CPSC 344 Team Pissarro

The Alarm Clock Our motivation: Most alarm clocks are difficult to use Setting the time can be cumbersome Our objective (to start): Designing an easy-to-use clock interface Creating a clock that would appeal to many users.

The Alarm Clock Original idea: BUT: When it comes to functions, how much is too much? MP3! Night Light! WIFI Glowing buttons Screen- savers Photos Internet Calendar The Über Clock!

Back to Basics Evaluation methods: interviews and questionnaires Results: The ÜBER Alarm Clock! The only important functions: A clock An alarm or two (one person wanted 31 alarms… an outlier.)

Prototype Brainstorm! Our new objectives: Creating a simple alarm clock Presenting an easy-to-use interface Now we knew what we wanted to include: It was time to do some layout brainstorming! Clock Radio Nap Alarm (2)

Brainstorming Just a few examples… Control Interfaces Clock Displays

Prototype: Paper Problems: Too many switches (like too many functions?) Cluttered Confusing controls

Prototype: Paper… and Foam! What next? Simplified controls –two options only Fewer switches Use the clocks sides

Prototype: Paper… and Foam! Clock form Paper and foam Clock screen Macromedia Flash Decoration (It is a bedroom, after all…)

Evaluation Medium-Fidelity Evaluation objectives: Do our controls and layout make sense? Are users able to solve tasks that we give? How do they like the dial?

Evaluation Observation, think-aloud protocol Feedback from users about physical interactions with the alarm clock prototype Determined whether the mapping between functions and controls was intuitive Follow-up interview Users elaborated on their actions Users reflected on the experience; some gave useful suggestions

Evaluation Observation, think-aloud protocol Feedback from users about physical interactions with the alarm clock prototype Determined whether the mapping between functions and controls was intuitive Follow-up interview Users elaborated on their actions Users reflected on the experience; some gave useful suggestions

Demo! Physical clock form

Demo! Flash screen and controls

The Six Tasks Task #1: Switch from AM to FM Task #2: Turn up the volume Task #3: Set alarm 1 to 6:25 AM Task #4: Set alarm 2 to 8:00 AM Task #5: Turn on alarm 1 Task #6: Set the wake mode to radio

Results Users initially were confused with the dial After the first few tasks, users were able to complete the rest without prodding Some users felt using the dial was tedious Most users focused on the physical form, and not on the changes on the screen.

Results Users initially were confused with the dial After the first few tasks, users were able to complete the rest without prodding Some users felt using the dial was tedious Most users focused on the physical form, and not on the changes on the screen.

Results Users initially were confused with the dial After the first few tasks, users were able to complete the rest without prodding Some users felt using the dial was tedious Most users focused on the physical form, and not on the changes on the screen.

Results Users initially were confused with the dial After the first few tasks, users were able to complete the rest without prodding Some users felt using the dial was tedious Most users focused on the physical form, and not on the changes on the screen.

Recommendations Connecting the form to the display –Give the users a more obvious indication of the changes they make, so they are given a better idea of what they are doing Improve the prototype form –Create a more durable object Throw out the dial! –A few users cited more familiarity with using buttons, and disliked the dial interface in comparison or, Keep the dial! –Make the connection between functions and the dial more intuitive by adding visual cues such as lines, arrows, or images

Recommendations Connecting the form to the display –Give the users a more obvious indication of the changes they make, so they are given a better idea of what they are doing Improve the prototype form –Create a more durable object Throw out the dial! –A few users cited more familiarity with using buttons, and disliked the dial interface in comparison or, Keep the dial! –Make the connection between functions and the dial more intuitive by adding visual cues such as lines, arrows, or images

Recommendations Connecting the form to the display –Give the users a more obvious indication of the changes they make, so they are given a better idea of what they are doing Improve the prototype form –Create a more durable object Throw out the dial! –A few users cited more familiarity with using buttons, and disliked the dial interface in comparison or, Keep the dial! –Make the connection between functions and the dial more intuitive by adding visual cues such as lines, arrows, or images

Recommendations Connecting the form to the display –Give the users a more obvious indication of the changes they make, so they are given a better idea of what they are doing Improve the prototype form –Create a more durable object Throw out the dial! –A few users cited more familiarity with using buttons, and disliked the dial interface in comparison or, Keep the dial! –Make the connection between functions and the dial more intuitive by adding visual cues such as lines, arrows, or images

Acknowledgements Don Norman ( Dr. Karon MacLean (for the suggestions) Garth Shoemaker (for all the help) Rock Leung (for standing in when Garth was away)