1. 3-Feb-2002Sid Maxwell (9937180)1 Using the Remote: A Contextual Inquiry Inquiry ‘in situ’ –family room (Cable, TV, VCR, DVD) –master bedroom (Cable, TV) 3 participants –2 adults –1 teenager Focused on several common activities: –Watching a specific program –Recording a specific program –Playing a pre-recorded program –Watching a DVD

2. 3-Feb-2002Sid Maxwell (9937180)2 Inquiry Results Mistakes are common –Which device is currently being controlled? –How to recover from a mistake, e.g.: I’ve changed the channel on the TV or VCR, rather than the cable box. I’ve inadvertently enabled on-screen captioning. –Ease of use depends on leaving setups in a particular state. Confusion is the norm –The more devices involved, the more confusion (and mistakes) likely. Cable + TV (to watch a program) TV + VCR (to watch a pre-recorded program) Cable + TV + VCR (to record a program) TV + DVD + DVD remote (to watch a DVD) –The more steps involved,…. –Too many unknown and unfamiliar states. Previous experience is not always helpful (or remembered) Use of the Remote (and the associated devices) strongly suggests poor user design.

3. 3-Feb-2002Sid Maxwell (9937180)3 Assignment Observations Difficult to remain the apprentice when the participant has difficulties. Note-taking was eased by the short time needed to complete tasks. Discussion of numerous difficulties often lead to voicing of frustrations. (I should probably have followed the advice recommending against using family members.)