Exercise Four: An Object you Hate, an Object you Love by Jay

Hate: iPod The object that i hate is iPod, or maybe the system of iTune. When every time i have to put the musics in to ipod i have to connect to itune and transfer the music to ipod. The ipod itself is very nice, i like it, but sometime i hate that i have to click and circling every time i want to go back and change the artist.

Love: Sansa Express MP3 Player
The object that i love is just regular usb type of mp3, because for me it is easy to carry and compare to ipod it is 1/5 smaller sized. also i like how it works too, becasue you just have to move musics.mp3 into the music folder and that's it, and easy... not like itune which you have to wait so long to transfer the songs.

Exercise 5- Make A Video, Make A Diagram

Video Exercise by: Tarz Sachdeva

Exercise Five- Desiree Beaubien

Music Video Assignment- iMovie Interaction
Desiree Beaubien


Death Cab For Cutie- Crooked Teeth

Exercise 5 - Joe Lee

EXERCISE 5 - By Joe Lee

Movie



Diagram

Exercise Four: An Object you Hate, an Object you Love

The object that I hate most would be my can opener. This is what I consider to be an ancient can opener. There is absolutely no visibility; you would never know what to do with it unless you have been told. The actual metal piece that is supposed to puncture the can almost never fits properly in place, and it requires a lot of effort to hold it there when it actually works. The metal part that you turn resembles the piece used to wind up an old clock. According to affordance it is clear that you must turn it in order to produce a result. It is uncomfortable and hard to grip. The entire opener is also covered in rust, which I find disgusting. If it is going to be used for food it should have been made out of more durable material.






The object that I love most is my ipod touch. It uses visibility to clearly communicate actions to be taken in order to operate it. The pictures of buttons clearly communicate that you must actually touch them. The ipod also includes a significant amount of feedback. When you press a button or try to use on of its applications it will tell you what you have done and any other options available. According to affordance the object itself gives you appropriate clues in order to operate it. The touch uses mapping in the form of symbols on the buttons to help you understand what each one will do.

Exercise Four: An Object you Love, an Object you Hate

This is the newest mac keyboard I love and I use it at school and at home. Accroding to affordance, the keyboard itself is slim and thin so that user can type easily. Thin keys and less gaps avoid dust forming on the keyboard. And also with 2 USB slots which is convience for plugging other devices like mouse or USB flashdrive.


What i like the most about the mac keyboard is the mapping (location) of the command key, which is the same as the Ctrl on PC keyboard. The "Command Key"s are located in the red circle. It is much easier to do short cuts by using a thumb to press the Command key, for example: Copy (command +C), Paste (command+V), Quit (command+Q),Close windows (command+W). It has also the Conventional Constraints features included on the keyboard like the Play, Pause, Fast Forward buttons.


Look at the location of the "Ctrl Key"s. They are located at the bottom left and right which I hate to use them when I do the short cuts, not user friendly. And the keys are too big and gaps all surrounding the keys where dust is easily trapped.

Exercise Five - Sarah

By: Sarah Sien

Project 1 - Deconstructing an Interaction

Project One
Deconstruct an Interaction: Scarf
by Joe, Giustina, Jay, Alan

The interaction between human beings and the scarf is necessary for a variety of different reasons. For some, the scarf is a representation of their faith.
It is also part of traditional costume and rituals. Most commonly the scarf is used to keep warm, and for fashion purposes. Therefore the necessity of this interaction varies according to the user.


Interaction:

The interaction begins when you pick up the scarf and drape, or tie it around your neck. It is finished once it is tied in place. The tasks preformed in this interaction also vary depending on how you decide to utilize it. In some situations folding may be involved. Typically draping and tying are the only tasks necessary. Tying is most important, as it allows you to keep the scarf in place for extended periods of time.

Diagram:






Mapping:




The only item involved in the interaction is the scarf itself, which is usually a single piece of cloth, shaped differently according to its function.

Ethnographical Video:



The design does not have the ability to direct the user. It is simply a piece of material. It allows you to decide how you use it and what you use it for.


Suggestion and Improvement:

Since we found out that most of the people concern on the different methods of keeping warm, especially in winter, so we got a several of new design which focus on the function which can improve the usage:

1.
We put 2 clips that can adjust the length of the scarf to be either shorter or longer.















2.
This is a combination of a pair of mitten and a scarf. We designed to combine each mitten on the both end of a scarf so that a person can wear a pair of mitten and a scarf together. Since the scarf is made of a double layer of scarf. A person simply put his/her hands into the holes that we made on the scarf.












