Individual Project

Utilizing CoAct analysis and general design principles to resolve minimalist design overuse issues

What are analyzing?


Skype with METRO interface on 
Windows 8.1

Definition of the problem


Minimalist design is hiding important features
Increasing the semantic and syntactic knowledge

Features to analyze:

"Hidden Menu"
"ADDING A NEW USER"

Tools used


CoAct Analysis
GUI Bloopers Principles

CoAct analysis


Analyze the interface for weaknesses
Find the issues with interactions
Determine the complexity of completing an action
Come up with redesign ideas

GUI Bloopers


Understand the issu

METRO DESIGN


Description of the Problem



Semantic Knowledge

original design
  • Screen has touch capabilities
  • Hidden Menu Exist
  • There are 2 searches (local contacts, global contacts)
  • Know Skype Username or User information

Syntactic Knowledge

original design

  • Click on add a contact
  • A menu pops up when bottom of the screen is swiped
  • A menu pops up when right clicked anywhere on the screen

Environment Activity and Affordances


Environment: Skype
Activity: Wanted to make a call to a new user
Affordances: Add a new user to local contact list

APPLYING Coact analysis





======>

re-design


Semantic Knowledge

redesign
Know Skype Username or other User Information
 

Syntactic knowledge

redesign

Click on "Add User" button
Click on "Search Directory" to find a new contact

GUI Bloopers VIOLATIONS



                            
Principle 1.4.1 Don't complicate the user's task
                                       

GUI BLOOPERS VIOLATIONS



                                                            
Principle 2.1: Complicating access to functionality
                                              

Conclusion




CoAct rocks!

Usability Engineering

By alexlubneuski

Usability Engineering

  • 540