What is user experience design? I suppose it is a way of differentiation amidst all other similar products, considering how technological imitation is a breeze, with the technological progress we have now.
It was only after this project that I started to appreciate the attention to details for a system to work out right, both technically, and even more so for the user experience. I don't know why; perhaps it is due to human nature of not seeing our own faults or the variance of human cognition, but the responses of users were not always what I had imagined. I initially thought content would be more important than aesthetics; surveys revealed this. However, when presented with the actual prototype, users started to place much emphasis on aesthetics and design rather than content. Looks like users of today really look for a 'wow' factor in products and not just the functionalities.
I felt that in-depth interviews were a great help as some interviewees provided very good and quirky ideas that would make the site a pleasure and surprise to use. I also found that there are advantages to measuring responses from both friends and strangers. With strangers, you get responses from people who think more differently from you (as friends can start having interests/ thoughts etc more similar to each other). But with friends you can get more frank responses if they do not like your site. Being polite, users may not wish to criticise your product, especially when they do not know you well.
During the user testing, I also noted that users tended to reply with very personal (which equates to uncontrollable) comments like how the colour happens to be their favourite colour so they love it, This got me thinking about how designing for user experience is a paradox as cognition of users are very subjective and specific; designing perfectly for one alienates the others. Hence, no one design can fit every single individual to a 'T' even within target groups. I think the best alternative would be to strike a balance between targeting a niche market and providing for the masses; by having design and features that are unique yet have 'potential' mass appeal. I say potential because we cannot ignore the importance of the 'in' crowd. Sometimes, user experience may not be as 'unique' as users would like to think. Something that originally would not have appealed to someone can suddenly become appealing as user experience is also influenced by external forces like peer and 'in- group' pressure (social forces). Hence, one way to go about designing for user experience can also be to target a niche market that is the 'in' and influential crowd as advanced users, and letting these advanced users lead and pave the way for majority of novice users who are compelled to want this same 'cool' product.
In the fleeting world of today, novelties come and go. It is hence a challenge to avoid letting the 'wow' factor come from only initial one-time surprises that fade with increased exposure. I felt that the customisation concept underlying SHmile itself contributes to a sustainable user experience in the long-run, giving it a timeless quality. Although we initially played with the idea of giving SHmile character through a smiley mascot, we realised that character is not a literal thing, but more metaphorical; like the characteristic 'feel' that the product gives.
All in all, as user experience can be such a subjective thing, this means that there can be more than one approach to user experience design, user testing and evaluation is of utmost importance, and lastly, do not be afraid of treading on unexplored territory or extracting new concepts within the familiar, as it is often the very novel concepts or simplest ideas building up on familiarity that power the design of successful products. Also, minimalist is the new black. So keep functions to the bare minimum for stimulation and pleasure! (think iPod without a radio function)
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Reflections on User Research Smoke and Mirror reading
Well, the author has mentioned that card sorting, focus groups, guerilla, usability testing, and user personas are entirely subjective.
While reading through the article, I thought it might still be better to begin with some ‘scientific’ research to recognize the novice/ advanced users characteristics and their relative population before proceeding to user personas and then to the ‘subjective’ kind of testing. Otherwise, how else can we select a target population to get opinions from?
As much as user experience is a very personal thing, I still feel that no design can please EVERYone, so we’ll just have to make do with pleasing majority of the target audience. And the only way of finding who the majority are is still more ‘scientific’ methods like surveys first, before proceeding with the ‘subjective’ opinions from TARGET representations.
However, as I finished reading the article, I suddenly had a much clearer vision of what ‘user experience design’ really meant. Afterall, we have always been taught how to do things systematically and scientifically, with research to back it all up. So, I still needed some time getting used to it, but now it’s better than I first started out in this module. It’s inevitable that a human wouldn’t want to part with his/ her initial ideas, so it’s good that NM2208 has taught me to at least try. =p
Perhaps the writer makes a more extremist point because he knows it is human nature to want to go ‘scientific’, so we now have to unlearn what it is we learnt by going full-scale opposite direction before we learn to strike a balance. (as you can see, I am still for a balanced user testing).
