artifact - A tool made by humans, which is contextualized by, defined in terms of, and a product of culture.

This assignment addresses design problems in an interactive artifact, such as a system or device. You will present your results as 4-5 powerpoint slides + a quick 3-5 minute talk in class. Make sure the slides are easily accessible on a public web server.

Identify an interactive artifact that you have experienced as difficult to use, due to problems with design. Explain how the design that was produced is not connected to your experience of using the device. Articulate the design problems in terms of princples from the readings, such as

• making visible
• affordances
• constraints
• conceptual models
• usability
• mappings
• feedback
• consistency

You can also address other criteria, such as "delightful," "fun," "enjoyable," if you wish, but don't let these be the prinicpal criteria of your critique on this occassion.

The artifact can be an information appliance (like an mp3 player, a game console, a cell phone, a microwave oven, a toaster, or an automobile), a software application (like a game or a word processor), a web site, or anything else that fits (If you have a question about what fits, ask me.). Do not use Norman's examples (doors, office phones, stove, ...). If (and only if) your problem device is not familiar to everyone, include a brief description of what it does in your presentation.

The shortcoming(s) that you identify need to be aspects of interaction design. Examples include unclear state, unclear indication of what is possible to do or what the effects of particular controls are (affordance design), and unclear mappings. You need to translate these to real world situations, such as being unable to accomplish a specific task/goal, or unintentionally destroying something you needed.

Problems like system crashes, or hardware malfunctions are not interaction design shortcomings. If you have enough time/space, you may also suggest alternative designs. The alternatives may be other products that already exist, or ideas. However, specification of alternatives is not the focus, this time.

Be extremely clear in the language you use to describe the shortcoming(s). Also, consider the design of your slides and your presentation. Communicate clearly. Design the slides and your oral presentation to complement each other, rather than to simply repeat the same information. Develop slides that visually support what you will be saying. Be thoughtful about how you make and use your slides. Don't just read them!

If it is portable, you may choose to bring the device, but realize that you probably won't have time for much of a demo.

References
Winograd, T., Usability Breakdown, http://www.stanford.edu/class/cs147/2003/hw/hw1.html.