states that he would be naturally inclined to click on the Minus tab of the Volume controls His action is once again confirmed by a descending Volume level on the screen of the interface Task 9 Turn off device The User clicks the Power button once to power off the system 33 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 Task 10 Identify the state of device from screen prompts and comment on the new display The User comments that the increased size of some buttons on the new prototype have allowed a number of the major functions of the system to become much more apparent The blue LCD screen also makes the system more aesthetically pleasing 6 4 2 1 Review In the Users opinion the clarity of the Volume Control buttons has had a beneficial impact on operating the system The user was also encouraged that the inclusion of a On OFF button has made the system a lot easier to power from a drivers perspective allowing uncomplicated control while driving 6 4 3 User 3 Task 1 Turn on device The user switched the system on without any problems Task 2 Play the CD The user confidently clicked the Radio CD button to be transferred to C
20. dge of another In Car system Yes Custom built in player for Volvo 0 6 4 PERFORMING THE TASKS As outlined above the Task lists were enacted by 8 different users based at the University of Limerick Our sample range represented a broad section of the 32 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK F OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 University community and included undergraduate students postgraduate student academics and non academic staff Each task evaluator also signed a declaration of informed consent before undertaking the Task list in order to give him her full awareness of the research project they have just agreed to contribute to Finally we omitted printing the names of our Task evaluators for comfort of anonymity to those involved 6 4 1 User 1 Task 1 Turn on device The user instantly identified the Power button and switched the system on without any difficulty Task 2 Play the CD Having informed the User that a CD was already inside the system they located the CD function wit ease pressing Radio CD with a Track number acknowledging their action Task 3 Skip to Track 3 At first the user mistakenly clicks the digit 3 at the bottom of the interface Realising their error they then click on gt gt button Seek Track forward which yields a result Task 4 Repeat Track 3 The User recognizes the abbreviation REP on the interface On clicking the digit 2 the loo
21. dinsuasoohinestanssanteasvatetanes 54 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH peters of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH l Aptirsttd of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 1 CHAPTER SONY CDX 1 1 INTRODUCTION This report will evaluate the Sony CDX S11 a car CD player and radio The evaluation will use two main evaluation modalities 1 Analytical and 2 Empirical The Analytical evaluation process will be compiled using Heuristic Evaluation techniques It is the most appropriate modality as the method of operation is not fully predictable and there will be a panel of three experts conducting the evaluation A simulation of how a user interacts with the device using a Cognitive Walkthrough will be performed The Empirical evaluation will incorporate Formative Evaluation techniques and the development of a Medium Fidelity Prototype The prototype will represent some of the functionalities of the device It will be used to test user performance of certain activities 1 2 THE SONY CDX S11 This CD player has a quite a modern look and exceptional audio quality however the user interface requires drastic improvement 6 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH eas of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 The following are the technical details taken directly from the user menu _Product Description Sony CDX S11 radio CD player _ Product Type Radio CD player Xplod Dimensions WxDxH 17 8 cm x 17 8 c
22. dsinets 13 4 CHAPTER HEURISTIC MODALITY FINDINGS iiiiososnsseseesseseessssssssssesees 13 4 1 J trodu tioN essiiinssrssetereenre eaan raa E R EE a aS RE 13 4 2 Visibility of system status cccccscecsseeescessseceeceeecseeeeeseecsaeceeeseeeenseecaeens 13 4 3 Match between system and the real world ccecceesceeeeeeeeeeeeseeeneeeees 14 4 4 User Control and Tree dO a ca coscece cantcoaieestateaesenergertataeteeueanaearaaers 16 4 5 Consistency and Standards esascsacsinsstnchdcnsenatiasiaananss Bigaeonieeteaees 17 46 Error PEG VOTO vaxcsanrneancaassmuresexpuacdaaayiannwariansesecentaaadianntsanvinepuanieunsaumniatsaainh 17 4 7 Recognition rather than recall sis icccssissacsrssscsavseassindesedissesstebensasasenncevonsvacetadss 18 4 8 Flexibility and Efficiency of Use jccsessescisecsetenassvnsinexinnesushossivernabesunivessiun 19 4 9 Aesthetic and Minimalist design ccceceessccsseceseceeeceeneeceseceeeeseeeeseecaeees 19 4 10 Help users recognize diagnose and recover from CTTOFS eeeeeeeeeeeeees 19 4 11 Help atid Documentation csycscaccsassccssvessnasaacenntavenensdseasneseaicnantsacesaassavsneasbanaes 20 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 5 Chapter The Proton y Ges sacsaccins sstintasanarastatunteinssscduanosnntededusateniansouseasanen E 20 5 1 Modifications amp Prototyping ssscnicccasiineesccssssseiecaeevancavaideassimad eee acnaiovenaiees 20 5 2 Utilisation of Space
