Design Process
In order to refine our design and create optimal benefit for our intended audience, a series of heuristic evaluations from other interface designers were conducted as well as usability tests from a variety of wheelchair users.
Heuristic Evaluations
Due to the feedback received from other designers, we were able to fix all obvious issues with our paper prototype and refine our design before moving to testing with participants from our targeted audience.
Usability Testing
In order to conduct our usability testing, we had at least two members of our group present; one to take notes, and one to conduct the actual test. We first began by introducing ourselves and the goal behind our paper prototype. Since all of our subjects were unfamiliar with paper prototype testing, we explained how the process works, and what tasks are possible with our interface. We then got to know more about the user by asking them about issues that occur with their current wheelchair. After warming the participant up, we then allowed them to explore various functions of the menu screen, while one of us took notes on their behavior and comments; especially what they struggled with. We then concluded our usability test by asking them for any feedback that they could provide about our prototype. We also gave them some time to ask us questions about our prototype or goal.
Participant 1: Female SIUE student that has used a wheelchair for a long period of time due to an injury
Wanted to be able to see battery percentage of chair.
Participant 2: Twenty-year-old woman with cerebral palsy
Wanted to know how many hours the battery percentage of the chair translated to.
Participant 3: 83-year-old woman who relies on a wheelchair when traveling long distances
Did not understand the "Calculate Rec." section, wanted to know what speed was a good speed to travel during GPS routes, felt that the GPS function also needed text instead of just voiced steps.
Due to our wonderful feedback we received, we decided to make changes to our paper prototype in order to perfect our interface.
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We added a battery symbol at the top of each page.
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A button labeled “Battery Status” was added to the home screen so the user may look at how many hours of use that the current battery percentage translates to.
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We reworded the button to say “Calculated Recommended Width” so the button is not as vague, and we also added an info button.
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A “Recommended Speed” button was added to the bottom right corner whenever the user is on the route. Once it is clicked on, there is a recommended speed; the user then has the option to set the cruise control.
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We added a brief description of what direction they will be taking and how far in advance this turn will be to both the standard GPS menu and the GPS preview.