“And since I provided my own researched examples of questionable research, my essay is more scientific! ;-)” To conclude, I also thought this writer wrote this article with his users in mind; what with the bothering with humour and easy-to-read sentence structures. Oh well, I suppose he had to, considering how he’s writing on that very topic itself =) His self- reflexivity makes for a more engaging read. User experience considered! =)
While reading through the article, I thought it might still be better to begin with some ‘scientific’ research to recognize the novice/ advanced users characteristics and their relative population before proceeding to user personas and then to the ‘subjective’ kind of testing. Otherwise, how else can we select a target population to get opinions from?
As much as user experience is a very personal thing, I still feel that no design can please EVERYone, so we’ll just have to make do with pleasing majority of the target audience. And the only way of finding who the majority are is still more ‘scientific’ methods like surveys first, before proceeding with the ‘subjective’ opinions from TARGET representations.
However, as I finished reading the article, I suddenly had a much clearer vision of what ‘user experience design’ really meant. Afterall, we have always been taught how to do things systematically and scientifically, with research to back it all up. So, I still needed some time getting used to it, but now it’s better than I first started out in this module. It’s inevitable that a human wouldn’t want to part with his/ her initial ideas, so it’s good that NM2208 has taught me to at least try. =p
Perhaps the writer makes a more extremist point because he knows it is human nature to want to go ‘scientific’, so we now have to unlearn what it is we learnt by going full-scale opposite direction before we learn to strike a balance. (as you can see, I am still for a balanced user testing).
“And since I provided my own researched examples of questionable research, my essay is more scientific! ;-)” To conclude, I also thought this writer wrote this article with his users in mind; what with the bothering with humour and easy-to-read sentence structures. Oh well, I suppose he had to, considering how he’s writing on that very topic itself =) His self- reflexivity makes for a more engaging read. User experience considered! =)
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Nightmare assignment
HOW WE GOT DATA
Ethnographic
• Personal observation during lectures (more technical)
• Limited because of nature of learning experience- individual
• We always qualify to comment as we are students
Interviews (focus)
- 12 people in all (excluding us)
- each of us interviewed 4 persons
- 2 friends (more willing to be frank), 2 strangers (diff views as we tend to have same group of friends)
PROBLEMS FOUND PLUS SOLUTIONS
Technical
- equipment not user- friendly (lecturer doesn’t know how to use, so waste time) training session for lecturers, get tech idiots to choose the AV equipment, attach a technician to these lecturers- but note that it is better to teach one how to fish than give fish
- poor temperature control (subjective) can’t satisfy everyone, wear less and bring a sweater
- low screen leading to poor visibility by shorter students sitting at the back taller positioning of screens
- too cramped seats with insufficient leg space
Students
- bad view of screen tall people should just sit behind
- shy to speak up culture change/ technical: logging in real time to contribute
- laptop charging facilities only available at back of lecture build more power supply sockets
- latecomers are disruptive thought of building 2 levels like in UCC but not feasible, thought of imposing fines on latecomers but will not affect the rich → can scan matric card as attendance (but thought that people might get friends to help), so can do fingerprint scanning instead- help lecturers feel more secure having webcast for those who really can’t make it on that day cause this method ensures attendance
- loud keyboard typing sounds see below
- talkative use of technical equipment (soundproof headphones- those who are hygiene freaks or are feeling too rich can purchase a personal set or coax the school to change new sets every few years. Lighted student seat/ soundproof bell), culture (could it be lecturer’s fault indirectly as well?)
Lecturers
- speak in monotone/ high pitch use of technical equipment to adjust pitch as lower pitches with varying tone have been proven more beneficial for maximal absorption
- talk too fast but if use technology to slow down pace, when people reach home, you might still be there listening to the recorded lecture
- too much information in a single lecture- information overload get lecturers to better manage workload and cater to students’ tastes by holding surveys, resist the temptation to impart a lifetime of knowledge in one and a half hours
- not sensitive to students’ needs: when we are tired, don’t give break technically, could use technical equipment to vote for a break and alert the lecturer when majority opts for one
- refuse to end punctually, hence the students who may need to leave earlier for a next class may miss crucial things like exam tips and be deprived of a chance to listen through a lecture in its entirety like the above problem, could try not giving lecturers performance bonus
- boring: can cause people to talk/ doze off bring gadgets/ samples like Mr. Reddy did with the cameras and scents, hold surveys/ ratings (but not very effective because locals tend to be polite about this), make lecturers memorise some related jokes when all else fails (it worked for a GEK module I took)
- not uploading notes before lecture culture in Singapore to be kiasu. Some lecturers in other countries may feel this impedes learning,but because of Singaporean culture, we tend to copy everything even when there are no notes; even harder to listen
- quality of notes
BUT....
