Friday, February 1, 2008
OCAD Design Competition
Despite the snow, I encourage you all to participate in the OCAD Design Competition 2008. Please let me know if you are, and if you'd like to present your proposition to the class. We'll be having a conversation about The Universal Experience in a forthcoming class.
Class Five (Field Trip)
Class Five: The Spatial Experience will be a field trip. Depending on your availability, the field trip will take place on either Saturday, February 9 or Monday, February 11.
It is preferable that you attend the Monday, February 11 field trip. This will be to the Ontario Science Centre, where we'll be exploring the exhibits and touring the design and production facilities. There will be two sessions: one beginning at 1:00PM, and one beginning at 3:00PM.
We will be meeting at the information desk in the Weston Family Innovation Centre. Allow at least 45 minutes to get to the OSC by TTC from OCAD, and at least 20 minutes to get from the entrance to the meeting spot.
If you can't make Monday, then the second field trip will be to interacess, on Saturday, February 9. Again, there will be two sessions, one beginining at 1:00PM, and one beginning at 3:00PM.
Please make a comment on this post indicating your availability - location (OSC or interaccess) and time (1:00PM or 3:00PM). This field trip is mandatory - you'll have to visit one of the destinations on your own time if you can't accomodate any of the scheduled times. Expect to spend a minimum of two hours at either location. Exercise Seven: A Psychogeographic Map is to be completed during and after the trip.
If you're planning on coming to the OSC and are going to be late for any reason on the day of the field trip, please call me at 647.201.4255.
It is preferable that you attend the Monday, February 11 field trip. This will be to the Ontario Science Centre, where we'll be exploring the exhibits and touring the design and production facilities. There will be two sessions: one beginning at 1:00PM, and one beginning at 3:00PM.
We will be meeting at the information desk in the Weston Family Innovation Centre. Allow at least 45 minutes to get to the OSC by TTC from OCAD, and at least 20 minutes to get from the entrance to the meeting spot.
If you can't make Monday, then the second field trip will be to interacess, on Saturday, February 9. Again, there will be two sessions, one beginining at 1:00PM, and one beginning at 3:00PM.
Please make a comment on this post indicating your availability - location (OSC or interaccess) and time (1:00PM or 3:00PM). This field trip is mandatory - you'll have to visit one of the destinations on your own time if you can't accomodate any of the scheduled times. Expect to spend a minimum of two hours at either location. Exercise Seven: A Psychogeographic Map is to be completed during and after the trip.
If you're planning on coming to the OSC and are going to be late for any reason on the day of the field trip, please call me at 647.201.4255.
Exercise Six: Bring a Toy
Please bring, beg, borrow or steal (OK, don't steal) a toy from home or elsewhere to class next week (February 6) Our definition of a toy is as yet undetermined, so feel free to challenge our preconceived notions. We'll be playing with, discussing and deconstructing these objects next week. Try to avoid bringing electronic devices if possible.
Exercise 4 -Amy Fong
This map illustrates a worldwide network of the locations of satellite stations and submarine cables. The stations and cables are shown by using varies shapes and sizes of lines along with different colour that differentiate satellites in geostationary orbits around the earth. Some of these satellites and submarine cables include; the Earth Station, Earth Station Operating with Two Satellites, Submarine Cable Terminal, International Centre, Cable Depot, Canada/ Other Partnership, Circuits Leased by Canada, IRU Circuits Owned by Canada, Planned (fiber-optic), Planned introduction of service and Internal Networks. The designer used lines to present and link the connections between the earth stations to the satellite stations. The map is designed in a way that presents a legend located on the bottom of the map which allows the viewer to understand the relationship between the satellite earth stations and the cables owned, leased or operated by Canada. Even though this map displays a worldwide network, the information is limited to the Canadian satellite system. This map is very easy to read because of the signs and symbols (different lines and colour coded shapes) offered by the legend that help the viewer comprehend the map.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Exercise 4 - Banafsheh Pourpezeshk
The map that i got is the map for Transportations and communications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Before i start i should mention something that is wrong in this map .As you can see in the image on the top right it says Arabian Gulf which is wrong Basically there isnt any gulf with this name on the planet! The right name for that is Persian Gulf even if you google that name will tell you the same thing.(not to mention that im persian lol)
What might be interesting in this map is the fact that because of the fact that in Arabic they write from right to left (totally opposite of English ) The information box is placed in the buttom right of the map. This map uses Highlighting to seperate different elevations in the area. The princle of uniform connectedness is keeping the look of types of the roads and transportation together.The wayfinding in this map is limited to traveling between provinces meaning that it is not giving information about streets and not mentioning any details. Same as any other map the Color blue is used to show seas and basically all the waters.Orientation sensitivity in this map is demonstrated by having darker colors on areas with higher elevations. what i dont find helpful in this map is the fact that the same color blue that has been used to show the seas its been also used to show a level of elevation as well.
Nicole . Exercise 4
Map: Greater
Information Strategies:
) and therefore are easily detected.
