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Post by lauradavidson on Mar 1, 2013 11:51:56 GMT -5
Along the top are number buttons, 1-12. On the bottom left of the top panel are two buttons – one for setting the time, the other for setting the alarm. On the bottom right is a switch for AM and PM. And that’s it. I suppose I think I would add a label for what the 12 buttons are for? Looking at it, I'm not entirely sure what they are for immediately. Otherwise, I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that user testing would be great. Small-scale testing is always a great idea before you launch it widely. I know at my currently job I always seek feedback on designs/edits and that helps immensely! |
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Post by jmessick on Mar 1, 2013 13:47:56 GMT -5
terpconnect.umd.edu/~jmessic2/t5/My alarm clock has a large face so the numbers are easily visible and there is a dot that indicates whether or not the alarm is on. Also the AM/PM indicator is located on the face. On top of the clock is the snooze button and a dock for an iPod or iPhone. On one side there are two wheels, one that controls the volume and the other controls the radio tuning or the alarm setting. I got the idea for this from my iHome, I've always liked the wheels opposed to having to hold a button forever to change the hours/ minutes. On the other side are buttons that control AM/FM and on/off switch for the radio, the alarm on off and alarm set button and the iPod on/off switch. The switches on this side have a bar in the middle and you slide to which side you want (slide to the right for FM on the radio, etc.) To set the alarm you hit the alarm set button then turn the wheel on the other side to set the time. On the back is the power cord and battery slot, also the wire for the radio antenna. Also on the back are three settings that control the brightness of the screen, low, medium and high. This is another feature I really like on my iHome that lets me control how bright I want my screen. I tried to make this as simple as I could while having all of the features that I look for in an alarm clock!
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Post by justinthomas on Mar 1, 2013 14:18:41 GMT -5
terpconnect.umd.edu/~mccallen/t5/This alarm clock has three main features: current date, current time, and alarm. These features can be controlled on the sides for easy hand-held manipulation, allowing the user to look at the display while pressing buttons. Alarm feature: The alarm is controlled on the right side. Both the hour and minutes have separate buttons. AM or PM time is set by a slide button, simply push the button to what you would like to set. To confirm AM or PM, check the display front. The volume of the alarm can also be controlled and will be displayed on the front. Lastly, the alarm can be turned on or off. A red light will appear on the front display when the alarm is on (as reflected by the red “on” section of the control button). The snooze button is on the top for easy access and is large enough to limit missing for those who are dexterously challenged upon waking. Time: Setting the time can be done on the left side. Hour and minutes have separate buttons. AM and PM will adjust as you set the hour (this may result in the user having to press the button several times, but if the user holds down the button and the hours will scroll faster). On the back the user has the option to use 12 or 24 hour (military) time with a slide button. Date: Day, Month, and Year can be set with buttons on the left side (the day of the week will set based on these details). Other: The back has a battery compartment (I just realized now that a battery life display would have been prudent!) and a hole for a power cord. Alexandra, Making the decision to put only the snooze button on top of your alarm clock and all the other buttons on the sides was probably a better route to take as opposed to what I did (which was put all of the buttons on the top and just make the snooze button the largest). I neglected to think that people who use snooze buttons are probably more likely to be "dexterously challenged upon waking"--your design addresses this well and provides for great efficiency (and while I proposed when I made my post of my alarm clock that I thought it would also be great in the efficiency department, I realize now that I was dead wrong... at least when it comes to people who would use the snooze button--whom, we can probably assume are more likely to be dexterously challenged). You would definitely win international people (excluding Canadians) over in regards to user preference with the 24-hour switch on the back of your clock (also, military people, police/detectives, firefighters, etc., in the United States and Canada). I think you would do good with learnability, too, since you have the plus and minus buttons for each area that people would want to adjust (really straightforward). And, I think people would figure out the sliding toggle switches for the 12-hour setting/24-hour setting, AM/PM, and alarm volume on/off, really quickly, too (again, straightforward). However, is the only way to "turn off" the alarm to slide the toggle button for alarm volume to off? If so, maybe this could cause a delay in speed, efficiency, and learnability, maybe (emphasis on maybe--this is really a subjective call on my part--other people could see that and it could make instant sense to them). |