• Tools are only as good as their user
• Majority of people interviewed mentioned that lecturer is still the most important
• Which way the lecture goes depends on the lecturer: if interesting, people naturally find it easier to follow through and recall/ be silent & punctual out of respect (top down cultural change)
• We admit that being students, we could be biased about the solutions
• If lecturers were to do this assignment…
CONCLUSION: cultural solutions
Good points of cultural solutions:
- get to root of problem
- save $$
- technology can be unreliable at times (headphones could spoil)
- inventions cannot solve the problem and we do not want to churn out inconsiderate noisy people from NUS (macro- societal level)
Bad points of cultural solutions:
- takes a long time to implement and see changes
- people cannot be controlled, could be too stubborn to change, should respect human rights
WHAT WE REALISED
- Everyone is different, can’t please everyone
- No one blamed their own attitude (including us)
Ethnographic
• Personal observation during lectures (more technical)
• Limited because of nature of learning experience- individual
• We always qualify to comment as we are students
Interviews (focus)
- 12 people in all (excluding us)
- each of us interviewed 4 persons
- 2 friends (more willing to be frank), 2 strangers (diff views as we tend to have same group of friends)
PROBLEMS FOUND PLUS SOLUTIONS
Technical
- equipment not user- friendly (lecturer doesn’t know how to use, so waste time) training session for lecturers, get tech idiots to choose the AV equipment, attach a technician to these lecturers- but note that it is better to teach one how to fish than give fish
- poor temperature control (subjective) can’t satisfy everyone, wear less and bring a sweater
- low screen leading to poor visibility by shorter students sitting at the back taller positioning of screens
- too cramped seats with insufficient leg space
Students
- bad view of screen tall people should just sit behind
- shy to speak up culture change/ technical: logging in real time to contribute
- laptop charging facilities only available at back of lecture build more power supply sockets
- latecomers are disruptive thought of building 2 levels like in UCC but not feasible, thought of imposing fines on latecomers but will not affect the rich → can scan matric card as attendance (but thought that people might get friends to help), so can do fingerprint scanning instead- help lecturers feel more secure having webcast for those who really can’t make it on that day cause this method ensures attendance
- loud keyboard typing sounds see below
- talkative use of technical equipment (soundproof headphones- those who are hygiene freaks or are feeling too rich can purchase a personal set or coax the school to change new sets every few years. Lighted student seat/ soundproof bell), culture (could it be lecturer’s fault indirectly as well?)
Lecturers
- speak in monotone/ high pitch use of technical equipment to adjust pitch as lower pitches with varying tone have been proven more beneficial for maximal absorption
- talk too fast but if use technology to slow down pace, when people reach home, you might still be there listening to the recorded lecture
- too much information in a single lecture- information overload get lecturers to better manage workload and cater to students’ tastes by holding surveys, resist the temptation to impart a lifetime of knowledge in one and a half hours
- not sensitive to students’ needs: when we are tired, don’t give break technically, could use technical equipment to vote for a break and alert the lecturer when majority opts for one
- refuse to end punctually, hence the students who may need to leave earlier for a next class may miss crucial things like exam tips and be deprived of a chance to listen through a lecture in its entirety like the above problem, could try not giving lecturers performance bonus
- boring: can cause people to talk/ doze off bring gadgets/ samples like Mr. Reddy did with the cameras and scents, hold surveys/ ratings (but not very effective because locals tend to be polite about this), make lecturers memorise some related jokes when all else fails (it worked for a GEK module I took)
- not uploading notes before lecture culture in Singapore to be kiasu. Some lecturers in other countries may feel this impedes learning,but because of Singaporean culture, we tend to copy everything even when there are no notes; even harder to listen
- quality of notes
BUT....
