Tuesday, 15 September 2015

The results of IPI testing session

Today, I tested my prototype in the proc  A. To be honest, I am not happy with my prototype today. Because there was something wrong with my prototype in today's practice. However, I got some useful feedback today.

My idea is that help people avoid embarrassed in the public. There are three main interactions of my prototype:

  1. create contact list,
  2. voice input
  3.  inform users

Test method

The test method is similar to the method of video prototype. Firstly, I asked users to use my prototype . Then, I provided my feedback sheet to them and let them finish it. However, I helped users to do the test due to my imperfect prototype, not like the test of video prototype. I will give the reflection later.

Outcomes, Reflection & Discussion

From the feedback, my first question is 'The IP 1 already complete the key functions and interactions, do you agree?'  While,  80% of  the users think I complete the key functions and interactions. However there are 20% people believe that I only implement some of the functions and interactions. I think there are 2 reasons. The main reason is that the microphone did not work occasionally, so some of users didn't know the last interactions -- inform users. The next reason is, my prototype does not really implement the functions, for example, I let users click a button for stand for create a contact. The 20% users may not be satisfactory with this.

My seconde question is ''How much percentage do you understand the interaction of IP 1?' There are 60% people can understand them completely. However, 40% of users can only understand it partly. Because, they might not watch my video prototype. So, in other words, the instructions in my IP1 are not enough and clear.  I did not consider those people who don't watch my video prototype. I am reckless on this.

Here is my screen shot of my result about the first two questions.




My third question is that how to create add contacts. I provide two ways, which are by bracelets and by computer/laptop. As well as I leave a space for users to provide the other ways. 40% of users would like to create contact list by bracelet directly. Fortunately, there 60% of users provide some other ways, I think the using Mobile app (smartphone) and using Cloud  are cool. Because, I hope that don't add any button on the bracelet, and using sensors to implement every function except voice input.

The next question is for getting suggestion for next prototype. It is "Which part (function) do you think can connect to MakeyMakey". Most of users think it is better to use MakeyMakey to implement  the last interaction (Flashing and Response actions). While, I am not sure if that is possible. There also 40% of users suggest me to use MakeyMakey to implement the functions of voice input. Actually, I have not came up with an good idea about how to use MakeyMakey. 
 
Here is the screen shot.

My last question is an open questions. The results are below.


I find these all are nice suggestions. First of all, my IP 1 don't have a classy interface, it does. And I thought to add a return and restart button, but I did not let it come to the reality. For the fourth reply, if people have same name, how should it work and the contact distance. I am thinking, each bracelet should have a specific ID, like MAC address of computer. People also need to distinguish them when they create the contact. I believe that the 1km is enough for this device due to its purpose. For ordinary model, I think the screen is not necessary. Because my purpose is that let people know there someone nearby is calling them. Then they will look around.  Although add a button to stop the vibrate also is good idea, I want to set the bracelet stop shaking and flashing after a certain time.

Effectiveness of the prototype 

This prototype is very useful. Just because there are some problems in my prototype. Firstly, I know that I should learn how to consider a thing completely. Secondly, I got lots of good suggestions from the feedback. Some of them can help me improve my IP1, some of them can help my next prototype.
Basically, it is a successful testing session. For example, users have some questions, like what's the contact distance and so on, when they interacted with my prototype. All of these can help my prototype.

Actually, after the testing, I was thinking that the testing is really useful. Because I think my feedback sheet is good. But when I let users do the survey, I found there are some questions is not good enough, and the logic has some  problems. For example, I may should put the first question like 'What's the device use for ?' , as well as provide some answers. Then, give the other questions below it. Thus people can understand my prototype better.

Implications for future prototype and testing sessions

As I mentioned before, I need more strategies in my next feedback sheet. This it to say,  I should conduct the testing with some necessary instructions  in order to achieve my goal.  I need to make my feedback sheet more logical. About future prototype. How to connect my prototype to MakeyMakey is the important part. 

Monday, 14 September 2015

week 8 in-class exercise

In today's lecture, I had a great experience. Because I watched many videos about Non-traditional physical interactions. I like this kind of things. Then we were asked to come up with some non-traditional  physical interactions and take Email, Twitter and Super Mario Bros as examples.

Here are some ideas that I am interested at. Some of them come from class.

Email:


  • People can use a physical panel to control reply, create a new email and so on. For example, user can do  'U' gesture to control the function of reply.
  • Set a sensor in a bottle of medicine, and connect the bottle to email. When users take medicine and activate the sensor, it will email to users's boss automatically and tell the boss they are sick. So, users don't need to email their boss by themselves. 
  • The email system can tell the type of emails, and it will classify these emails. Then using different way to inform users.

Twitter


  • Make a model like the logo of Twitter, and use Twitter through it. For example, uses can twitter something by talking to the model, or let the model tell users what is happening on Twitter. 
  • Use VR(virtual reality) to let messages present at anywhere.

Super Mario Bros


  • Use an air pump to let Mario jump.
  • Control the game use your body.  When you jump, Mario jumps. When you go forward, Mario goes forward too. 
  • If it is possible, built a yard  and the facilities is similar to Super Mario Bro. People can play the game in real word. Meanwhile, people can control the role because it connects the computer or somethings.