Prototyping computer based consumer products - a case study

Roger Hall
School of Safety Science, University of NSW

Tuesday 21 September at 11am

Abstract

Various studies (Evans and Moore 1991, Thimbley 1991, Adams and Hall 1992) have established that people have difficulty using consumer products and other modern technology be they video cassette recorders, automatic teller machines or automatic ticket vending machines. However despite a greater awareness in the literature about user centred design and designing for usability (Chapanis 1986, Eason 1992, Shackel 1986, Gould 1995) poorly designed products are still being produced.

This case study examines two related Australian studies which examine the value of user testing of alternate designs of a domestic lighting controller. The studies examine usability issues and are based on the premise that involvement of real users early in the design process will provide useful design information at low cost and which will result in a better and more usable design.

The first study (Ward 1991, 1994) used a simple cardboard mock-up with limited fidelity and the second study (Kenney 1994) used a PC based touch screen prototype with higher fidelity. Kenney’s study was conducted to confirm Ward’s findings but also to contrast the nature and extent of the design information found according to the level of fidelity involved. Both studies were conducted under the supervision of the speaker and are the necessary precursor to the third stage of research which is to test fully working models to examine the usefulness and efficacy of the earlier prototypes in predicting actual performance and problems.

The backgound to this research is given in Hall R R (1997). "Ergonomics , Design and New Technology", the Cumming Memorial Lecture to the Ergonomics Society of Australia’s 1997 Annual Conference - paper (pdf format) available at: www.dtir.qld.gov.au/hs/ergo97/ergo97.htm

Short resume

Roger R Hall MSc, FESA, MErgS

Roger is a lecturer in ergonomics and the Ergonomics course coordinator with the School of Safety Science at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. He is a Fellow and former President of the Ergonomics Society of Australia and is a former national chair of CHISIG, the Society’s special interest group on human-computer interaction.

His background is in experimental psychology and visual ergonomics and over the last 10 years his research interests have been in the specific ergonomics area of human-computer interaction. In particular he is interested in ergonomics and design issues related to the usability of new technology such as "smart" consumer products, ticket vending machines, medical and other equipment, and software. This involves issues of usability, user-centred design, prtototyping and designing for human error.

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