• Tools are only as good as their user
• Majority of people interviewed mentioned that lecturer is still the most important
• Which way the lecture goes depends on the lecturer: if interesting, people naturally find it easier to follow through and recall/ be silent & punctual out of respect (top down cultural change)
• We admit that being students, we could be biased about the solutions
• If lecturers were to do this assignment…
CONCLUSION: cultural solutions
Good points of cultural solutions:
- get to root of problem
- save $$
- technology can be unreliable at times (headphones could spoil)
- inventions cannot solve the problem and we do not want to churn out inconsiderate noisy people from NUS (macro- societal level)
Bad points of cultural solutions:
- takes a long time to implement and see changes
- people cannot be controlled, could be too stubborn to change, should respect human rights
WHAT WE REALISED
- Everyone is different, can’t please everyone
- No one blamed their own attitude (including us)
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Four pleasure analysis
Name: Pete
Age: 29
Occupation: Engineer
Marital Status: Attached
Citizenship: Singaporean
Pete is a 29 year old engineer living in Singapore.
He has had 3 years of working experience between 2 companies since he graduated with a decent degree in engineering a few years back.
Being keen on photography since his teenage years, he has been dabbling in photography but did not join photography society back in school as his heavy engineering course coupled with tuition jobs have taken up all his time. As a result, he is now more into digital photography due to the technology age. He is quite a confident person and believes in himself.
He enjoys going on fishing, hikes and being with nature and this is his form of exercise for both his physique and photography skills. He frequents places like Bukit Timah nature reserve, botanical gardens and short trips to nearby islands. He is not that obsessed with his body as he sees it more as a functional tool for his soul than something to show off. However, he is rather pleased that the hikes and fishing do accord him more attention by repaying him with tanned skin and slightly above average build.
However, ever since he got attached to a banker which he met at a company party, he has less time for his hiking, fishing buddies and photography as compared to the past. They have taken to the typical dinner and movie date. It's not that he minds, but he would have been happier if she loved hiking as he did.
Pete' buddies from secondary school are an odd mix- a rising entrepreneur, a creative director and a fashion stylist. He has gotten over feeling a little out of place at times for holding a 'conventional' job. Pete is known as the ever- practical guy in his clique. His family is neither dysfunctional nor extremely close; he has a fashion- conscious sister with whom he is on good terms with.
Four pleasure analysis of Pete
Physio- pleasure (maintaining his tan, relaxing with close mates)
To him, relaxing is a night out drinking with friends or going on dates with his girlfriend since he reduced his frequency of hiking some time back. He enjoys going for an occasional Sunday jog under the hot midday sun to retain the tan that his girlfriend found attractive.
Socio- pleasure (simple needs, easily contented with unchanging company) (need)
His girlfriend stays over at his place rather often, and when she doesn't he goes out drinking with his mates. His social needs are simple. At work he does not interact very much with his colleagues, not that he minds. Socializing or being showy is not his forte. Definitely not a trend setter.
Psycho- pleasure (need for stability)
He has a job that satisfies his need for stability. His friends are the same old gang always. His girlfriend, however, can be a bit of a flirt, which worries him just a little at times. Hence, he tries to be a tad more fashionable than he was since he met her, to keep the passion going (and to make himself feel more secure). Knowing how she loves clubbing, he tries to catch up on the latest songs with the help of his buddies. He enjoys the satisfaction of mastering new applications and techniques in photography (appreciation). He also derives pleasure from having ease of use over something which people have problems in such as manual settings on his camera (aperture and shuttle speed configuration) (appreciation). He loves the smell of new gadgets(appreciation). He enjoys the feel of a good grip of a quality equipment (appreciation).
Ideo- pleasure (filial, decent, down to earth)
He knows he looks slightly above average but does not take pride in that. He dresses conventionally and would not be caught dead in pink. He does not like the idea of being in the centre of attraction, especially since the girls in his life (girlfriend and sister) are already the attention seeking sort. He is a Buddhist who goes as (not) far as to offer an occasional set of joss sticks with his parents when he brings them to the temple to pray. Being practical, he does not think much about his image. Basically he is a rather nice guy with a decent set of morals. Change is not appealing to him. Being down to earth, he believes in quality over appearance (need).
