These simulated devices are illustrations for my short course on Cognitive Dimensions analysis, showing how slight changes in the design affect their usability properties. Analyse them from the point of view of Cognitive Dimensions. Don't try to suggest technical fixes for the problems, and don't look for problems that are outside the range of Cognitive Dimensions (well, obviously you can if you want, but the point is to give you practice in seeing what you can do with Cog Dims, and looking for other problems won't help you get that).
Compatibility - I have tried to make sure they all work under Netscape 4+ and Internet Explorer 4+, on both Mac and PC platforms. No promises for other platforms. [For an up-to-date browser go to Netscape's Download page.]
Central heating controllers |
Designed for domestic use and must therefore be fairly simple, with a small number of LCD displays. The 'Alhambra' system is a fairly faithful copy of the controller in our house (different name, of course). The 'Balmoral' is a reduced version of the Alhambra. The 'Chateau' uses a different approach. On which dimensions do they differ? |
Form-filling
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It's frustrating to fill out a form by phone, especially to someone unsympathetic. And it's equally frustrating to answer questions to a rigid-minded computer program. To simulate it, visit Disobliging Dave's restaurant, where you have to choose each course in turn, and there is no going back. At Cheerful Charley's, it's like filling out the same form yourself - they leave you a piece of paper - just mark the dishes you want. Same menu at both establishments. Try to choose a dinner that avoids having the same ingredient twice in two courses! |
Digital Watch |
A standard three-button digital watch |
Smart Telephones
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The 'Egbert', based on a popular commercially-available telephone, has a simple memory feature that allows numbers to be stored and recalled. How does it rate on the dimensions? |
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Notations |
Examples of some very different notations: Task-Action Grammar, ERMIA, and the structure of the web. Which is better for exploratory design? |
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More to come if I get time.
What did you think of the exercises? Comments to greenery usualAt ntlworld usualDot com (sorry about anti-spam tricks)