3.
As we run in a hurry, we may forget to bring our scarf with us. So we came up an idea that we build buttons on a scarf that can be attached with a jacket which also has buttons on. Because we would not forget to bring a jacket going out, as long as the scarf attaching to the jacket. Therefore we would always be having the scarf with us.









4.
We create 2 holes that can be fitted on a guitar's knob, on the both ends of a scarf. So now the scarf can be used as a guitar strap.














The goals to be met by this system are different with each person that uses it. Generally as long is the scarf it attached somewhere to your body in an acceptable way then it has performed its function, and met its goal.

Exercise Four: An Object you Love, an Object you Hate

Exercise Four: An Object you Love, an Object you Hate
Bradley Crystal

Love: iMac

I love my iMac. I spend a lot of my day using it for work and school. Aside from looking very sleek, my iMac is jam packed with incredible software that lets me be creative. The keys of the keyboard are mapped to each letter and the edges of the screen create constraints for the mouse pointer. An issue with the iMac which has been resolved on the MacBooks is that it does not visibly show you when it is on but asleep. The large 24 inch screen is a great affordance for working with design software.

Apple makes fantastic products and I can't ever imagine not owning at least one of thier computers.





Hate: HD Digital Cable Box

I loathe my Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD High Definition Digital Cable Setop Box. This little devil has to be the most dysfunctional designed piece of equipment in the 21st century. I don't understand why in 2009 we are using something which looks so horrible. The part I hate the most is the menu system and guide. It looks like a bad web page from the 90s. The default menu is an awful pink colour and it looks like a bad designer stretched it beyond its native resolution. If this is a "High Definition" device, what is stopping it from displaying a beautifully designed crystal clear menu and guide? I will say, the status of the device is very visible when turned on and the mapping of the buttons, especially the navigation buttons is faily intuitive. However, the contstraints placed on this device do not make sense. There are ports and slots on the front such as the USB port. It is not clear that these features have been disabled by Rogers however they are still there and I want to know what they are for and how I can take advantage of them. Perhaps if this was the case I might like this thing a tiny bit more.

Deconstruct an Interaction: The Touchpad

Desiree Beaubien . Joshua Frechette . Laila Siddiqui . Bradley Crystal
Project One
Deconstruct and Interaction

The Touchpad


Ethnographic Research

Why is this interaction necessary?
To interact with the computer, calling on specific actions to take place based on the input provided using the touchpad.

What are the items of interaction?
The touchable and sensitive surface combined with the button.

Where and when does the interaction start and finish?
Once the user has decide to perform an action, the mouse pointer must be moved by the touchpad and the interaction begins. When the user has completed the desired action, the mouse pointer is stopped by removing the hand from the touchpad.

What are the tasks performed in the interaction?
Which are critical?
Moving the mouse pointer using the touchable surface and making a selection by either depressing the button or tapping the touchable surface. Both tasks are critical for the successful function
of the touchpad.

What are the goals of the people in the interaction?
How are these goals met or not met by the system?
To move the mouse pointer to the required location on the screen in the most efficient way to successfully navigate the application in use. The use of a touchpad involves becoming accustom to its sensitivity and unique shortcut gestures, requiring a new system to be understood to use each touchpad 
model efficiently.



Trends

• Every user’s unused fingers were held hovering over the touchpad.
• Many users allowed their thumb to rest on the side surface of the laptop.
• Initial orientation and finding the mouse pointer required extra effort for some users.

Gestalt's Principles of Perception
The principle of common fate is apparent in the touchpad because the physical movement of each task in virtually replicated on the screen. The unique features of each touchpad model create an interference effect until the user becomes accustom to the new model. By using a high contrast, highlighting allows the user to more easily find the location of the mouse pointer. The proximity of the button to the touchable surface indicates that the two work in tandem.

Feedback
The instant feedback provided by the touchpad makes it very easy for the user to determine if they are using the device correctly. Depressing the button to click makes a “click” sound as well as physically moves down to indicate to the user that a successful click has occurred. Moving a finger across the touchable surface provides feedback by moving the mouse pointer on the screen.

Mapping
The touchable surface of the touchpad is designed to represent the screen you are looking at. Moving your finger in a certain direction and to a certain place on that surface corresponds to where the mouse pointer is located on the screen.