Specifications of product
Practical
- Bluetooth (to transfer data of computer to handphone for work purposes)
- removable memory (to easily transport loads of data and free up space)
- shock protection (for in case he gets a chance to go hiking)
- at least 400 hours of standby time (no need for constant charging)
- not too many useless functions (active functions or keys should always be on top)
- caller ringing tones that vary with different people (so he can know if he should bother answering quickly without reaching for his phone as few people matter to him)
- personal shortcuts (being busy at work efficient use of handphone is necessary)
Affective
- large screen (girlfriend maintains it's more manly)
- 3.2 megapixel camera (to please photo- taking girlfriend) (also practical for taking spontaneous rough shots as ideas for his designs at work)
- quality camera lens
- on device photo editing capabilities
- looks stylish yet is not too loud for his liking (especially colour)
- music player that can play MP3 and AAC formats (his closest friends use a Mac and often like to exchange songs)
- direct plug in, drag and drop of music files
- picture messaging (for when his girlfriend sends him her sexy pictures)
- weight not more than 170g (as an engineer, he appreciates good but lightweight design)
This is how his ideal handphone should look like (in my opinion):
Age: 29
Occupation: Engineer
Marital Status: Attached
Citizenship: Singaporean
Pete is a 29 year old engineer living in Singapore.
He has had 3 years of working experience between 2 companies since he graduated with a decent degree in engineering a few years back.
Being keen on photography since his teenage years, he has been dabbling in photography but did not join photography society back in school as his heavy engineering course coupled with tuition jobs have taken up all his time. As a result, he is now more into digital photography due to the technology age. He is quite a confident person and believes in himself.
He enjoys going on fishing, hikes and being with nature and this is his form of exercise for both his physique and photography skills. He frequents places like Bukit Timah nature reserve, botanical gardens and short trips to nearby islands. He is not that obsessed with his body as he sees it more as a functional tool for his soul than something to show off. However, he is rather pleased that the hikes and fishing do accord him more attention by repaying him with tanned skin and slightly above average build.
However, ever since he got attached to a banker which he met at a company party, he has less time for his hiking, fishing buddies and photography as compared to the past. They have taken to the typical dinner and movie date. It's not that he minds, but he would have been happier if she loved hiking as he did.
Pete' buddies from secondary school are an odd mix- a rising entrepreneur, a creative director and a fashion stylist. He has gotten over feeling a little out of place at times for holding a 'conventional' job. Pete is known as the ever- practical guy in his clique. His family is neither dysfunctional nor extremely close; he has a fashion- conscious sister with whom he is on good terms with.
Four pleasure analysis of Pete
Physio- pleasure (maintaining his tan, relaxing with close mates)
To him, relaxing is a night out drinking with friends or going on dates with his girlfriend since he reduced his frequency of hiking some time back. He enjoys going for an occasional Sunday jog under the hot midday sun to retain the tan that his girlfriend found attractive.
Socio- pleasure (simple needs, easily contented with unchanging company) (need)
His girlfriend stays over at his place rather often, and when she doesn't he goes out drinking with his mates. His social needs are simple. At work he does not interact very much with his colleagues, not that he minds. Socializing or being showy is not his forte. Definitely not a trend setter.
Psycho- pleasure (need for stability)
He has a job that satisfies his need for stability. His friends are the same old gang always. His girlfriend, however, can be a bit of a flirt, which worries him just a little at times. Hence, he tries to be a tad more fashionable than he was since he met her, to keep the passion going (and to make himself feel more secure). Knowing how she loves clubbing, he tries to catch up on the latest songs with the help of his buddies. He enjoys the satisfaction of mastering new applications and techniques in photography (appreciation). He also derives pleasure from having ease of use over something which people have problems in such as manual settings on his camera (aperture and shuttle speed configuration) (appreciation). He loves the smell of new gadgets(appreciation). He enjoys the feel of a good grip of a quality equipment (appreciation).
