Assessing Modes of Interaction

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Assessing Modes of Interaction"

MargaretMargaret Norris
5 years ago
Views:

Project 2 Assessing Modes of Interaction Analysis of exercise equipment Overview For this assignment, we conducted a preliminary analysis of two similar types of elliptical trainers.

1 Project 2 Assessing Modes of Interaction Analysis of exercise equipment Overview For this assignment, we conducted a preliminary analysis of two similar types of elliptical trainers. We are able to find signifiers and constraints with both machines. Mapping each machine s use allow us to determine which piece of equipment is designed best and is more user-friendly. Background To try to understand how people work with the digital component of exercise equipment, we chose two ellipticals. Both pieces of equipment had a digital interface where users could input and change information about their workout. The Bob Block is located in a local apartment complex, and the Precor elliptical is available in IU recreational centers. Bob Block Fitness Equipment is an Indiana-located fitness supplier. They offer a variety of gym equipment, accessories, and services. They also provide training and demos for their machines. Precor is a much more globally-oriented fitness services provider. They offer more equipment, education, and services than Bob Block. Both have been in the fitness business for more than 30 years. ( ( Kimberlyn Beard, Evelyn Johnson, Mallory Vann, Zhenyu Yang

2 Mapping of Bob Block Elliptical The first machine we will analyze is the Bob Block elliptical trainer. Overall, this piece of equipment was basic in design. However, the use of its interface and selecting a program was a bit frustrating. The biggest drawback I had found during its use was the basic start up function. It seemed to take longer than most machines to power up. This could make the user uncertain of their actions and begin to search for a power or begin button somewhere on the interface.

This was a clear signifier because it lights up upon startup and is very noticeable because it glows orange.

3 Successful Signifier: The interactive user face included the only step by step instructions available throughout the exercise. This set up allows the user to scroll through pre-set work outs, and select an area they wish to workout most. This was a clear signifier because it lights up upon startup and is very noticeable because it glows orange. Unsuccessful Signifier: When we had first begun to use this machine, we saw white text that read: Press Quick Start or any key to begin. Use +/- buttons below to program a workout. We had first believed these printed instructions would make our workout simple to start. This signifier only confused us because it lacked the steps on how to begin a pre-programmed workout. This signifier was meant to help users, but only confused us even more.

This is added security provided by more constraint.

4 Successful Constraints: The design of the pedals on the Bob Block elliptical has good usage of constraints. The rigid pattern on the base provides the user s feet with grip to prevent slipping while the machine is in motion. We can see raised edges along the borders of the pedals. This is added security provided by more constraint. If the user were to lose their balance, there is a higher chance that they will not fall completely off because they have something to catch the weight of their feet. This constraint is most beneficial in the front of the pedal, where the user would place their toes. Unsuccessful Constraint: The mysterious bulk around the drink holder is not user-friendly. It has raised rounded edges that seem to be designed to constrain something. However, it is unappealing to the eye and has somewhat confusing dimensions. It is unclear as to what the user is intended to use this space for, or why this space is constrained at all.

5 Mapping of Precor Elliptical 1. Clear indicators to step on the pedals (signifier the pedals themselves), so I do. There are handlebars on either side to keep a user from falling off of the machine (constraint) and to allow the user to hold on to the machine (signifier). 2. It is difficult to keep the pedals still while standing on the elliptical (signifier can t be still). I slipped and started moving. The machine turned on. I was not expecting it to turn on after I started moving. I expected there to be a button to press first (mapping - bad). 3. Directions start scrolling across the screen (signifier). I notice I can still exercise without clicking buttons. 4. The first direction said select a workout or choose quick start. I located the buttons clearly labeled Workout and quick start (signifier). 5. I pressed the weight loss button, because I did not know if it actually made a difference which button I pressed, and this was the first one. Apparently there are only a few ways to use this machine, because there are only a few workout buttons to select (constraint). 6. The next direction said press OK, so I did. The OK button was right in the middle of the machine dashboard, and it was green for go. I liked that the pause button was in red-orange. 7. Information popped up in green letters at the top of the screen about my heart rate and the time I had remaining on the treadmill based on the workout I chose (constraint limited time). The stationary handles are the first ones I grabbed, and they have a metallic cover instead of rubber to better gather pulse information (signifier the stationary handles). 8. Occasionally, my pedaling slowed down, and the machine suggested I Pedal Faster (signifier keep the machine on). 9. When I pedaled backwards, the machine kept going. I wasn t sure how to turn my machine off when I decided to quit exercising, because there was no off button (lack of signifiers).