Maps & Diagrams



Opportunities for Improvement

• Universal standard for finger gestures making it easy to move from one device to another.
• Sensor to track accuracy and increase/decrease the sensitivity of the touchable surface automatically, allowing the user to move the mouse pointer most efficiently.
• Place an second button on the side surface of the laptop for use by the thumb.
• Place a soft, grip surface on either side of the touchable surface to place unused fingers comfortably.
• Integrate button into entire touchable surface *

* This feature has been already integrated into new Apple laptops

Exercise Four - Josh

This is my first iPod. It's a fourth generation Nano and has 8Gb. It's incredibly easy to navigate through all the music, videos, etc... The touchpad is incredibly effective. The screen, though small, has incredible resolution. The shuffle function is very convenient and comes in handy when I want to activate it quickly.
Another aspect of the Nano is iTunes; iTunes makes it very easy to manage everything on the Nano. The added feature of the podcasts make it worthwhile as well; at the moment I subscribe to the Learning Spnaish, Discovery Channel and the Queens of the Stone Age podcasts.
This iron is my roomates as incredibly frustrating and useless. The controls don't work well, it contantly leaks water and the calcium build up on the bottom actually makes what you're trying to iron dirty....

Exercise 4 by Laila Siddiqui

                                          OBJECT I LOVE AND OBJECT I HATE
One of the objects i love at my house is my ipod. i love the black colour, and i absolutely love the fact  that it has 30GB of space so i  can store thousands of songs and videos in it. to me, music is very important and i a very big part of my life, therefore something that allows me to be close to music at all times is number one on my favourite things' list.

An object that i hate the most in my  house is my Rogers 

digital remote control. it works perfectly fine but it is one of the most confusing remote controls i have ever owned in my entire life. i like remote controls to be

 simple and user friendly, and having a remote that has, in my opinion, so many unnecessary buttons on it is a pain most of the times.   

Exercise 4 - Object I love and Object I hate - Justine Galea

Exercise 4

By Justine Galea

I love my Presidents Choice 4 in one Grill!

Affordances:

It's extremely easy to use and it heats up crazy fast. Also the grill surface is non stick so cooking chicken and fish is a breeze.  Another awesome aspect to my PC Grill is that the grill plates themselves are removable so they can be properly cleaned in the sink.

Constraint (Physical):

The only physical constraint is the size of the grill surface.  However it is still large enough to cook 4 chicken breasts, or 4 hamburger patties.

Visibility:

It's design speaks for it's actions.  There is a large handle that controls the contact of the grill, and 3 easy to read knobs for timer, temperature and griddle or grill option.

Mapping:

The design of my Griddler is simple and concise.  There is only what there needs to be, with 3 easy to use knobs, and simple grill plate release buttons, it is so very simple to use.  The only issue would be because of the handle being so close to the surface, it tends to get rather hot, but that is an understandable fault.

I absolutely HATE my Lancaster 2 Slice Toaster!

Affordances:

It was insanely cheap...only $10.00.  This is the only good aspect of the toaster, but also leads me to say "I got what I paid for".

Constraint (Physical):

It is a very small toaster only has two slots.  Lancaster claims you can toast a bagel in it, however, you cannot fit large bagels into the slot, and aren't those ones the best?

Visibility & Mapping:

I had to combine these two because there is only one knob for controlling the toaster.  A knob that isn't even labelled.  I still to this day, after six months of owning it cannot figure out the control.  Also the fact, that when I do leave it on a setting, the toasting is so inconsisitant, its either burnt to a crisp, or not toasted at all.  Lastly, something that is VERY visible with my toaster is the giant spark it sends upwards every time I pop up my toast.  One day it will start a fire...I know it.

Exercise 4 - Object I Love, Object I Hate by Cole Preston

HP Laserjet 1012 Series printer

I've been using this printer for years and it has always given me trouble. The problem is not in the way it operates, but in the way it interfaces (or doesn't interface) with my computer. Every time I want to print successfully, I have to unplug the printer cable from the USB port at the back of my computer and from the printer, and turn the printer off and let it sit for about 15 seconds

But even when I plug everything back again, sometimes the problem isn't fixed. Usually I am able to print 1-2 sheets before having to unplug it and try again. 

PROJECT 1 - Deconstructing An Interaction

ALARM CLOCK: THE WAKING UP EXPERIENCE

By: Tarz, Cathy, Humyra & Lindsay

For project one, we decided to discuss the role of an alarm clock in our daily lives. It is something that we all interact with first thing in the morning, even thought it may not be the most pleasant way interaction. As times changed, technology changed and as technology changed, we now have various kinds of alarm clocks around us that can be categorized as Analog, Digital, Cell Phone & the most recent Computer.
As discussed in class, every design has two approaches: Systematic and Interactive.
Under systematic approach, we in short discussed the workings of an alarm clock. The following diagram summarizes the process. Applied Design Principles:













Now that was the systematic approach, coming to the objective of this project: the interactive approach. So, we decided to analyze the whole process of the interaction.

