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Firstly,
why the third generation iPod?
Because I own one! and can't afford to (and not sure that I would want
to) purchase the current version.
A bit of iPod background....
> Apple have sold more than 14 million iPods
> The iPod has become famous from its stylish looks, large memory capacity
and the infamous ‘click-wheel’
> Is the product ergonomically perfect?!.......the author believes no
A simple user and task analysis was conducted which allowed the author
to investigate in isolation how the product works to achieve three normal
operating tasks, these were:
Task 1: Switch device on and off. This task set has been selected
because the iPod has no label indicating what is the on and off button
the author thinks this example should yield interesting results.
Task 2: Select and play tracks. This task will be analyzing
how the user selects and plays a track, it should prove interesting
because of the ‘click-wheel’ with its multiple input, single button
design.
Task 3: Adjusting the volume and skipping tracks. This task set
will be focusing again on the ‘click-wheel’ button. The author conducted
several interviews based on asking the users to perform these three
tasks while the author obsevered and noted their responses. Summary
from interviews and analysis:
> Power button not clear to operate. Users mentioned there was no visual
mapping to the action (of) turning the product on or off.
> Menu button did not do what Adrianne or Amie expected it to do, i.e.
go back to the main menu, however this didn’t seem to affect the usability
of the product.
> Once all three activities had been carried out, all users quickly
grasped how to operate the device; this was due to consistency and clarity
of information within the menu system, good visual and auditory feedback
from inputs which aid reduce error.
> Click-wheel’ initially not clear that it controls the volume or scrolling
through menus > Skipping tracks symbol used compatible with similar
products.
> Visual feedback that the product is locked (when off) on the display
would prevent error mentioned by all users.
> Text size and font clear for all users.
> Andy highlighted a control problem with the ‘click-wheel’ and user’s
with large thumbs.
> Andy and Amie said how the ‘click-wheel’ is overly sensitive, making
them feel out of control, causing error.
Recommendations for improving the usability of the product
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Power Button
It is very necessary to improve the design of the power button because
schemas obtained in typical user’s minds are likely not to have encountered
a compatible method as used with the iPod. Also because the input required
is not consistent with any other control system on the iPod the user cannot
learn the method so it is not stored in the user’s long or short term
memory.
> Change colour of symbol to green.
> Or change symbol design to accommodate recognised on/off symbol.
> Or change to central button located inside the ‘click-wheel’ (and add
a symbol)
> Or modify (and enlarge) locking switch to incorporate an on and off
position
References
JORDAN, P.W., 2002. An Introduction to Usability. London: Taylor & Francis.
NORMAN, D.A., 2004.
Emotional Design. New York: Basic Books, 25-38, 41-44, 68-69, 73-80.
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