Problems with usability: Difference between revisions

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You should be aware of usability issues in a range of devices including PCs, digital cameras, cell phones, games consoles, MP3 players and other commonly used digital devices. If you understand [[usability]], you should be able to identify usability problems.


== Do I understand this? ==
== Mobile Phones ==
- Problem: Small screen size.
  - Impact: Harder to read text, view images, or use touch-based controls.
  - Possible Cause: Examine how screen size affects user interaction in apps and websites not designed for responsiveness.
- Problem: Touchscreen sensitivity.
  - Impact: Mis-taps lead to unintended actions or navigation.
  - Possible Cause: Assess whether calibration issues or poor interface design lead to frequent input errors.


Consider the following digital devices and identify 5 usability problems for each device.


# your cellphone (or a cellphone)
# the TV in your house
# your school computer


Please keep in mind there probably isn't a perfect answer. The '''purpose''' of this activity is to get you to think about usability problems.
== Laptops ==
- Problem: Trackpad usability.
  - Impact: Users find it difficult to control the cursor precisely.
  - Possible Cause: Determine whether low sensitivity settings or hardware design flaws cause inaccuracy.
- Problem: Overheating during prolonged use.
  - Impact: Device becomes uncomfortable or throttles performance.
  - Possible Cause: Explain how poor ventilation or inefficient thermal management in design contributes to this issue.
 
 
== 3. Tablets ==
- Problem: Heavy weight for prolonged handheld use.
  - Impact: Users experience physical strain while using the device.
  - Possible Cause: Investigate if material choice or size optimization can improve ergonomics.
- Problem: Limited multitasking functionality compared to laptops.
  - Impact: Reduces productivity for users needing multiple open applications.
  - Possible Cause: Justify whether this limitation stems from hardware constraints or software prioritization.
 
 
 
== 4. Smartwatches ==
- Problem: Small input area.
  - Impact: Difficulties in typing or navigating menus.
  - Possible Cause: Evaluate alternative input methods, such as voice or gestures, for improved usability.
- Problem: Short battery life.
  - Impact: Frequent charging reduces convenience.
  - Possible Cause: Explore how energy-intensive features, like constant connectivity, drain the battery.
 
 
 
== Gaming Consoles ==
- Problem: Complex controller layouts.
  - Impact: New users struggle to remember button mappings.
  - Possible Cause: Discuss whether this complexity is due to game design or a lack of standardization.
- Problem: Online connectivity issues.
  - Impact: Players experience interruptions during multiplayer sessions.
  - Possible Cause: Examine whether server limitations or poor network code exacerbate this problem.





Latest revision as of 09:19, 20 November 2024

System Fundamentals[1]


Mobile Phones[edit]

- Problem: Small screen size.

 - Impact: Harder to read text, view images, or use touch-based controls.
 - Possible Cause: Examine how screen size affects user interaction in apps and websites not designed for responsiveness.

- Problem: Touchscreen sensitivity.

 - Impact: Mis-taps lead to unintended actions or navigation.
 - Possible Cause: Assess whether calibration issues or poor interface design lead to frequent input errors.


Laptops[edit]

- Problem: Trackpad usability.

 - Impact: Users find it difficult to control the cursor precisely.
 - Possible Cause: Determine whether low sensitivity settings or hardware design flaws cause inaccuracy.

- Problem: Overheating during prolonged use.

 - Impact: Device becomes uncomfortable or throttles performance.
 - Possible Cause: Explain how poor ventilation or inefficient thermal management in design contributes to this issue.


3. Tablets[edit]

- Problem: Heavy weight for prolonged handheld use.

 - Impact: Users experience physical strain while using the device.
 - Possible Cause: Investigate if material choice or size optimization can improve ergonomics.

- Problem: Limited multitasking functionality compared to laptops.

 - Impact: Reduces productivity for users needing multiple open applications.
 - Possible Cause: Justify whether this limitation stems from hardware constraints or software prioritization.


4. Smartwatches[edit]

- Problem: Small input area.

 - Impact: Difficulties in typing or navigating menus.
 - Possible Cause: Evaluate alternative input methods, such as voice or gestures, for improved usability.

- Problem: Short battery life.

 - Impact: Frequent charging reduces convenience.
 - Possible Cause: Explore how energy-intensive features, like constant connectivity, drain the battery.


Gaming Consoles[edit]

- Problem: Complex controller layouts.

 - Impact: New users struggle to remember button mappings.
 - Possible Cause: Discuss whether this complexity is due to game design or a lack of standardization.

- Problem: Online connectivity issues.

 - Impact: Players experience interruptions during multiplayer sessions.
 - Possible Cause: Examine whether server limitations or poor network code exacerbate this problem.


Standards[edit]

  • Identify a range of usability problems with commonly used digital devices


References[edit]