23. e categorized according to their estimated impact on user performance or acceptance Often the heuristic evaluation is 8 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 conducted in the context of use cases typical user tasks to provide feedback to the developers on the extent to which the interface is likely to be compatible with the intended users needs and preferences Most heuristic evaluations can be accomplished in a matter of days The time required varies with the size of the artefact its complexity the purpose of the review the nature of the usability issues that arise in the review and the competence of the reviewers A criticism that is often levelled at heuristic methods of evaluation is that results are highly influenced by the knowledge of the expert reviewer s 3 2 FIRST PASS EVALUATION The car stereo CD player is a universal device that is available in some form or other in every car produced When driving sometimes a quick glance is all the driver can afford to give their car stereo Therefore having a device that is intuitive with a shallow learning curve and where information required is translated at speed by the user is of vital importance The first pass evaluation was used to familiarise the group involved in the evaluation with the device Sony CDX S11 Each member of the group evaluated the device in isolation The device in its docked instance was assessed from within the
24. e newer prototype much quicker than the existing artefact Future Recommendations A number of interesting suggestions were posed to use after the task evaluation session Users recommend that they liked the concept of being able to identify actions 44 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 a through universal symbols that were familiar with through similar devices A further modification would seriously consider roll out of a broad spectrum of symbols and icons to give the user instant recognition of their action Finally the idea of a click sound after actions represents viable feedback for user interaction with the system It bears particular importance when the system is being operated by the car driver He she ultimately must focus their attention on the road and requires as much feedback as possible without undue distraction 8 REFERENCES Human Factors in Software Development Heuristic Evaluation Abowd Gregory 1994 http www cc gatech edu computing classes cs4753_94 fall handouts heur eval html Date accessed 17 12 2006 Performing a cognitive walkthrough Abowd Gregory 1995 http www cc gatech edu computing classes cs3302 documents cog walk html Date accessed 17 12 2006 45 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 9 APPENDICES 9 1 Declaration of informed consent I the undersigned hereby declare that I am willing to take part in a research project that is p
25. e system and instantaneously illustrating any changes in settings Evaluators collectively believe that the screen is quite small particularly from the Point of View of the driver thus posing a constant safety risk of operating the system in transit This is of no consolation to the driver of an automobile who needs to swiftly recognize any changes in the current settings before reverting their attention back to the priority of focusing on their driving 4 3 MATCH BETWEEN SYSTEM AND THE REAL WORLD According to Nielson s Ten Usability Heuristics the abovementioned principle entails that the system speaks the user s language using straightforward language and avoids system specific engineering terms http www cc gatech edu computing classes cs4753_ 94 fall handouts heur eval html The Sony CDX S11 is overloaded with many bland functions displayed by poor abbreviations Thus it is questionable whether some buttons serve any useful purpose to the system 14 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH l ptersttd of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 The above functions serve very little purpose and are abbreviated by language that is quite difficult to understand It is only through further inspection from the User Manual that these functions become apparent DSPL changes display items on the screen while DIM acts as a display brightness tool dimmer The group suggested that these functions could be better conveyed by pos
26. ed AF TA was not clear The meaning on the button labelled BTM was not clear The button labelled PTY was not clear and it was felt that renaming the button Pop or Visual might be a better title The DIM button the function of which not clear initially required the user to hold it down to activate it The button labelled Sel would be more aptly named Bal Balance Fade Fade In Fade Out or LVL Audio Levels Mode changed the device from FM to LW to MW in radio only The area of the device labelled Seek was actually not a button but just the text to describe the seeking button which was located to the right of the text An Arrow described the button itself This was very confusing and did not match much of the rest of the device for having the text either on the button or above the button There was an abundance of overloading on buttons as the space utilized by the device was very limited However what was not clear was how to switch between the 11 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 different uses of the buttons when overloading was evident To save the radio stations to the device it was necessary to hold down a numbered button This was not an intuitive course of action The user would tend to mix up the when using the buttons on either side of the device These were the Volume buttons and the Seek buttons The evaluators were oft
27. ed to the main 21 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH l pteersttd of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 display area of the stereo The button labelled PTY was relocated next to the numbers panel The DSPL button was renamed with a sunshine symbol and redistributed to the right hand side of the numbers panel AF TA was relocated to the left hand side of the numbers panel The Volume and Seek buttons were enlarged and transferred to the main design area The CD Eject button was altered and was exchanged regarding location with the logo for Compact Disc Audio 450Wn4 10040 1 1 1 Original version demonstrating sides in angle bracket design original button configurations and button titles screen size display type and logo placement Ga COX 31f 45 ix4d 100 JC 1 1 2 Modified version demonstrating utilisation of space available and alteration to angle bracket design button configurations display alterations screen size and logo transfer 22 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH ao of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 5 3 FUNCTION BUTTONS 5 3 1 On Button When viewing the original device it was noted that the initial evaluators experienced some dilemma locating the Power On button The button was labelled Source and this was also the button used to switch from Radio to CD In the prototype the device was modified to include two new buttons to replace the Source button The universal symbol for Power On Off was also incorpo
28. ely to be flexible to interact with Likely 54 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 23 It would be easy for Unlikely Likely me to become skillful at using the system 24 I would find the device Unlikely Likely easy to use 55
29. en pressing the Seek buttons when attempting to affect the volume There was no definition of what the volume switches are even though this would be a primary function of the player The REP and Shuffle buttons were only available when in CD mode There was no clear button to establish how the user would switch between the Manual and Automatic station search settings when in the Radio Mode 3 4 4 Ejecting From Cradle A major problem that cropped up was the Eject from Cradle EC function This involved the user pressing a large button on the bottom left of the device This button was very sensitive and would eject the device with the lightest touch This became a problem when the user would be pressing the volume buttons which were located directly above the EC button The majority of times when the volume was pressed the device was ejected as the user either accidentally pressed the eject button or touched off it in passing their finger to the volume button Having a major and common use button next to the eject button would need to be altered 12 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 3 4 5 CD Player Mode Locating the CD input tray required more than a quick glance There exists the possibility of making the inset area a different colour When the device is in CD player mode there is no pause or stop button The tracks on the CD play automatically The player remembers t
30. f a number of users to perform a cognitive walkthrough of the medium fidelity prototype A detailed Task List was then drafted up which requested users to perform a sequence of actions which tests various functions of the system The tasks would test general player functions radio functions and CD playback functions We have set the evaluation so the user can explore the systems functionality hands on while providing feedback on each step of the Tasks assigned to confirm whether that step is beneficial or a hindrance to a new user http www cc gatech edu computing classes cs3302 documents cog walk html CS 3302 Introduction to Software Engineering Winter 1995 Gregory Abowd Performing a cognitive walkthrough The task evaluation was conducted in the Interactive Media lab in CS2 046 on Friday 15 December 2006 by which time a working Flash prototype was functioning on both laptops and workstations When recording our data we also decided to use a minidisk recorder to capture the Task evaluation Participants were also think aloud throughout the experiment to enhance this co operative evaluation exercise Having users as co evaluators during this crucial stage of the design process ensured that the maximum number of problems could be detected The Use of think aloud evaluation methods in design Peter C Wright Andrew Monk SIGCHI Bulletin January 1991 Volume 23 Number 1 27 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interacti
31. g artifact 6 4 3 1 Review The User expressed her satisfaction at the appearance of familiar symbols to indicate that certain actions had been performed The modification of a larger LCD screen with blue graphics helped to improve interaction between the user and the system The User did however claim that she was unaware of the BTM SENS PTY and ATT functions and questions whether we should exclude these functions or group them to accommodate a minimalist design 37 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 6 4 4 User 4 Task 1 Turn on device The user established system power by pressing the Power button Task 2 Play the CD By clicking on Radio CD button the user easily completes the second task Task 3 Skip to Track 3 Once more the user efficiently toggles the gt gt track seek button to play Track 3 of the CD Task 4 Repeat Track 3 The User has no difficulty in identifying REP as the repeat function with their actions confirmed by a Looping symbol located at the top of the screen Task 5 Shuffle Tracks No hesitations here as the user correctly identifies the SHUF icon as the command by which to shuffle the CD tracks Task 6 Switch to Radio The user clicks the Radio CD button to redirect them back into Radio mode Task 7 Go to Today FM via preset 2 The user clicks on the digit 2 and is notified through the screen prompt that she has located Today FM
