Whether navigating through a complex list of programming
options or turning a product on/off, the user's perception of a product is
greatly affected by the interaction experience.
A good interaction is highly conducive to increasing the brand's identity.
We use a variety of methods to find and test the best interaction solutions:
1) Computer-based simulations. Whether a climate control unit, a telephone
LCD screen or even a water dispenser, we have often found that simple PC based
simulations have given us key test-beds.
We post the simulation online to test a number people for quantitative, accurate
feedback without the need to create time-consuming hardware and software for
each test.
2) Physical Interactive Prototypes. We sometimes build
fully wired, interactive test models, with actuating buttons and LEDs.
These are essential when the quality interaction is heavily dependant on the
shape of the product, such as a computer mouse.
3) Logic Flow charts. These are used to evaluate discuss
and adjust the logical order and flow of the interaction of a system. This
is more typical of complex programming such as in video systems, bank transaction
machines or climate control units, and are often used in conjunction with
the above methods of interaction testing.
We occasionally apply these logic flow charts to non-electronic products too,
where the user's involvement with a product happens in a sequence of events,
such as with a router bench, a miter saw or with complex capital goods machinery.
Whether navigating through a complex list of programming options or turning
a product on/off, the user's perception of a product is greatly affected
by the interaction experience.
A good interaction is highly conducive to increasing the brand's identity.
We use a variety of methods to find and test the best interaction solutions: