User interfaces

User interface basics

In a team of two or three people, analyse and compare usability features of a group of simple devices, comparing different alternatives:

Shower vs. bathtub and different types of water taps and handles or

A ticket vending machine or

Travel card and the reader in Helsinki area transportation compared with other bus ticket systems or

Types of keys or car keys

Types of bicycles / motorbike

Toshiba multifunction devices (printers & copy machines)

a traditional telephone

In your analysis, consider features such as:

• How easy is the system to learn and use?
• How reliable the system is, its vulnerabilities?
• What is the user age group?/ how does the age of the user affect usability for this device?
• What kind of risks and problems are involved in the interface?
• What are advantages of a particular kind of interface?
• How could the interface be improved?

Usability measured by:

• Time to learn
• Speed of performance
• Rate of errors by users
• Retention over time
• Subjective satisfaction

After classroom discussion, write down a summary of findings as a group report.
Start taking notes for your personal report:Present your current understanding of what is included in good usability of a technical device.

Created by: Jaana Holvikivi Last update: 8.3.2016