32. ght back into radio mode Task 7 Go to Today FM via preset 2 The user pressed preset 2 and identified that they had correctly located Today Fm through the screen prompt Task 8 Decrease Volume The user pressed volume down which resulted in an immediate reduction in the volume Again the action was visibly and aurally recognized by the user Task 9 Turn off device The user pressed the volume down Task 10 Identify the state of device from screen prompts and comment on the new display The user commented that both the buttons and symbols are far more distinct on the new 42 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 prototype than on the existing artefact They also commend the colour catching and its aesthetic effect As an appealing suggestion the user recommended that the prototype could be improved with the addition of click sounds indicate that contact had been made with buttons or key changes had taken place 6 4 7 1 Review The user amassed very limited difficulty navigating through the system with clearly distinct buttons aiding the process Interestingly their recommendation for programming a click sound attached to many functions on the system is seen as valuable feedback for further modification on the prototype achievable through the co evaluation of both task users and evaluators 43 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 200
33. hanges in the system However it also means that the user has very little information to recall when returning to previous actions Therefore the input of a larger colour screen would help to display more detailed information to the user using a possible combination of words objects and actions that would be more consistently recognized and recalled by the user The magnitude of extra functions on the Sony CDX S11 also translates that the accompanying User Manual is a valuable tool in navigating through endless functions particularly when in radio mode Functions such as AF TA PTY and SENS all require multiple performances backed up by Manual reference in order to successfully recall the function for future use 18 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 4 8 FLEXIBILITY AND EFFICIENCY OF USE As the Sony CDX S11 does not offer any add ons there is very limited scope for flexibility within the system The 6 preset channels on the body of the player allow the user to create instant shortcuts to their favourite radio channels The addition of the SENS BTM buttons even allow for coverage in areas of weak reception Strangely however the pre set radio channels would sometimes default back to the lowest frequency on the FM scale without any apparent cause 4 9 AESTHETIC AND MINIMALIST DESIGN Perhaps the Sony CDX S11 s biggest disadvantage is the cluttered interface of buttons on the base of the
34. he position on the track if switched off or switched to radio However the user cannot pause or stop the track The user cannot jump up to different tracks when playing a CD There is only the option of Seek On the first pass it was noted that the evaluators assumed that the numbers on the device which establish memorized radio station presets would also work in the CD player for the skipping of tracks The button ATT appeared to drastically lower the volume However this did not work when the volume was high The numbered buttons served no purpose while being operated in CD mode 4 CHAPTER HEURISTIC MODALITY FINDINGS 4 1 INTRODUCTION The data collected by evaluators following individual inspection of the interface is compiled and illustrated through the utilisation of the Ten Principles for Heuristic Evaluation formulated by Jakob Nielson The following section intends to detail both general and intricate interface design problems of the Sony CDX S11 and highlight key elements of the design which the redesign will focus on alleviating 4 2 VISIBILITY OF SYSTEM STATUS The Sony CDX S11 informs the user of its actions through its screen situated in the direct centre of the player measuring W 9cm x 1 5cm H 13 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH l of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 The screen acts as the primary indicator of what is going on with the system displaying appropriate feedback of the current status of th
35. m x 5 cm Weight 1 2 kg _Form Factor Full DIN in dash unit _ Sound Output Mode Stereo _ Equaliser 3 band jEqualiser Factory Presets Club NewAge XPLOD Custom Rock Jazz Vocal _Max Output Power Channel Qty 45 Watts x 4 _ Radio Radio tuner AM FM 30 preset stations _CD System CD player in dash 10 20000 Hz Main unit T lt AF as a ay a F l Ei p 15 1 1 1 Refer to the pages listed for details G Volume button a3 cers display DIM dimmer button To adjust volume Z SEL select button 4 8 Chango display items prosa change the i in press and hc To select items 3 SOURCE button To power on change the source RadsoJCD aon Ge maison G MODE button 6 hold To select the radio band FM MW LW RESET button located behind the fron 5 Disc slot panel 4 Insert the disc abel side up playback Number barttons E Display window gt 7 AIT attenuate button To attenuate the sound To cancel press rain Te ored sta s 2 ountan Oromi _ stations press and bold UB JAZZ NEW AGE ROCK PTY Programme Type button 7 hasy USTOny Te select PTY in RDS E eject button m7 AF Alternative Frequencies TA To eject the disc Traffic Announcement button 7 TO SEEK button To set AF and TA TP in RDS cD OFF button To skip tracks press fust forward reverse a ee es oe To power