Ideo- pleasure (filial, decent, down to earth)
He knows he looks slightly above average but does not take pride in that. He dresses conventionally and would not be caught dead in pink. He does not like the idea of being in the centre of attraction, especially since the girls in his life (girlfriend and sister) are already the attention seeking sort. He is a Buddhist who goes as (not) far as to offer an occasional set of joss sticks with his parents when he brings them to the temple to pray. Being practical, he does not think much about his image. Basically he is a rather nice guy with a decent set of morals. Change is not appealing to him. Being down to earth, he believes in quality over appearance (need).
Specifications of product
Practical
- Bluetooth (to transfer data of computer to handphone for work purposes)
- removable memory (to easily transport loads of data and free up space)
- shock protection (for in case he gets a chance to go hiking)
- at least 400 hours of standby time (no need for constant charging)
- not too many useless functions (active functions or keys should always be on top)
- caller ringing tones that vary with different people (so he can know if he should bother answering quickly without reaching for his phone as few people matter to him)
- personal shortcuts (being busy at work efficient use of handphone is necessary)
Affective
- large screen (girlfriend maintains it's more manly)
- 3.2 megapixel camera (to please photo- taking girlfriend) (also practical for taking spontaneous rough shots as ideas for his designs at work)
- quality camera lens
- on device photo editing capabilities
- looks stylish yet is not too loud for his liking (especially colour)
- music player that can play MP3 and AAC formats (his closest friends use a Mac and often like to exchange songs)
- direct plug in, drag and drop of music files
- picture messaging (for when his girlfriend sends him her sexy pictures)
- weight not more than 170g (as an engineer, he appreciates good but lightweight design)
This is how his ideal handphone should look like (in my opinion):
Monday, January 22, 2007
Pleasure with products
Viseral
This is the girls' toilet at Club Momo. The doors are plastered with hunky men, the toilet seats are glittery gold to give you that glamour princess feel. At one glance, you know you like (subjective) this toilet already, despite it being just as functional as any other lousy toilet with no added functions. The cubicles are not even spacious to begin with, but I just like it.
Behavioural
I chose my home's lousy ugly toilet because I feel happiest using it. It's not pretty, it does not have flashy men on the door to welcome me with washboard abs, nor am I proud to show off my toilet to visitors. The seat is even cracked and the flush and door lock a little faulty. However, despite its very minimal functionality, because I have been using it all my life, I am most at home with it and hence to me, what might be any old ugly toilet to others is more cosy and warm to use to me than any designer toilet. Somehow, my total experience with my home toilet (which made me choose it for behavioural design) is not really based so much on the toilet features but my emotions.
Reflective
http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/techno/toilet/women.html
I haven't actually come across any toilet that made me feel it had a reflective design, so I am using these Japan toilet pictures. This is how Matsushita expects toilets in future to look. This toilet has medical sensors to "measure the blood sugar, the pulse, blood pressure, and the body fat content of the user. This data may automatically be sent to a doctor through a built-in internet-capable cellular telephone".
http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/techno/toilet/women.html
Even now, as I type, Japanese women are pressing the buttons on the Sound Princess, a device that produces flushing sounds to cover the sounds of their own peeing and stuff. Below are the features that a Toto toilet offers apart from this device.
- washlet to wash diff parts of body with warm water
- heated seat
- automatic flushing
- germ-resistant surface
Other toilet models in Japan (according to Wiki coz I haven't been there)
- glow in the dark
- play music
- arm rests for eldery and elevated seats
- automatic air deodorizing
- automatic lid with proximity sensor to allow opening and closing based on the location of the user
I believe that as reduandant as many functions are, we would be proud to own this toilet despite it being very user- unfriendly (you have to read the maunal). I would think that the owner of such a toilet would feel pretty high- tech and up to date with this gadget in his bathroom. It may not be the prettiest thing, but it sure will wow (and wet) the trousers off your visitors.