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Post by justinthomas on Mar 1, 2013 14:41:03 GMT -5
terpconnect.umd.edu/~ldavid1/t5/ Speed Users are able to accomplish their goals quickly using this design - users are able to see the current time as well as what time their alarm is set for. Efficiency Users will hopefully not make as many mistakes because things are clearly labeled. Alternatively, after examining my interface, the 'Alarm Off' button could be seen as turning the alarm off - as in during a non-work day - or turning the alarm off if it is chirping. Learnability My design relies heavily on previous alarm clock usage. Hopefully users will be able to transfer skills over and learn how to use it quickly. Memorability Similiar to the learnability, drawing off past experiences using alarm clocks will make this interface easy to remember. User Preference I personally like alarm clocks which are just that - alarm clocks. This design does not allow for the use of radio or any electronic music devices to be plugged in. Laura, Correct me if I'm wrong, but are all of the buttons and the interface for your alarm clock located on the front? I think users could run into a snag with efficiency when trying to hit either the snooze button or the alarm off button because they're both right next to each other (so if they meant to turn the alarm off, but hit the wrong button next to it, they could be woken again in five to ten minutes; or if they meant to hit snooze so they could get five to ten more minutes of sleep, but hit the wrong button next to it, they could fall back into a deep sleep without the alarm waking them back up because they turned it off instead of hitting snooze). Speed should probably be fine, because things are clearly labeled (because of this, same goes for memorability, I would say, as well). But can you only adjust the time (and the time for the alarm) by progressing forwards in time (not backwards)? I don't see any up or down, or left or right, or plus or minus buttons for the time set or alarm set. If this is so (that you can only progress forwards, and then it "loops back over" after you've progressed through all the numbers for either the hours or the minutes, depending on which you're adjusting), I would think that users could hit a snag with efficiency here, as well, if they're not careful enough when setting their alarm time (or time for the clock)--they would have to cycle through all the numbers again until they got back to where they wanted it to be if they neglected to take their finger off the button at the right moment. Also, if this is the way it works (correct me if I'm wrong), then I'm thinking this could be a snag in regards to user preference, too. |
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Post by Sophie Reverdy on Mar 1, 2013 15:36:27 GMT -5
terpconnect.umd.edu/~sreverdy/t5/This is my alarma clock. I tried my best to keep things as simple as possible, with learnability and memorability in mind. I asked a couple of friends to 'test' the clock to determine the intuitiveness of its functions. They knew what was up and how to use everything, so I think I did ok. I tried to use the least amount of buttons as possible, and arrange text/time on the digital screen in a way that was clean and obvious. Looking at some of these other designs, I am seeing some really cool features that I didn't even think of including.
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Post by vsmith15 on Mar 1, 2013 15:45:03 GMT -5
terpconnect.umd.edu/~vsmith15/t5/index.htmlI based my alarm clock on my old clock from LL Bean that I used all throughout childhood and college. Very simple. No music, just a set chime. No snooze option (which was really important in college!) Because I live in an area that has frequent power outages, I made sure to include places for both batteries and an electrical plug. The clock and alarm settings are very intuitive, which I like because then I don't have to pull out the manual to figure out how to reset it when the power has gone out.