36. medium fidelity prototype designed and developed using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Macromedia Flash 8 actionscript application software Discussion of changes to be made after first and second pass evaluations and applied to the prototype included the following elements 5 2 UTILISATION OF SPACE From discussions with the group and through user evaluation a number of display and layout suggestions were prepared The first was the amount of space not being utilised Suggestions were prepared as to how this could be addressed in a positive manner without loss of function or aesthetics These included modifying the angle bracket designed sides in the main display and increasing the quantity of surface area available for use The dimensions of the display screen was also increased by relocating the text SONY to above the CD input tray and by transferring the overload commands on the numbered buttons beneath the display area to below the buttons themselves The company logos and system information text were also moved to outer edges of the panel to utilise more space without the loss of their importance and positioning throughout the device The removal and or alteration of certain function buttons also took place The OFF and MODE buttons were removed the SEL button was renamed BAL the SOURCE button was renamed Radio CD and the power symbol was added to a newly generated Power button The buttons ATT EQ3 and SENS were transferr
37. nd reception strength are often beyond the control of the user 4 11 HELP AND DOCUMENTATION Assistance for any problems or errors encountered whilst using the system is available through a Troubleshooting section in the User Manual Written in English German French Italian and Dutch It is divided up into 3 sections General CD playback and radio reception The manual also lists a number of error display messages that may arise accompanied by solutions for counteracting the errors Failing all this Sony reluctantly informs the user to take their player to the nearest Sony dealer for consultation The lack of an online help or call centre for Troubleshooting is a problem which users only cover after purchasing the system 5 CHAPTER THE PROTOTYPE 5 1 MODIFICATIONS amp PROTOTYPING Prototyping is used to test the function of a new design prior to implementing production of a product It is a cost effect method of testing and evaluating the product to ensure it is functioning as desired Alterations are then incorporated into subsequent prototypes until complete approval is achieved and the product is available for mass production 20 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 n Subsequent to the evaluation of the car stereo the group made a number of informed assessments and decisions as to what modifications would be required Alterations and modifications to be applied to the actual system were generated in a
38. off stop the source in stations automatically press Sind n manually press and ho front TERE release button 4 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 2 CHAPTER RESEARCH 2 1 BACKGROUND 3 CHAPTER ANALYTICAL HEURISTIC EVALUATION 3 1 DEFINITION WIKAPEDIA COM A heuristic evaluation is a usability evaluation method for computer software that helps to identify usability problems in the user interface UI design It specifically involves evaluators examining the interface and judging its compliance with recognized usability principles the heuristics These evaluation methods are now widely taught and practiced in the New Media sector where UIs are often designed in a short space of time on a budget that may restrict the amount of money available to provide for other types of interface testing The main goal to heuristic evaluations is to identify any problems associated with the design of user interfaces Usability consultant Jakob Nielsen developed this method on the basis of several years of experience in teaching and consulting about usability engineering Heuristic evaluations are one of the most informal methods of usability inspection in the field of human computer interaction There are many sets of usability design heuristics they are not mutually exclusive and cover many of the same aspects of interface design Quite often usability problems that are discovered ar
39. p symbol on the screen assures the user he has completed this task Task 5 Shuffle Tracks The previous task has the user to the Shuffle function adjacent to the Repeat function The Crossing arrows assures the user that the CD has been set for shuffling Task 6 Switch to Radio The user once again clicks on the Radio CD button and successfully returns to the radio function 33 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 Task 7 Go to Today FM via preset 2 As the user immediately begins skipping through the six presets it is not long before he successfully accesses Today Fm on preset 2 Task 8 Decrease Volume The User intuitively selects the minus button on Volume control and selects it repeatedly His actions are acknowledged by a descending Volume level on the LCD screen Task 9 Turn off device The user swiftly deactivates the system by clicking on the Power symbol to which the system responds by shutting down Task 10 Identify the state of device from screen prompts and comment on the new display The user does not recognize a number of buttons from both the prototype and the existing artefact and cites the importance of the User Manual in explaining some obsolete functions of the system The User is also distracted by the rapid flickering of text on the LCD screen suggesting that screen prompts should be presented concisely and statically 6 4 1 1 Review