Where does the interaction start and finish?
The interaction starts with the person setting and putting alarm on at night. The interaction stops there but does not end, it restarts in the morning when the alarm is turned off. Even though there is this huge gap in the process, the actual interaction time lasts only for approximately 10 minutes that too in the case if person snoozes for couple of times.

Points of Interaction: How the design directs the interaction?


As indicated in the diagram above, there are only limited number of functions that can be performed in the alarm clock, therefore only a limited number of points of interaction:(Most often used- blue italicized)

1. Snooze: "Snooze" in the morning
   
2. Minute
3. Hour
4. On/Off: To turn the alarm on at night and off in the morning
   
5. LCD
   
6. Time Set
7. Alarm Set: Set the alarm for the desired time
8. Cord

Our Video:



Poll Results:
We also conducted a poll in order to find about the preference of people for a certain type of clock and "Snooze" function.The results are as follows.


What kind of Alarm clock do you prefer?


Do you prefer "snooze" or no?

















What goes wrong most often?

•The batteries run out

•In case of cell phones, the alarm is set but forget to turn it on or put the phone off from silent mode.

•Sleep in- Thanks to our friend SNOOZE!!

•Volume not high enough

•Set the alarm to PM instead of AM or vice versa (in cell phone)

Our proposal for improvements:

We realized that most common problems occur due to human behaviour, that can not be unfortunately improvised. But we still came up with a solution that might help overcome some issues.
SPEAKERS FOR ALARM CLOCK: Your waking up buddy

•Only one snooze!!

•Loud enough to knock you down from the bed

•No sleep in guarantee!!

•Off switch on the speaker so you will have to get up :)

When the speakers are hooked up to the alarm clock, the "snooze button" automatically shifts to a single repeated setting and will not ring more than once. The volume and the bass from the speakers will make sure that you do not sleep in, and in case of heavy sleepers the constant ringing of the alarm,that can only be turned off from the speaker controls, will have to get up in order to turn the alarm off.
Its an easy and inexpensive solution to a very costly problem.

Exercise 4- Desiree Beaubien

Object I Love, Object I Hate.

LG Rumour

My cell phone is something that I can’t really go anywhere without. I love my phone and it’s perfect for me.

Affordances: the phone is easily used. Everything is labeled and lights up for clear information. When text messaging there is a full keyboard the when this slides out the messaging screen flips and turns in the direction you will be able to read it. Also, when using the camera function, you can turn the phone and use it as you would any other camera.

Constraint: there are no physical constraints that hinder the usability of the phone. Depending on if the keyboard is out or in there are a different set of buttons for certain functions. This may confuse the user at first but as soon as they read the screen it tells them what buttons do what.

Mapping: the mapping on this phone is executed quite well. The camera function acts as any regular camera. The user can turn the phone sideways and understands how to work that function of the phone. The scroll button lets you go up and down, or side to side (depending on if the keyboard is out or not) the direction of the phone helps the user understand which controls to use. The volume control is in a vertical position to tell the user that pressing up makes the volume go up and pressing down makes the volume go down. Also, having a QWERTY keyboard helps the user type comfortably because they are used to the mapping of this style keyboard.

Visibility: the phone gives visible feedback with every function. When you press any of the buttons they will light up. Also, when entering any application on the phone visible feedback is seen on the screen.


VTECH Portable Home Phone

I hate almost everything about this phone. It can only be answered on one handset at a time, it does not hold a charge and has a horrible signal with its base. It is mapped out like any other home phone and it is easy to use in that sense because it is so common. One of the negative aspects is that the common number pad tones are heard at a delay to pressing the numbers which can throw you off of what you are trying to do. The visibility on the screen is dreadful, so much for caller ID, it is too hard to read and is useless.

Exercise 4 - Object I Love, Object I Hate by Cole Preston

IMAC

I absolutely love my iMac desktop computer, and here are a few reasons why........

Affordances: The iMac is a powerful and multi-functional computer. It's sleek and stylish design sets it apart from all the other computers in the world. This affordance is what attracted me to this computer, because instead of having the monitor and computer separate, Apple built the

computer into the monitor, thus creating the best designed desktop in the world. Another affordance is the simplicity of its operation. You don't have to think about anything, the applications are right before your eyes in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.

Mapping: I love the way the interface is mapped out. Instead of having all the icons for your applications clustered on the desktop, the iMac has a toolbar at the bottom of the screen wherein the applications are contained in an organized manner. This really helps to reduce desktop clutter. The only important icon on my desktop is for the "Mac HD", which contains all my files and which I can access with just one click.