Exercise 4 - Adam Oliver
I was given the Los Angeles and Hollywood Citymap. This map focuses on the districts, parks, streets and highways that make up LA. The principal of alignment is used in the grid system on the map used in the index to find streets. Numbers mark the grid blocks along the horizontal edge of the map and letters mark the vertical edge. (For example, Campbell St. is in grid block B-10) Alignment is also used in the perpendicular grid arrangement of most 'Principal through roads' and streets. Highlighting is used in a larger capitalized and bolded font used to label the districts than the font used to identify streets and highways. The principal of uniform connectedness is used to group similar types of roads together, for example, all freeways and interchanges are two dark pink lines bordered in black, while Principal Through Routes are single pink lines and streets are grey lines.
Exercise 4 - Heejin Son
This is a tour map of China Tibet. At the front, it has all the information about the famous place in Tibet. It also has all the explanation of tradition festivals and its date. At the back, there is the actual map of the Tibet. It is a regular local map which includes capital of region, county seat, village, railway, main highways, tracks, river, airway, ticket office, hospital, and tour attractions. The special component of this map is that it has include only the necessity while you are traveling. For example, hospitals, airway, ticket office and tour attractions. At its footage, it also has some information it might be helpful during your travel. It has the chart for a particular climate table for different areas of Tibet, altitude table for partial areas of Tibet, International and domestic airlines, tour routes in Tibet and time corresponding to other country. However, in terms of its mapping and accessibility, it worked well becuase all the secondary information has written on the top or the bottom. In this case, travelers could have many information and it will be easy to understand. Moreover, this map has labled all the distances in kilometers so the travels could assume the distance. This map has definitely worked for me as traveler due to its useful information and all the details for the foreigners.
The map that I got to do my exercise is a map of MTA New York City Subway. For me it was not very hard to understand. I think the footnotes, columns and color helped a lot. The way finder symbols were quite nice to convey the message quickly. Designer used the color very affectively, not to bright and not too light. The map has light blue color to show water (rivers, lakes) and green to show land. There is small map and notes to tell us what line represent what, which was understandable. This map is very useful for tourists; it has all the important information for example, plazas (malls) restaurants, museums, parks etc. All the important places have been describe by the columns. But I think there is way too much information at some point, on the other hand it’s very appreciated how the information had been put together. This maps tells the time of trains come as well as other transits of city and fares information is included. There is information, which represent universal design for example, info for non-English speakers, info for disability. The map also expresses the patriotic feeling of the MTA region by saying” If you see something, say something”. There are layering happening by showing different color lines also by giving space to each line. This map is based on universal design for example; it has info for non-English speakers, info for disability, symbols (airplane, person with wheelchair etc).
Exercise 4 Rob
The map that I was given is the National Geographic Society's " A Traveler's Map of The Alps". The main map which is shown here in the upper right, was at first a little unclear in it's intention. It clearly shows a large land mass, and by colour gradation and contrast, it is implied to have a mountain landscape. Although the map does show political territories, the highlighting is moderate at best. The most highlighted features are the railways and "super highways" which are only distinguished as such by a small legend on the reverse side of the map, a clear lack of association by proximity. The interesting aspect of the map is it's lack of layering, although it maps the main lines of transportation in the defined area, it lacks to highlight the destinations to which they inevitable take you to.
Exercise 4 - Inbal Shreemohan
This is a Topographic map of Yosemite Valley National Park, California, 1970's.
The main peruse of the map is to show the elevations of the valley. It is using simple lines to express the different levels of altitude, though they don't exist in real life, so it is easier to read. This is the Law of Pragnanz that means simplifications in order to better express complex ideas. The lines that reflect the altitude and thus creates Layering in 3 dimensions, the first is the earth itself (Green plains, water marked in blue) and the brown lines are layered on top.
The principle of Proximity can relate to the closer lines that create the feeling of united areas where the earth altitude is raise or declined rapidly, but other reason can explain the same effect.
Regarding my view of the map, I don't particularly like it, the colors are doll and it does not provide the visual for what we thing of a National Park, it is hard to see that it is a beautiful place to take a hike, not even the front cover. Nevertheless I find it clear and easy to read, the Flexibility-Usability Tradeoff is what make it readable - the they "ignored" some of the altitude changes (flaxibale) to make the map more eefective. Is similar to the map we used to navigate in the army, so it has to be reliable :)
Exercise 4- jenny kassen
This is a map of New York City, focusing mainly on Manhattan.
The makers, [National Geographic] used a few information strategies to make this map more comprehensible.
On the front side of the map, the reader is introduced to New York as a whole through two maps of the entire area that are compared by use of colour to give an idea about the differences of contrast of income and ethnic diversity. The historic sights are sorted by location with brief writings grouped with them in a line that draws the eye down the map. All the maps of the first side use layering of colour to determine difference between water and land, as well as those of financial and ethnic distinctions.
On the reverse is a map of Manhattan that shows distinct streets and details of the city. Colours such as green are used to show parks, blue for water as well as grey for government buildings and patterned lines of different colours for subway paths rail and stations. The highlighting of these areas make it easy for tourists to locate the areas that interest them, and the legibility of the text and clear marking of subways allow them to get to where they want to be.
****had huge issues with uploading the images. sorry!*******
The makers, [National Geographic] used a few information strategies to make this map more comprehensible.
