Juan Gonzalez
Paper 1
2/11/11
The first handheld device that comes to my mind is my universal remote
control. The remote control is called Harmony One by Logitech. The design is very
complex and very well thought out. What I like the best about this remote control is
the high level of customization available. This is only possible because it comes with
software to customize it. It would have been very difficult to program it without the
use of a computer. Another interesting feature is the touch screen on the remote. The
touch screen allows adding custom buttons, favourite channels and activities.
Activities can be created with the software and it allows every device used on a
certain activity to be turned on and changed to the correct setting, input for instance.
One of the disadvantages of this remote is the high level of complexity which could
confuse the average user.
Setting up the device can be a challenge but once is setup it will simplify the
functions of the user. Users that have many devices in one system, like a sound
system, a television, a blur ray player and perhaps an Xbox, will benefit the most.
Instead of having four control remotes, this remote would control all the devices. Let's
assume the user wants to watch a movie, without this device the user would have to
use three remotes to power the blu-ray, the television, and surround sound system.
Then he would have to choose the right input on the television and on the surround
sound system. This remote would take one touch on the blu-ray activity and the
remote takes care of the rest. It will power the devices and change them to the correct
input, the user will have a good experience.
I believe the usability and user experience goals most relevant about this
device is saving time to the user and reducing frustration. Handling and operating 4 or
5 remotes is much more difficult than one. Another important fact is the setup time of
the remote. This usability and user experience goals can be translated to two very
specific questions. How much time does this device save you on average when
choosing an activity? How long does it take to setup the remote control once out of
the box? The device saves a great deal of time when choosing an activity like "play
Xbox" for example. Since it is only one device, the user can save time on looking for
other devices, and since it's a one touch function it saves time switching between
remotes and finding the right button on it. The setup time is not as good though. It can
take up to 45 minutes setting up the remote for the first time. You have to install the
software on your computer. Then you have to add all your devices and specify what
activities use what devices and in what setting those devices need to be in. Since the
full setup only has to be done once, and the time it saves while operating it, is
significant. We can conclude this device works very well.
Possible improvements to the interface could be a better software for the
programming of it, so this can be done after. As far as the button layout on the remote
goes, I believe it is fairly well, maybe some improvements could be a better resolution
touch screen and maybe a little bigger. This remote functions very well and it was
designed well also. I believe the target group is people with technology knowledge,
probably people that have a home theatre system. As I mentioned before the average
user could have a hard time operating this remote.