Abacus Redsign:
Where hardware and software meet.
Buttons or Wheel?
Process
To answer that question, we built a "Measure that Tree" game/prototype.
The prototypes recorded execution time and error rate. Tests were performed
within subjects, with randomized presentation order.
Results
-
The wheel was better for non-inventory related navigation (i.e. set-up
tasks).
-The 4 buttons were better for the inventory procedure.
Design
We decided to build a hybrid interface, keeping the four buttons, with
set-up functions operating in single-button/scroll-button mode. Our specification
to the client also recommends interchangeable colored button caps to accommodate
the nursery's color coding system, and a clear window for paper button
label insertion.
Rapid
Prototyping