40. player Furthermore the volume buttons were not illustrated clearly with barely recognizable symbols While the display screen follows a minimalist design there is scope for improving the illumination of the screen to improve both aesthetics and navigation While the player operates in CD mode all information is captured on a solitary line of display Therefore it can often be difficult to segregate different display items in an interface that is limited space wise It was noted that the text displayed on the screen was of a pale uniform colour It was suggested that the colour could be of a more luminous brighter colour and perhaps that the colour could change according to the setting the device was on 4 10 HELP USERS RECOGNIZE DIAGNOSE AND RECOVER FROM ERRORS System users are advised to consult the User Manual to attempt to correct errors encountered whilst operating the machine Due to the limited functionality of the 19 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 system there are not many errors that can occur If the manual fails to rectify a specific error the hapless user is given little alternative but to tweak as many buttons as possible until functionality returns to normal The downside to the abovementioned action is the various alterations to pre settings which one may have unintentionally executed Finally the frustrated user must remember that errors that deal with radio signals a
41. rated as it was felt during discussions that this symbol was more easily understand than Source The Source button was now the button labelled Radio CD and was placed directly underneath the newly constructed On Symbol button to enable the user to clearly identify in a relatively short time where the control for the power and switch buttons were located 5 3 2 1 1 3 Original Source Button 1 1 4 Modified Radio CD and 5 3 3 Volume amp Seek Buttons Evaluation of the original device established that the user had difficulty utilising the Volume and Seek buttons The Volume buttons in particular were problematic Quite often the user would accidentally hit off the Eject from Cradle button located in the 23 l ptiersttd of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 bottom left corner of the device This would cause the whole device to undock from the car stereo system 1 1 6 Eject from Cradl 0X 3Tf 1 1 5 Display of volume buttons in original 1 1 7 Display of Volume Buttons in state demonstrating relationship to modified version eject form cradle button demonstrating location to 5 3 4 5 3 5 Repeat amp Shuffle Buttons The REP and SHUF buttons remained in the same location as on the original on preset buttons 2 and 3 However in accordance with the desire to utilise more space on the display area the overload button text titles were moved beneath the preset buttons As an added feedback mech
42. s and comment on the new display The user acknowledged that principle buttons and screen prompts were now more evident on the newer prototype and that were important tools for user feedback The addition of the Power button was also hailed as an important upgrade on the existing artefact 6 4 6 1 Review The user found the prototype to be more aesthetically pleasing than the existing artefact and favours the revision of the volume and track seek functions The users confusion surrounding the activation and deactivation of the device has been rectified by a modification so simple that they label it ingenious 41 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 6 4 7 User 7 Task 1 Turn on device Power was achieved swiftly through the Power button on the top right side of the interface Task 2 Play the CD The user located the radio CD button and casually pressed it to activate CD mode Task 3 Skip to Track 3 The user simply pressed gt gt Seek twice and was brought to track 3 on the CD Task 4 Repeat Track 3 The user also recognized REP as the repeat function in CD mode They acknowledged the loop symbol on top of the screen as a confirmation of their action Task 5 Shuffle Tracks The shuffle function was located with ease and was assured by the cross arrow symbol to confirmation shuffling of CD tracks Task 6 Switch to Radio The user clicked Radio CD and was duly brou
43. s study and that I am free to withdraw my participation at any time without having to explain or give a reason I am also entitled to full confidentiality in terms of the details of my participation and my personal details I understand that some or all of the data verbal and non verbal may be used quoted in the report on the evaluation for illustrative purposes but I shall not be identifiable from this data either in the body of the report or in appendices I also understand that my participation in this study may be recorded by video or audio means as well as in the form of notes taken by observers and I agree to this However should I feel uncomfortable with being recorded at any time I can request that all recording equipment be switched off I am entitled to copies of all recordings made during the session if I wish to have them I acknowledge the fact that deception and concealment are inappropriate to and not required in this study and that no attempt will be made to elicit information or actions from me using these means 47 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH peters of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 Signature of participant Date The following section details sketches questionnaires and additional information that were incorporated into the project First stage of prototype construction 48 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH l ptiersttd of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 ee m lor wf lt Laem 9 1 Achouy 1 L