On the front side of the map, the reader is introduced to New York as a whole through two maps of the entire area that are compared by use of colour to give an idea about the differences of contrast of income and ethnic diversity. The historic sights are sorted by location with brief writings grouped with them in a line that draws the eye down the map. All the maps of the first side use layering of colour to determine difference between water and land, as well as those of financial and ethnic distinctions.
On the reverse is a map of Manhattan that shows distinct streets and details of the city. Colours such as green are used to show parks, blue for water as well as grey for government buildings and patterned lines of different colours for subway paths rail and stations. The highlighting of these areas make it easy for tourists to locate the areas that interest them, and the legibility of the text and clear marking of subways allow them to get to where they want to be.
****had huge issues with uploading the images. sorry!*******
Exercise 4 - Amanda Compagnone
The Shanghai Tourist map uses elements of proximity to show main tourist atractions and their relashionship to reigions of Shanghai, provincial parks and subway lines. The map also uses figure ground relationships to show the positioning of main roads as well as subways/transit lines in relation to each other. Initially I found this map very effective and easy to follow, it was colour co-ordinated and in English as well as the native language of the city. The only i would change is the colour of some of the land which was a blueish colour that was close to the colour of the water.
Exercise Four - Ann
Reading a Map
Toronto Parks & Trails
This map shown on the right uses many design principles to help the user navigate through the various parks and trails located in the city of Toronto.
At first glance, the viewer may note the use of highlighting with colour to mark out the areas of the city where parks are located. The consistent use of green for this purpose gives the grouping of Toronto area parks a sense of uniform connectedness, even though they may not be physically connected with each other.
Iconic representation is another principle used by these particular map makers. If you look at the legend pictured on the left, it shows that the small, green "GO" icon will be used to denote the location of Go Transit-Rail stations. To the right (down the centre of the picture), you will see a detail shot of this example icon being used on the map. Twice.
The map also uses three-dimensional layering to illustrate the spatial relationships between the various parks, trails, transit, and road systems. You can see this in the last image, where the GO stations are labelled alongside the red TTC system, the green Parks system, and brown Trail system.
I like this map. It's not only consistent in its use of principles within the map itself, but the icons and colours used to represent the various systems within it are consistent with those used outside the map (like the GO & TTC icons, the use of green for parks). These consistencies made the map very easy to read and helpful in the wayfinding of any given Toronto Park or Trail. My only criticism would be weakness of highlighting the various waterways in the city (the colour of blue used does not contrast very much with the rest of the map). If I had purchased this map, it probably means that I'm an outdoorsy, bike-riding type person, and the location and positioning of bodies of water in the city would be of interest to me.
Toronto Parks & Trails
This map shown on the right uses many design principles to help the user navigate through the various parks and trails located in the city of Toronto.
At first glance, the viewer may note the use of highlighting with colour to mark out the areas of the city where parks are located. The consistent use of green for this purpose gives the grouping of Toronto area parks a sense of uniform connectedness, even though they may not be physically connected with each other.
Iconic representation is another principle used by these particular map makers. If you look at the legend pictured on the left, it shows that the small, green "GO" icon will be used to denote the location of Go Transit-Rail stations. To the right (down the centre of the picture), you will see a detail shot of this example icon being used on the map. Twice.The map also uses three-dimensional layering to illustrate the spatial relationships between the various parks, trails, transit, and road systems. You can see this in the last image, where the GO stations are labelled alongside the red TTC system, the green Parks system, and brown Trail system.
I like this map. It's not only consistent in its use of principles within the map itself, but the icons and colours used to represent the various systems within it are consistent with those used outside the map (like the GO & TTC icons, the use of green for parks). These consistencies made the map very easy to read and helpful in the wayfinding of any given Toronto Park or Trail. My only criticism would be weakness of highlighting the various waterways in the city (the colour of blue used does not contrast very much with the rest of the map). If I had purchased this map, it probably means that I'm an outdoorsy, bike-riding type person, and the location and positioning of bodies of water in the city would be of interest to me.
Exercise 4-Song Kim
This map strictly focuses on the typical section of Hong Kong - Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
It conveys lots of information:
Roads - Expressway, Main and elevated road, non- motorable road, footpath etc.
Buildings- Built-up area, temporary structures, government offices, fire station, hospital, police station, church, monastery etc.
Topographic & hydrographic features
Other features - Power line, signal station, declared monument, park, woodland etc.
Because of this excess informations, this map seems to be highly detailed, has various colors, lines and shapes. However, although it is very complex, the designer of this map cleaverly arranged various information.
Sence of Alignment - Since this map carries both chinese language and English translation, the designer arranged Chinese Information on the left and English translation on the right. Placement also lines up along the edges so Alignment is implied.
Mimicry - the designer protrayed certain types of buildings with use of familiar object symbols. For example, designer used red cross symbol to explain the hospital.
Continuous lines/dotted lines - to distinct the various roads and topographic features, designer used law of closure, so the information never overlap each other.
Legibility - The weakest part of this map is the Legibility. The size and spacing was very narrow and small so it was not visually clear.
Project 1 - Adam, Amanda, Banafshe, Inbal & Jenny
Project One: Deconstruct an Interaction
An Ethnographic Study of Bike Locks
Why is This Interaction Necessary?
To attempt to prevent bike theft and give piece of mind.
