Appliance Design - September 2007 - (Page 52) INDUSTRIAL DESIGN ferent meanings in different countries. (See Table 1.) Example: A power toggle switch on a product that was being reconfigured from a U.S. version to one that could be positioned in several European countries. The U.S. model’s switch turned on the machine by pressing the up button. That was compatible with the population stereotype for Germany, but not for the United Kingdom, where the lower button is used to turn something on. The issue created a dilemma, since the same product was slated for both countries. That dilemma was quickly and economically solved by mounting the switch on its side during the product reconfiguration because no strong stereotype exists for either country for the relationship between the left-right action and the on-off result. Issue 7. Usability testing. The trap: Having a few friends, relatives or co-workers try out the product, assuming that such a small sample is representative of the entire user universe. Usability testing is the most common method used by human factors engineers to evaluate usability of hardware and software. It sounds simple, but it requires thoughtful planning and proves to be more reliable than getting informal judgments from family and friends. Formal usability testing employs targeted participants individually performing typical tasks as a basis for collecting performance and perception data. Such testing should not be thought of as a quality-control task performed just prior to shipment of the product. Instead, usability testing proves most valuable when it is applied at appropriate times during the product development cycle to discover interaction problems when they can be more easily solved. Such testing is often conducted in a usability lab with one-way mirror glass for discreet viewing by design engineers and other interested observers. (See Fig. 2). Example: As part of client training, a usability test was performed on two defibrillator models already on the market. Among the problems found was that 50 percent of the users failed to select the correct synchronization setting after each administered shock. The reselection was required because the software logic reverted to the default mode after each shock. The operator control panel did not clearly indicate the change to the user. Usability testing during development of the defibrillator would have discovered this problem. Unfortunately, this exact error occurred at a hospital during a physician-administered defibrillation of a patient using one of the tested defibrillators. Issue 8. Operator training. The trap: Assuming that the user will receive training in use of the product, therefore it isn’t necessary to worry about usability. While it is true that users may get some training in the use of a product targeted for a commercial or medical environment, owners of consumer products receive no such training. But even when such training exists, there is still the trap relating to the quality of the training and its lasting effect. Sometimes the so-called training is just a quick walkthrough of the product given by the person who installed or delivered it. Such brief overviews typically lack a script to ensure that all important things get addressed that were important to the cus- fresh air Today’s products demand reliable cooling and air movement. That’s what you get with Rosenberg, Ecofit and ETRI fans from Rosenberg USA. Motorized impellers, blowers and fans in every size and style to meet your performance needs, plus delivery and support second to none. It’s a breath of fresh air. Call: (704) 893-0883 Fax: (704) 882-0755 e-mail sales@rosenbergusa.com www.rosenbergusa.com Representatives wanted For more Information Enter 134 52 applianceDESIGN September 2007 www.applianceDESIGN.com http://www.rosenbergusa.com http://www.rosenbergusa.com http://www.appliancedesign.com
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