Visibility: My favourite feature on the Mac would have to be the toolbar at the bottom of the screen because it lays out the applications in such a way that the user always knows where the application is that they're looking for.

HP LASERJET 1012 SERIES PRINTER

I've been using this printer for years and it has always given me trouble. The problem is not in the way it operates, but in the way it interfaces (or doesn't interface) with my computer. Every time I want to print successfully, I have to unplug the printer cable from the USB port at the back of my computer and from the printer, and turn the printer off and let it sit for about 15 seconds

But even when I plug everything back again, sometimes the problem isn't fixed. Usually I am able to print 1-2 sheets before having to unplug it and try again.

Exercise Four - Object I love and Object I hate - Katie Goulet

An object that I love is my “Audrey” Tea strainer. It is both pleasant to look and serves a purpose. I like that when it is sitting on the counter not being used, that it looks nice and is intriguing. It also works very well, as the flower part fits any cup or mug very easily.

Affordances: The shape of the object is almost male and female, somewhat like lego, in that it only makes sense to place the pointed stem of the flower into the leaf hole. It also relies on our knowledge that a flower has leaves which grow out of the stem to put two and two together and to know that the top sits on the bottom.

Constraints: The flower can be placed into the leaf hole anyway, and the leaves do not have holes so as not to allow any extra water to seep through.

Mapping: The petals of the flower are large, smooth, and bent in such a way that makes it easier to hold between two fingers. The slight tilt in the leaf stand allows for ease when picking it up.

Visibility: Although it may not be obviously apparent when you first look at it, the flower, once picked up and examined, is obviously meant to strain something, as the holes located in the base of the flower could be used for little else.

 

An object that drives me absolutely crazy is my glue gun. As much as I love how convenient it is, there are so many flaws to it. I get burned all the time, and constantly find it lying on its side oozing glue after having looked away for a minute.

Affordances: It relies on the human knowledge that a gun works by loading it with something and then pulling the trigger. In this case a stick of glue goes in, heats up and is then squeezed out in liquid form via the pressure from the trigger.

Constraints: There are absolutely no indicators of the gun being on, other than when you burn your finger, which is a pretty unfortunate indicator, and there is also no way of telling how hot it is. They could easily place a red and green light to tell the user when it is safe to touch it and when it is not. You can see how much glue you have left through a small hole left, as the stick melts by it. There is also a stand so that when you are not using the gun, it can sit freely without burning anything, but with the stiffness of the electrical cord and the lack of clearance under the hand, it always falls over.

Mapping: The glue gun makes sense to an extent, as you pull the trigger and the glue comes out in the front. 

 

Project 1 - Deconstructing an Interaction

Project One - Deconstructing an Interaction
The Lid Lifting Can Opener

By: Katie Goulet, Nicole Hieter, Justine Galea and Sarah Sien

For our project we chose the study the process of opening a can with the lid lifting variety. We also studied the problems that can occur during the interaction.

Flow Chart

Map

Without the can opener, the food industry would be in a very different state.  With the introduction of canned foods, the can opener was an essential piece of equipment for access and participation in an affordable and convenient lifestyle.

The Steps of Interaction

Step 1: Get both your can opener and you can.

Step:2  Open Lever and place the blades on rim of can.

Step 3: When blades are resting properly on rim, squeeze the lever shut, you will feel the blade puncture the can.

Step 4: Twist the knob to start opening the can.

Step 5: Twist the knob until you make a full pass around then can, then use the opener to lift off the lid.

Ethnographic Research Video

When and Where does the Interaction Star and Finish?

The interaction takes place in the kitchens and restaurants around the world.  It starts with a person wanting to prepare food, and ends with and empty can, detached lid and a completed meal.

How does the Design Direct the Interaction?

The design really only allows one to play around with the situation of the blades.  As for one of our common issues, users know what needs to happen, but cannot place the blade properly to preform the task.  This is because of its lack of instructions and physical directions. 

Most Problematic Elements of Design

The most frustrating issue with the can opener was the lack of easy instructions.  From our research, many people couldn't use it simply because of this reason.  Some brands didn't even come instructions leaving their users completely stranded and hungry.

Another issue was that the blade would let go of the lid too soon and the user would have to use their fingers to remove the lid, leaving them open for getting cuts from the jagged aluminum.  There needs to be a way to make sure the lid stays in contact with the opener during the entire process.

Improvements to Design

Improvements to the design would be to include magnets surrounding the blades, allowing for the opener to stay in contact, making for easier cutting and easier removal.   

Also, another improvement would be to include more concise, simple instructions on a fridge magnet to ensure  the user would always have the directions for use on hand.