Studio 2: Ipod Usability Explorations

Golden Rules of Design

Strive for consistency- there needs to be a sameness throughout the internal and external features of the product. For example, each model of the ipod is designed and based around the same principles as the previous one.

Enable frequent users to use shortcuts- users are enabled to use quicker methods to get a certain point. For example users can use the wheelpad to turn the volume up and down rather doing it manually through the options.

Offer information feedback- gives user indication that they have selected an option or initiated an activity. This is done with the quickest of responses so as to not leave the user 'hanging'. For example, when the hold button is activated (located on the top of the ipod) a small padlock is displayed on the screen straight away to show that is has been locked.

Design dialogs to yield closure- the product must have a beginning, middle and an end in each activity. For example

Strive to prevent errors, and help users to recover quickly from them- try and eliminate any opportunities in which the user may make a mistake i.e. the buttons can be placed widely apart so that the user does not accidently press the wrong button. For example on the wheelpad there are 4 buttons which are placed north, east,south and west having sufficient space between each button. Therefore the user would find it hard to press the wrong button unless they had really large fingers.

Allow 'undo'- give the user opportunities to reverse their mistakes in terms of input and the actions they activate.

Make users feel they are in control of a responsive system- today there are so many products with sophisticated and diverse interactions that sometimes the user may feel they are not fully in control. With so many functions, technology can become slow, frustrating and complicated. Therefore careful approaches are needed.

Reduce short-term memory load- prevent the user from dealing with complicated codes, sequences, numbers and phrases.

Usability Evaluation























Three Golden Rules chosen

• Strive to prevent errors, and help users to recover quickly from them
• Enable frequent users to use shortcuts
• Strive for consistency

The Task

Pick a certain song from a certain playlist, play it and turned the volume to the desired level (volume will be highest to begin with).

The Users

Users will include a 50/50 ratio between male and females. The ages will range from 15 and over. To get a more accurate evaluation i will use both experienced and unexperienced users. the context will be an everyday environment.

The Instructions

I will hand them my ipod and ask themto, from the menu to find the song 'Have a Party' which is contained within '50 cent' album. once they have found it they have to play it nad then changed the volume from highest to the level they desire. No help will be given to the user, unless they begin to find it too complicated.

How will the information be analysed

The users will be timed on how quick they are able to complete the task. This will be compared to how quick i completed the task (which i will do before i give it to any user) as i am an experienced user. Notes will be taken on how they respond to the interface (verbally), their facial expression and body language. i will also ask for the user's opinions at the end, on how they found the task.

How will this evaluation satisfy the rules

Strive to prevent errors, and help users to recover quickly from them- while controlling the ipod will they press the wrong button unintentionally? will they go to the wrong menu due to misleading or unclear information? If they are able to press the right button for every action taken then the task will be successful.

Enable frequent users to use shortcuts- This will be accounted to towards the speed in which they complete the task. as i know all the shortcuts i wil be be able to complete the task pretty quickly, therefore this can be used as a copmparison with other user's time. If they finish it around the same time i did then the rule is met.

Strive for consistency- if the user finds the interface and controls easy to read/follow and intuitive then this rule will also be satisfied.