Successful Signifiers: The scrolling message across the top of the screen was, for the most part, a successful signifier on the Precor elliptical.

It also gave instructions throughout the workout, such as pedal faster when the user moved too slowly.

6 Successful Signifiers: The scrolling message across the top of the screen was, for the most part, a successful signifier on the Precor elliptical. It gave clear and concise directions on how to use the machine, once the machine was turned on. It guided us through successfully selecting a workout. It also gave instructions throughout the workout, such as pedal faster when the user moved too slowly. One slightly less successful feature of this signifier was that the words moved quickly across the top of the screen, and so occasionally part of the message was missed. However, each message was repeated until the action was completed, so the user had multiple opportunities to be able to read the full message. The Heart Rate Information screen and the Calories screen were also successful signifiers. The Calories screen told the user how many calories they were burning, and it updated constantly so that the user was always aware of how successful their workout was. The Heart Rate information showed up each time the user gripped the handlebars of the machine. While the machine was taking the users pulse, the small heart in the center of the machine glowed, signifying that the user should not remove their hands from the handlebars yet.

So, when we pressed the button the first time, nothing happened. Once the user began pedaling, directions scrolled across the top of the screen that said press the Quick Start button.

7 Unsuccessful Signifiers: The Quick Start button on the Precor elliptical was both a good and a bad signifier. Because it is called Quick Start, we expected that it would start the machine, so the first thing we did was press this button. However, the machine starts once the user begins pedaling. So, when we pressed the button the first time, nothing happened. Once the user began pedaling, directions scrolled across the top of the screen that said press the Quick Start button. At that point, the Quick Start button began the specific workout program for the user. Therefore, the Quick Start button is a signifier for beginning the workout, not starting the machine, as it affords. The workout buttons were also unsuccessful signifiers on the Precor elliptical. If a user does not have any experience using an elliptical, the buttons do not give enough information about what each workout is for. For example, we were unsure how pressing the button labeled performance was supposed to affect the workout. An inexperienced user would probably select the weight loss button, as we did, simply because it was the top left button on this section of the machine.

8 Successful Constraint: The side handlebars on the Precor elliptical constrained the user. They moved so that the user always had something to hold on to help keep their balance, making it very difficult to fall off the side of the machine. The center handlebars constrained how users could measure their pulse. These handlebars did not allow measurement if the user to moved outside of the space provided. Unsuccessful Constraint: The user is supposed to exercise the full time limit, but if they decide to take a break, the machine shuts off and doesn t save their information. By not having a power button, and just a pause button, some users may hit pause and never come back, or never complete their full workout.

The Bob Block elliptical was strongly lacking in the signifiers and mapping on the machine.

9 Conclusion: If the user is new to using an elliptical, the most challenging part for them may be powering the machine on or off. Both of the pieces of elliptical equipment we compared lacked signifiers that let the user know they needed to begin by pedaling in order to begin their workout. The Bob Block elliptical was strongly lacking in the signifiers and mapping on the machine. Although the design of the machine is simple, users can easily get confused while trying to set up any type of work out, quick start included. This elliptical was the least user friendly. Right as the Precor starts up, after the pedals or handles move, the user interface guides users by providing directions to choose a workout. It also directs the user to push the OK button after each selection. Although we also experienced some difficulties with getting this machine to power up, it was a clear winner when it comes to usability. This machine provides more guidance which allows it to be used by both beginners or experienced users.

10 Photo Credits: All Bob Block pictures taken by Mallory Vann All Precor pictures taken by Kimberlyn Beard

User Interface Design Analysis precor efx 425 elliptical i300: HCI/D - Tom Mitchell Fall 2015

User Interface Design Analysis precor efx 425 elliptical i300: HCI/D - Tom Mitchell Fall 2015 - Keana Mowery - - Andrew Leguina - - Alex Montgomery - overview // In this project our analyzed the user experience