Men only
Viseral
I'm not a guy, so I can't be sure, but I guess some guys might love this urinal design that appeals to their erm. senses. This urinal is from the club Roxy. It has this perceived hedonic quality of fun and cheekiness, so even if it may be hard to clean properly at the sides of the erm. mouth, some weird men may actually want to own it. I guess it is fully functional and usuable, so yea..why not.
http://www.urinal.net/the_felix/
Another cool toilet at Felix in Hong Kong. A more conventional feel- good kind of cool. Not too user friendly as the design makes one feel exposed. Messy guys might miss and splash all over the floor. Other than that, who doesn't want to look at the pretty Hong Kong night scene while peeing?
Behavioural
The good old school urinal. It could be pleasurable to use because it is functional and no- frills, serving the needs of men when they need it most. Namely after long lectures without breaks. Plus, every guy knows how to use it because it is user- friendly.
Reflective
Again, no cool toilets in Singapore, so I had to search online. This is what I found.
http://www.urilift.com/
A public toilet (by Urilift) that elevates with a remote at night to cater to party animals who used to pee publicly all over the streets (in other countries). In the day, it is almost invisible, camouflaged as a sewage cover. Makes you want to own one of these, though you can't unless you are freaking rich or is the government. It combines high- tech with functionality as the hardy material means it is vandalism proof, making things easier on the eyes and on the toilet auntie.
I'm not a guy, so I can't be sure, but I guess some guys might love this urinal design that appeals to their erm. senses. This urinal is from the club Roxy. It has this perceived hedonic quality of fun and cheekiness, so even if it may be hard to clean properly at the sides of the erm. mouth, some weird men may actually want to own it. I guess it is fully functional and usuable, so yea..why not.
http://www.urinal.net/the_felix/
Another cool toilet at Felix in Hong Kong. A more conventional feel- good kind of cool. Not too user friendly as the design makes one feel exposed. Messy guys might miss and splash all over the floor. Other than that, who doesn't want to look at the pretty Hong Kong night scene while peeing?
Behavioural
The good old school urinal. It could be pleasurable to use because it is functional and no- frills, serving the needs of men when they need it most. Namely after long lectures without breaks. Plus, every guy knows how to use it because it is user- friendly.
Reflective
Again, no cool toilets in Singapore, so I had to search online. This is what I found.
http://www.urilift.com/
A public toilet (by Urilift) that elevates with a remote at night to cater to party animals who used to pee publicly all over the streets (in other countries). In the day, it is almost invisible, camouflaged as a sewage cover. Makes you want to own one of these, though you can't unless you are freaking rich or is the government. It combines high- tech with functionality as the hardy material means it is vandalism proof, making things easier on the eyes and on the toilet auntie.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Bad design (warm up assignment)
You know those litter bins that have revolving swing lids with tight hinges? It doesn't matter if the lids are placed at the side or top of the bin or whether the bins are made of plastic or metal; they suck either way.
Said user tried to throw light litter without touching the dirty lids with her hands. Because everyone does not want to touch dirty lid with their hands, the lid becomes dirtier with each rubbish that grazes the lid. She pushes the lid hard with the litter. It opens. She tries to push the litter into the bin but cannot because once she tries to let go, the lid immediately shifts back into place, hence pushing the litter back into her hand. She tries to do it fast. The same thing happens. She tries to push deep and fast. This time she succeeds, but gets her wrist rubbing against the dirty bin she has been trying to avoid all this while. Another time, she gets the litter clipped in between the lid and the bin.
The user is frustrated because the design of the dirty bin refuses to let a user dispose of litter without getting in contact with the lids which are filthy from this vicious cycle. Such designs (especially so for the lids placed at the top of the bin) facilitate only litter that are at least a kg heavy so the weight itself pushes the lid. However, litter are usually light, considering how litter usually consists plastic bags, empty bottles etc.
This is a bad design not because users cannot figure out how to use it, but because it does not serve its purpose.
I think the designer intended the revolving lid for hygiene and convenience, so dirt stay in the bin where they belong with no need for a lid that might get lost, but the tight hinges have made this design ironically unhygenic.
Make the lid lightweight and the hinges looser. That way, force can make the lid shift inwards and stay that way for a split second for users to toss the litter in that exacting second. Otherwise, a knob could be situated on the lid so users can push the knob to part the lid instead of having to touch the dirty parts and start the vicious use-litter-to-push-open-lid cycle.
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