44. sibly re phrasing the Display function as DISP and changing the Display brightness function to a brightness symbol e g The SENS button acts as a function to counteract weak radio reception While the group acknowledges that these functions are quite useful and present a competitive advantage over competitors products they could be possibly redesigned in conjunction with Nielson s heuristic of Aesthetic and minimalist design y on 4656Wx d 7100 40 Similar confusion surrounds the function of the AF TA alternative frequency traffic announcement button The evaluators admitted they could not understand this function and once more the User manual was summoned This opens up the debate of 15 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH ao of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 whether such functions should be discarded to make the device more straightforward to operate Interaction Design Preece J Rogers Y amp Sharp H 2002 John Wiley amp Sons New York 4 4 USER CONTROL AND FREEDOM The majority of evaluators pointed out their concerns that the relatively small screen featuring just one line of text display greatly limited interactivity with the system Evaluators expressed confusion at turning the system as there is no clearly marked Power button Essentially the Source key powers the stereo accompanied by an added OFF button on but there needs to be a clearer symbol recognizable to eradicate any conf
45. to change back to radio mode with minimal problems 6 2 7 Task 7 Go to Today fm via preset 2 Pre setting of the main radio stations entails that the user need only skip between the six channels to find Today fm as a saved channel 6 2 8 Task 8 Decrease volume A Volume label abbreviated VOL was added between the volume controls to identify this important function A decrease in volume would be displayed accordingly to the user 6 2 9 Task 9 Turn off device The power button ensured that the system could be shut down easily and removes the need for a separate Off button 29 Interactive Media 2006 07 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 6 2 10 Task 10 Identify the state of the device from screen prompts and comment on the new display Descriptive pre loaded text and integers would effectively inform the user of actions completed Comments on the new display are made in conjunction with comparative analysis of the existing artefact 6 3 USER PROFILE 6 3 1 User 1 Evaluation Date 18 12 2006 Sex Male Age 23 Occupation Postgraduate student Prior knowledge of Sony CDX S11 No Prior knowledge of another In Car system Yes Custom made CD player for Citroen 6 3 2 User 2 Evaluation Date 18 12 2006 Sex Male Age 30 Occupation Post grad student Prior knowledge of Sony CDX S11 No Prior knowledge of another In Car system Yes
46. usion by the user Evaluators also found it difficult to distinguish between the Volume levels and the CD track channel seeker until closer inspection Taking road safety into consideration these commonly used functions require greater transparency in order to minimize a driver s distraction from their journey Addressing the definition of these two highly used functions will be an important element in the redesign of the system An additional setback to the functionality of the radio player was the inability to instantly correct any changes made to the six preset radio channels Users are not presented with a confirmation screen or an Undo function to rectify any mistakes they may have made 16 OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH l pirsttd of LIMERICK Interactive Media 2006 07 4 5 CONSISTENCY AND STANDARDS The LED screen of the Sony CDX S11 adequately displays current actions in upper case centred data In general the actions learned in one part of the system can be applied in another aspect of the system However the relationship between radio and CD mode is not clearly expressed In addition the Sony CDX S11 uses different words than many other similar products to represent actions For example the balance of audio levels fade Panning etc is represented as a Sel button on the top right hand corner of the interface This can often be confused with the Disp button which displays digital information on the current actions
47. ve Media 2006 07 6 2 USER TASK LIST The task list was drafted up with the inexperienced user in mind and set out predominantly basic functions for Users to follow in order to familiarize themselves with the new system The new prototype was presented to users on a laptop The interface of the existing artifact and its User Manual were also available as resources during the Cooperative evaluation stage 6 2 1 Task 1 Turn on device The addition of a power button to the new prototype was anticipated to erode much confusion over the powering of the existing artifact 6 2 2 Task 2 Play CD The dual function button of Radio CD is a new feature of our system providing effortless transition between radio and CD playback 6 2 3 Task 3 Skip to Track 3 Our improved Seek Track buttons will make it easier for users to distinguish between Tracking and volume controls 6 2 4 Task 4 Press Repeat Switching the Repeat Rep function from the digit 3 to digit 2 aimed to give the user the logic that by clicking on 2 they wanted to listen to a track twice 28 UNIVERSITY of LIMERICK OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH Interactive Media 2006 07 6 2 5 Track 5 Shuffle tracks The Shuffle function was moved slightly to its new position alongside the Repeat function in order to maintain the function grouping of the existing artifact 6 2 6 Task 6 Switch to Radio Again the addition of the Radio CD button allowed the user
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