What are the Items of Interaction?
-Cable/wire locks should be of the multi-wound multi "braided" type. A braided cable with many thin wire strands is far more difficult to cut than a cable with consists of a lesser number of thicker strands. Many cheaper cable locks consist of the basic cable construction whereas better quality cables will feature the finer braided construction.
-Chain locks are, once more, extremely flexible although tend to come in shorter lengths than cables. The strength of the chain is determined by the type of steel it is made from and the free space within the links. Chains are good at withstanding tensional forces (stretch) but may be broken by torsional forces (twisting). This torsional force is achieved by inserting two long levers into the gaps created between links and moving the levers in opposite directions. Better quality chains will have a reduced gap between consecutive links and be of hardened steel.
Chains should prove more secure than cables for longer periods but are considerably heavier. Chains can be virtually any length and because chain collapses into a pile, they can take up less space.
-Armoured locks (U or D locks) are essentially a cable lock with a sequence of articulated barrels through which the cable passes. The cable is not visible. The barrels tend to rotate if a thief attempts to saw through one, because they can rotate independently of any other barrel "link".
Armoured locks are generally more secure than a standard cable lock, but are considerably heavier, comparable in weight to chain locks. They are not quite as flexible as either chain or cable locks. Lengths are also limited.
Where and When Does the Interaction Start and Finish?
Starts when you get off the bike, and finishes once the bike is safely locked.
What are the Common Problems with the Interaction?
-Not enough designated poles
-Snow in the designated poles
-Locks freezing/rusting
-Keys breaking
-Locks not being long/wide enough to lock everything together
-Having to use multiple locks which is expensive
-Locks can easily be pryed/cut
-Awkward to carry around (size and weight)
-Hard to manage with gloves and other accessories
How Can This Interaction be Improved?
-Re-design entire system, fusing bike & lock, break lock the bike is unusable
-Rubber key hole cover to prevent rusting and freezing
-City programs with ‘locking docks’ where the lock would be a secure structure
-Variable length U-lock to fit around all required components but remain tight to prevent bike theft
*sorry Jesse i couldn't get the pics or the video up!*
An Ethnographic Study of Bike Locks
Why is This Interaction Necessary?
To attempt to prevent bike theft and give piece of mind.
What are the Items of Interaction?
-Cable/wire locks should be of the multi-wound multi "braided" type. A braided cable with many thin wire strands is far more difficult to cut than a cable with consists of a lesser number of thicker strands. Many cheaper cable locks consist of the basic cable construction whereas better quality cables will feature the finer braided construction.
-Chain locks are, once more, extremely flexible although tend to come in shorter lengths than cables. The strength of the chain is determined by the type of steel it is made from and the free space within the links. Chains are good at withstanding tensional forces (stretch) but may be broken by torsional forces (twisting). This torsional force is achieved by inserting two long levers into the gaps created between links and moving the levers in opposite directions. Better quality chains will have a reduced gap between consecutive links and be of hardened steel.
Chains should prove more secure than cables for longer periods but are considerably heavier. Chains can be virtually any length and because chain collapses into a pile, they can take up less space.
-Armoured locks (U or D locks) are essentially a cable lock with a sequence of articulated barrels through which the cable passes. The cable is not visible. The barrels tend to rotate if a thief attempts to saw through one, because they can rotate independently of any other barrel "link".
Armoured locks are generally more secure than a standard cable lock, but are considerably heavier, comparable in weight to chain locks. They are not quite as flexible as either chain or cable locks. Lengths are also limited.
Where and When Does the Interaction Start and Finish?
Starts when you get off the bike, and finishes once the bike is safely locked.
What are the Common Problems with the Interaction?
-Not enough designated poles
-Snow in the designated poles
-Locks freezing/rusting
-Keys breaking
-Locks not being long/wide enough to lock everything together
-Having to use multiple locks which is expensive
-Locks can easily be pryed/cut
-Awkward to carry around (size and weight)
-Hard to manage with gloves and other accessories
How Can This Interaction be Improved?
-Re-design entire system, fusing bike & lock, break lock the bike is unusable
-Rubber key hole cover to prevent rusting and freezing
-City programs with ‘locking docks’ where the lock would be a secure structure
-Variable length U-lock to fit around all required components but remain tight to prevent bike theft
*sorry Jesse i couldn't get the pics or the video up!*
Exercise 4 - Alex Goldsmith
The "Great Divide Canada" is a map of the numerous hiking and biking trails found between Banff, Alberta to Roosville, Montana. What I liked about this map was the use of highlighting on the trails which makes them very easy to follow depending on your specific bike or hike travel plans. Another subtle quality to this map that I appreciated was the orientation sensitivity found in the use of shading to represent the altitude of the mountains in the area. For instance, if you noticed the shade of green gets light then you can assume with confidence that the mountain will be of a substantial height. The one aspect of this map that I did not like (although it appeared to be particularly useful) was the large amount of information boxes that, in my opinion, seemed to really 
inhibit the overall intention of the map, which is to give a simplified layout of an area so that you may easily find your way where you wish to go.
