Exercise 5: Miriam

L O V E

Visibility The camera’s system is very easy to use, everything in the back of the camera is clearly mapped. The actions are all labeled with each button. Whether it is the menu, the filming option, the preview option, flash, etc. When a photo is taken it shows up on the screen, obviously clarifying that it has been taken and saved on the memory card. All of the information is not shown, so easy to read menu’s and steps are installed in the program. The MENU button provides many more options, such as lighting conditions, or night photo settings. The camera uses relevant controls to show it’s information. Affordance The affordance of the camera fits with it’s function, it is small making it easier to hold and carry, and the fact it has a clear usability function makes it simple to use for anyone. The small symbols on the camera such as the magnify glass with the plus symbol make it understandable to users because it is a object we use in everyday life to see things closer, making it a logical symbol. It is made to a size that fits the hand perfectly, and has a small grip at the front for your finger. Mapping The mapping of the camera’s back menu is set very basically. The shutter button is at the top right of the camera, since I use my right hand to take photos. The scrolling menu (up, down, right, left) does provide arrows, but they are not necessary because it’s obvious where the buttons will move selections. Constraint Not all of the functions are provided on the physical camera. Compared to my other camera, the functions such as shooting modes (manual function, portrait, night, etc.) are attached to the outside body of the camera. While in this one, they are all programed inside.

H A T E

Visibility This alarm clock is a piece of rubbish. Maybe the fact that I bought it for a dollar would explain it. Whenever you set the time or the alarm your not sure of whether it preformed the task or not. If it didn’t, then you need to go back and set it. There are no visible controls, one is not sure of what button does what action. If these buttons had small labels or names it would be easier to manage. The time also is difficult to see unless you have a non-busy background. Since it is transparent, also making it hard to see the time at night. Affordance The design of this clock looks pretty nice, but the performance level is a failure. One knows that the buttons are there to set the time, but because of no labels they are difficult to figure out. There are also four extra buttons which do not serve any purpose? Mapping The mapping is very poor, because the buttons effect do not work to what one expects of the object. If there were more controls then it might be easier to use. Constraint Uses psychological constraints, mappings, however without any instruction they are not very accurate.