Assignment 1: Explore Usability and User Experience
The objective for this assignment is to begin framing the concepts of usability and user experience and to build an overall framework of good design principles that assist in evaluating an interactive product.
Detailed Instructions
Using an interactive device of your choice, such as an iPad, mobile phone, tablet, digital camera, thermostat, programmable coffee machine, household appliance, or remote control,
- Identify the users for such a system and determine what the device is intended to be used for.
- What do you find good and bad about its design and how it works?
- Based on the principles introduced thus far, create a list of usability and user experience goals that are most useful in evaluating the device. In other words, how would you objectively judge if the device's design is "good" or "bad".
- Are there trade-offs that had to be made? What do you believe were some of these trade-offs?
- How could the design be improved? Provide at least concrete suggestions and your reasons why they would make the interaction better.
- Document your discoveries and impressions in a well-written blog entry of at least 500 words. Include pictures, videos, and graphics to demonstrate your points.
Resources Required
Total Number of Earnable Points: 50 Points
Approximate Time to Complete: 3-4 Hours
Due Date: see Syllabus or Blackboard
Due Time: At the beginning of class
Approximate Time to Complete: 3-4 Hours
Due Date: see Syllabus or Blackboard
Due Time: At the beginning of class