Exercise 4
The map which i got is a map of Amherst,Nova Scotia. This map is a caricature map. I find it very easy to understand. The cartoon style of the map makes the map charming and pleasant to look at. The map mostly consists of locations of businesses, such as restaurants, stores, and motels. This map seems to be for tourists. What the map is missing is the smaller streets. But if the map is for tourists they might not really need the smaller streets and this makes the map fallow the law of pragnanz, since it simplifies the map by only giving information such as gas stops and the golf clubs. On the back of the map is a directory of the businesses in the town and a little blog on the population and background facts of the town. There is no scale , so the map would be no use if one is trying to figure out how long it would take them to go from one point to the next. The map makes everything seem really close by, which could be the truth, sense it seems like a small town. But since it does not have a scale the map fails in conveying some of the information. The map also expresses the patriotic feeling of the town with lines such as "Faith in our people, pride in our products." I am not sure if there is any layering happening, everything seems to be combined together. The highlighting seems to happen with every business, since they seem to pop-out of the map. The map works for me because it does not look complicated, even though it does not have a table of context. But the map really does not use foreign symbolize. The little blue symbolize such as the one for crossing the street are universally recognized.
Exercise 4-Read a MAP (Leigh.M)
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This map, as most maps, has many strategies for conveying information, however, alignment and the 'Law of Pragnanz' seem the most prominant. Of the latter, a Gestalt grouping principle of shape perception, it could be said that because the entire of the continent and its' landforms appear as a whole (though there are many borders ect.), this law was conciously utilized by the mapmaker(s). This strategy is well suited considering the map focuses on the physical geography of the area as opposed to the man made separations (borders) or roadways, though waterways are not negated. Alignment is used when conveying geographical information to the front left side of the map. The charts are 'edge aligned', however, to the right (the charts containing different widths of information), the charts invade slightly, the blue of the ocean. This is effective in the sense that there is lesser a border for information than in other maps, which is congruent with the portrayal of the land mass in this map.
I like this map. The colors are natural and pleasant, and the legends are easy to navigate.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Project One - Ann, Marlissa, Milena, Nicole and Rob.
Project One: Deconstruct an InteractionTaking a Photograph on a Phone
Why is this interaction necessary?
Having a mobile device that serves more than one function is becoming increasingly more common. Many cellular phones now come with an mp3 or camera function, and this comes as a benefit to users who would like the convenience of having all of these on hand without the burden of carrying three separate (and very costly) devices. Having a camera on your phone also gives you the advantage of recording images that can later be sent to another phone, or sent to an email account without ever having to be next to a computer. Taking a picture is faster than conveying a verbal or written description of something, and can be useful in many planned or unexpected situations that arise.
What are the Items of Interaction?
As stated earlier, many phones now come with a camera function. However, to maintain the consistency of our ethnographic research in this project, we chose to observe the user experience of a specific camera model: the Sony Ericsson W580I.
Where and When Does the Interaction Start and Finish?
The interaction starts when the user decides there is an image he or she would like to capture. In the case of our study, it was when we told the user to take a picture of anything they chose. The interaction is finished after the camera makes the shutter noise, thus telling the user their photograph has been taken, and is ready to view on the phone's main display. The end result of the interaction is also the task that needs to be performed, and what is critical to performing this task is finding getting to this end result in a timely fashion so as not to miss the image that the user is trying to record. It could be a record of an event being witnessed, or an object you would like to have someone else review, or maybe even a celebrity walking into the same restaurant as you. Of course, having record of all of these things may not be integral, but they serve many social uses, and can be convenient in trying to remembering things.
How does the Design Direct the Interaction?
Our observations found a lack of guidance for the user to perform the task. In this particular phone's model, there were a lack of visual cues on the buttons to direct the user to the applications menu, creating confusion for the first time user when trying to take a picture.
In a country like Canada where the cellphone penetration rates aren't as high as in other parts of the world, the usabilty of a phone for the novice user is important because there are more novice users here.
On average, the subjects took roughly 2 minutes to find the nessecary steps in taking a picture, whereas the regular "expert user" could finish the same task in 5 seconds. One would be right in arguing that someone who purchases any phone will eventually become an expert user.
However, the longer than expected length of time most subjects took in our study (many of whom were owners of other camera phones) hints at poor design that may be tolerated by a user who has already purchased the phone and can't afford to buy a new one, but also may deter many others from buying the same model. If many of the devices have already been manufactured and do not sell for this reason, having had a better initial design could save the maker some of the manufacturing costs and potentially prevent the waste of product.
How Can This Interaction be Improved?
We think a few simple modifications to the labelling of the buttons on this phone would greatly improve the user experience, for instance labellling a clear "menu" button, or highlighting the phone's shortcut icon. Also, changing the phone from a "slider" to a more conventional "flip" form would not only be less confusing to the novice user, but a more practical design for the phone's durability.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Project 1-Mark, Amy, Song, Jesse, William
Project One: Self-Serve Checkouts
Deconstruct an Interaction:
Ethnographic Observations
Why is this interaction necessary?
Using a self checkout system allows one to purchase their own items, therefore it is designed to shorten line ups and reduce the time one spends paying for their goods. There are many benefits that come with this system. It helps in reducing the amount of staff needed since one attendant can supervise 4 to 6 self check out stations, consequently saving the money for the business. Another benefit of using this system is allowing customers the privacy of purchasing and bagging their items since some people would rather not interact with a cashier, choosing a machine instead.
What are the items of the interaction?
The items of interaction include the touch screen user interface which in terms of affordance consists of three dimensional buttons on a computer screen which leverages one’s knowledge of the physical characteristics of buttons and therefore appears to afford pressing. Visibility is an important aspect of the buttons as well since auditory as well as visual feedback is provided. When a button is pressed you can see it being pushed down and there is a beep. This aids the customer in recognizing different steps and continuing along in the process. Other items include a bi –optic scanner/ scale, consumer upload area, currency change dispenser, store intervention light, coupon acceptor, currency change payment component, debit/ credit card area component, receipt primer, coin/ change dispenser, consumer bagging area and a security scale.
Where/when does the interaction start/ finish?
A customer has to decide whether they want to use the self check out machines or go to a cashier. The interaction starts when the customer touches the screen to start the process. It finishes when the customer pays for their goods and receives their receipt.
What are the tasks performed in the interaction? Which ones are critical?
The following are the steps for this interaction:
Process:
Deconstruct an Interaction:
Ethnographic Observations
Why is this interaction necessary?
Using a self checkout system allows one to purchase their own items, therefore it is designed to shorten line ups and reduce the time one spends paying for their goods. There are many benefits that come with this system. It helps in reducing the amount of staff needed since one attendant can supervise 4 to 6 self check out stations, consequently saving the money for the business. Another benefit of using this system is allowing customers the privacy of purchasing and bagging their items since some people would rather not interact with a cashier, choosing a machine instead.
What are the items of the interaction?
The items of interaction include the touch screen user interface which in terms of affordance consists of three dimensional buttons on a computer screen which leverages one’s knowledge of the physical characteristics of buttons and therefore appears to afford pressing. Visibility is an important aspect of the buttons as well since auditory as well as visual feedback is provided. When a button is pressed you can see it being pushed down and there is a beep. This aids the customer in recognizing different steps and continuing along in the process. Other items include a bi –optic scanner/ scale, consumer upload area, currency change dispenser, store intervention light, coupon acceptor, currency change payment component, debit/ credit card area component, receipt primer, coin/ change dispenser, consumer bagging area and a security scale.
Where/when does the interaction start/ finish?
A customer has to decide whether they want to use the self check out machines or go to a cashier. The interaction starts when the customer touches the screen to start the process. It finishes when the customer pays for their goods and receives their receipt.
What are the tasks performed in the interaction? Which ones are critical?
The following are the steps for this interaction:
Process:
1) Wait for instructions after the last customer has finished
2) Listen to the instructions that tell the customer to scan their items and place them in the bag
3) The sensor weighs the product in the bag; the actual weights of the items are pre-weighted to preventing theft
4) If the item does not have a barcode the use of a touch screen is available to find the price, select the image on screen and bag.
5) After bagging all the items, choose your method of payment; some stores offer the choice of cheques, coupons, cash, debit or credit card
6) If there are any problems or questions the attendants are there to help
7) If paying my cash or credit card, a light will indicate where to place your cash/ swipe your card
8) Receipt will be printed out
The tasks performed on this machine are quite easy to operate as long as the customer follows the guidelines offered by the screen; it takes the customers through every step.
How does the design direct the interaction?
This system is relatively new to the public therefore inexperienced users might cause a delay instead of speeding up the process (the intention of the system).The system is designed in a way that links culture, behaviour and how cultural processes have developed over time. It is an alternative to the traditional way of purchasing items with the help of cashiers. People today like their privacy and independence. The set up of the system is similar to the machines used by cashiers; a screen directs the customers through the process, in some stores there may be belts that transfer items from the upload area to the scanner, and from the scanner to the bagging area where there is a sensor and scale to determine if the item that was on the belt weighs the same as when it is bagged. The design of the machines visually directs the process with the help and clarification of the screen.
What are the goals of the people in the interaction?
The goal of this new system is to allow people to avoid delays and human interaction. The goals of the people in the interaction is to be able to purchase their items without waiting in line, thus the machines enable customers to get out of stores quicker. However this may not be the case; sometimes the computer/ touch screen freezes, items have no barcode or an inexperienced user is struggling with the machine and takes longer than intended.
How are those goals met or not met by the system?
The goals are met in some aspect. It does make the purchasing process much quicker than lining up in line. However, there are too many things that slow the process down which occurs frequently, causing the system to appear inconvenient. For example, there is no indication of how long the next customer has to wait after someone else has finished, usually resulting in pointless touching off the screen. During filming, we as a group witnessed many customers just stand there and wonder what they had to do to begin scanning when all of a sudden the screen would go back to the main menu. Another way that the goals were not met by the system took shape in the form of psychological constraints. There are many people of different backgrounds who shop at these stores, especially the one we filmed in and many of them don’t speak either French or English. Unfortunately, French and English are the only two options when selecting language. In order to deliver the best service available, other language options would be crucial since symbols influence behaviour by communicating meaning through language. Another interesting thing we witnessed as a group was the fact that when it was time to pay, depending on your method of payment, a light would indicate the next step. For example, if someone chose to pay with a debit card a light would flash next to the debit machine. One customer was really confused because for the whole process a light would indicate where to perform the action on the machine but when the screen notified her that her receipt had been printed she had no clue where it was because there was no light indicating its location. Another vital point is that not every item a customer selects has a barcode which makes it easy to scan. This is confusing for the customer since they have to go through the trouble of looking through the screen display to find the price. For example, vegetables don’t have codes. This is not an efficient method considering that the design of this interaction is centered around the concept of fast and efficient self serve. A positive aspect of the design was the legibility. The size of the font and square of the icon are large meaning everyone could read it. Also, contrast is achieved through the use of light text on a dark background emphasizing the task the button performs. The last negative aspect does not directly affect the customer but the staff working at the stores. The more grocery stores that implement this system the more apparent the decrease in labour and available jobs which is harmful to the community. All these aspects contribute to a defeated goal; this method proves ineffective in the swiftness of this interaction.
How to make the interaction a better experience?
This self serve checkout system should remain in stores because the idea is great but some physical changes must occur in order to decrease confusion. One idea would be to put stickers on all items in the stores to eliminate the option of searching for your item altogether. An addition of more languages is critical in order to appeal to a wider audience. A light indicator must be implemented on the printer that distributes the receipt in order to maintain consistency. With these improvements this system can achieve the task it was designed to do.
2) Listen to the instructions that tell the customer to scan their items and place them in the bag
3) The sensor weighs the product in the bag; the actual weights of the items are pre-weighted to preventing theft
4) If the item does not have a barcode the use of a touch screen is available to find the price, select the image on screen and bag.
5) After bagging all the items, choose your method of payment; some stores offer the choice of cheques, coupons, cash, debit or credit card
6) If there are any problems or questions the attendants are there to help
7) If paying my cash or credit card, a light will indicate where to place your cash/ swipe your card
8) Receipt will be printed out
The tasks performed on this machine are quite easy to operate as long as the customer follows the guidelines offered by the screen; it takes the customers through every step.
How does the design direct the interaction?
This system is relatively new to the public therefore inexperienced users might cause a delay instead of speeding up the process (the intention of the system).The system is designed in a way that links culture, behaviour and how cultural processes have developed over time. It is an alternative to the traditional way of purchasing items with the help of cashiers. People today like their privacy and independence. The set up of the system is similar to the machines used by cashiers; a screen directs the customers through the process, in some stores there may be belts that transfer items from the upload area to the scanner, and from the scanner to the bagging area where there is a sensor and scale to determine if the item that was on the belt weighs the same as when it is bagged. The design of the machines visually directs the process with the help and clarification of the screen.
What are the goals of the people in the interaction?
The goal of this new system is to allow people to avoid delays and human interaction. The goals of the people in the interaction is to be able to purchase their items without waiting in line, thus the machines enable customers to get out of stores quicker. However this may not be the case; sometimes the computer/ touch screen freezes, items have no barcode or an inexperienced user is struggling with the machine and takes longer than intended.
How are those goals met or not met by the system?
The goals are met in some aspect. It does make the purchasing process much quicker than lining up in line. However, there are too many things that slow the process down which occurs frequently, causing the system to appear inconvenient. For example, there is no indication of how long the next customer has to wait after someone else has finished, usually resulting in pointless touching off the screen. During filming, we as a group witnessed many customers just stand there and wonder what they had to do to begin scanning when all of a sudden the screen would go back to the main menu. Another way that the goals were not met by the system took shape in the form of psychological constraints. There are many people of different backgrounds who shop at these stores, especially the one we filmed in and many of them don’t speak either French or English. Unfortunately, French and English are the only two options when selecting language. In order to deliver the best service available, other language options would be crucial since symbols influence behaviour by communicating meaning through language. Another interesting thing we witnessed as a group was the fact that when it was time to pay, depending on your method of payment, a light would indicate the next step. For example, if someone chose to pay with a debit card a light would flash next to the debit machine. One customer was really confused because for the whole process a light would indicate where to perform the action on the machine but when the screen notified her that her receipt had been printed she had no clue where it was because there was no light indicating its location. Another vital point is that not every item a customer selects has a barcode which makes it easy to scan. This is confusing for the customer since they have to go through the trouble of looking through the screen display to find the price. For example, vegetables don’t have codes. This is not an efficient method considering that the design of this interaction is centered around the concept of fast and efficient self serve. A positive aspect of the design was the legibility. The size of the font and square of the icon are large meaning everyone could read it. Also, contrast is achieved through the use of light text on a dark background emphasizing the task the button performs. The last negative aspect does not directly affect the customer but the staff working at the stores. The more grocery stores that implement this system the more apparent the decrease in labour and available jobs which is harmful to the community. All these aspects contribute to a defeated goal; this method proves ineffective in the swiftness of this interaction.
How to make the interaction a better experience?
This self serve checkout system should remain in stores because the idea is great but some physical changes must occur in order to decrease confusion. One idea would be to put stickers on all items in the stores to eliminate the option of searching for your item altogether. An addition of more languages is critical in order to appeal to a wider audience. A light indicator must be implemented on the printer that distributes the receipt in order to maintain consistency. With these improvements this system can achieve the task it was designed to do.
Video:
Excersise 5 -Leigh McLaughlin
I like my Koss QZ-99 headphones, as no form of technology deserves my love. Outside noise is significantly diminished when one utilizes the suction-like ear cups, but this noise reducing steriophone functions similarly when the adjustable ‘over the head’ strap is worn around ones’ neck. The symbol meant to instruct the user where to insert the metal nib at the end of this piece of technology’s luscious black chord is completely legible. Also, the contrast of the semi-stylized logo on the black of this appliance (side of the left headphone) is just the aesthetic to encourage a consumer like yours truly to use such things in the privacy of their own home (it's a good thing).
“Blick” is the most detestable user unfriendly utility I have ever encountered. The small pink pill shaped, wannabe jumping bean serves no function but to confuse it’s proprietor (and, proprietors friends) with its’ non existent control options and lack of self respect. A medium sized yellow plastic dish and said pink bean are the only compositional elements and the contrast of color is akin with battery acid to the eyes.
Project 1 Group ZEAAL - Allison L., Andrey C., Eve Z., Leigh M., Zunera W.
Project One - Opening a Pop Can
Our interaction
For this assignment we studied the process of opening a pop can and some possible problems that occur.
Map of the pop can opening
The interaction of opening a pop can is necessary in the context of a consumer society, in which people often drink out of cans for convenience. Without the opening, the product has no purpose.
What are the steps of interaction?
The steps of this interaction where designed to be quick and simple.
a. The first step is putting your finger (either middle or index) on the small space between the lever and the end of the pop can as seen in image one.
b. The second step is to lift the lever, by putting your finger underneath it and pulling backwards
c. The third step is to pull all the way to the other side of the rim so as to puncture the opening with the pressure.
d. The final step is to bring the lever back to it's original location so that the drinking whole is not obstructed.
Where does this interaction start and finish?
For our study, we specified our research on the opening of the pop can. Therefore, in the case of our project, the interaction would end when the opening would be punctured and the lever returned to it's original position. But on a larger scale, the interaction of using a pop can is in fact completed when the beverage is finished and the consumer is ready to dispose of it.
How does the design direct the interaction?
The design and the location of the opening instantly triggers automatic hand placement of the consumer. The signal-noise-ratio is well executed in pop can openings because there is never any sort of distraction from this interaction on the actual product. Presumably, this is why there usually are no advertisements on the top of the can.
Take a look how it's done:
Unfortunately, the design does not take into consideration manual malfunctions. The lever is very closely located to the base of the top of the can, which makes it difficult for some consumers to lift. Thus defeating the concept of convenience because of external tools (such as keys, knives, other the like) are needed. 75% of people interviewed expressed some sort of difficulty when opening the can. 95% of them where male.
Our Design Proposal
After ethnographic research, our team concluded that in most instances, the goal of opening the pop can to drink the beverage within it is usually met, by one mean or another.
However, the percentage of people who struggled was too large to ignore. This is why in our redesign proposal, we decided to elevate the lever and make it and it's attachment out of a thicker concentration of metal.
It is a minor change which could not be too costly and hard to get used to, and would facilitate the opening of the pop can for many of those who have difficulties.
Our interaction
For this assignment we studied the process of opening a pop can and some possible problems that occur.
Map of the pop can opening
The interaction of opening a pop can is necessary in the context of a consumer society, in which people often drink out of cans for convenience. Without the opening, the product has no purpose.
What are the steps of interaction?
The steps of this interaction where designed to be quick and simple.
a. The first step is putting your finger (either middle or index) on the small space between the lever and the end of the pop can as seen in image one.b. The second step is to lift the lever, by putting your finger underneath it and pulling backwards
c. The third step is to pull all the way to the other side of the rim so as to puncture the opening with the pressure.
d. The final step is to bring the lever back to it's original location so that the drinking whole is not obstructed.
Where does this interaction start and finish?
For our study, we specified our research on the opening of the pop can. Therefore, in the case of our project, the interaction would end when the opening would be punctured and the lever returned to it's original position. But on a larger scale, the interaction of using a pop can is in fact completed when the beverage is finished and the consumer is ready to dispose of it.
How does the design direct the interaction?
The design and the location of the opening instantly triggers automatic hand placement of the consumer. The signal-noise-ratio is well executed in pop can openings because there is never any sort of distraction from this interaction on the actual product. Presumably, this is why there usually are no advertisements on the top of the can.
Take a look how it's done:
Unfortunately, the design does not take into consideration manual malfunctions. The lever is very closely located to the base of the top of the can, which makes it difficult for some consumers to lift. Thus defeating the concept of convenience because of external tools (such as keys, knives, other the like) are needed. 75% of people interviewed expressed some sort of difficulty when opening the can. 95% of them where male.
Elements that are most commonly problematic
Our Design Proposal
After ethnographic research, our team concluded that in most instances, the goal of opening the pop can to drink the beverage within it is usually met, by one mean or another.
However, the percentage of people who struggled was too large to ignore. This is why in our redesign proposal, we decided to elevate the lever and make it and it's attachment out of a thicker concentration of metal.
It is a minor change which could not be too costly and hard to get used to, and would facilitate the opening of the pop can for many of those who have difficulties.
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