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Post by Sophie Reverdy on Mar 1, 2013 15:50:46 GMT -5
You included two features that I can't believe I didn't think of myself: the brightness of the screen thing and the time setting for the snooze. I was trying to design as simple as possible, but I think that had I given myself a little more leeway I could have come up with simple 'add-ons' like these that make the alarm clock more useable overall. terpconnect.umd.edu/~ferline/t5/Here's my alarm clock. I wanted to keep it simple, so this alarm has 2 primary functions: telling the user the time at a glance, and allowing them to easily view and set an alarm. Everyone's had the experience of forgetting to set an alarm, or setting it and then not turning it on, and waking up in a panic. This way, you can glance at the clock and see "alarm on" or "alarm off" and the time it's set for. It's easy to learn, because everything is labeled. Buttons can be pushed, sliders can be slid, and the settings are located on the bottom of the clock so you don't accidentally change anything when you're fumbling with the alarm after just waking up! A nifty feature that I've included to enhance efficiency and user preference is the blue glowing snooze bar. It only glows when the alarm is going off in the morning, so you can hit it easily in the dark. The LCD display is also able to be dimmed or brightened according to preference. A user can also set the length of time that the snooze period lasts from 1 minute to 6 minutes (I would have it go up to 10 in the final design). |
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Post by Sophie Reverdy on Mar 1, 2013 15:58:05 GMT -5
I'm not sure I would know what the second, smaller clock is for if I had not been given an explanation. Otherwise, I think the design is pretty learnable. No snooze button though! Noooo! [quote author=vsmith15 board=general thread=4 post=136 time=1362170703] terpconnect.umd.edu/~vsmith15/t5/index.htmlI based my alarm clock on my old clock from LL Bean that I used all throughout childhood and college. Very simple. No music, just a set chime. No snooze option (which was really important in college!) Because I live in an area that has frequent power outages, I made sure to include places for both batteries and an electrical plug. The clock and alarm settings are very intuitive, which I like because then I don't have to pull out the manual to figure out how to reset it when the power has gone out.[/quote] |
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Post by jenntreadway on Mar 1, 2013 16:55:39 GMT -5
Justin, I love the size of this alarm clock. Clocks laid out horizontally (like mine) take up valuable space on a bedside table. This space saving design should increase user preference! Additionally, your clock is set up similar to mine in that it included the current time, the date, and the alarm time. In my opinion, having the alarm time displayed on the clock helps eliminate concern that the user might experience regarding whether or not he/she remembered to set the alarm or even followed the steps correctly to set the alarm. In viewing your design, I noticed you placed all the buttons on the top. In your comments above, I see you now regret that decision. However, this is a great design in the fact that users can change the time/date without having to flip from the front to the back of the clock to ensure the time/date is correct. Your thought was definitely in the right place! However, as you noted, these buttons on the top might pose a problem when the user tries to hit the snooze button. For example, a user might accidently hit one of the other buttons and change the time/date. An alternative might be to just shift those four buttons to one of the sides. Also, at first glance, I did not see/know how to turn the alarm off. After reading the instructions, I now understand the alarm and button serve a double fuction (power and time setting). This double function might confuse users just trying to set the alarm. |
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Post by ferline on Mar 1, 2013 17:04:20 GMT -5
terpconnect.umd.edu/~sreverdy/t5/This is my alarma clock. I tried my best to keep things as simple as possible, with learnability and memorability in mind. I asked a couple of friends to 'test' the clock to determine the intuitiveness of its functions. They knew what was up and how to use everything, so I think I did ok. I tried to use the least amount of buttons as possible, and arrange text/time on the digital screen in a way that was clean and obvious. Looking at some of these other designs, I am seeing some really cool features that I didn't even think of including. Sophie, interesting idea to conduct some user testing to ensure that everything was intuitive and easy to learn. I also like the volume testing function--I've definitely accidentally turned an alarm too low to hear it in the morning. My one critique might be that I'm not quite sure how to use the alarm/date/time buttons. Looks like you hold them down, then use the +/- keys to change that setting? It could be slightly confusing for users. |
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Post by ferline on Mar 1, 2013 17:09:01 GMT -5
terpconnect.umd.edu/~mccallen/t5/This alarm clock has three main features: current date, current time, and alarm. These features can be controlled on the sides for easy hand-held manipulation, allowing the user to look at the display while pressing buttons. Alarm feature: The alarm is controlled on the right side. Both the hour and minutes have separate buttons. AM or PM time is set by a slide button, simply push the button to what you would like to set. To confirm AM or PM, check the display front. The volume of the alarm can also be controlled and will be displayed on the front. Lastly, the alarm can be turned on or off. A red light will appear on the front display when the alarm is on (as reflected by the red “on” section of the control button). The snooze button is on the top for easy access and is large enough to limit missing for those who are dexterously challenged upon waking. Time: Setting the time can be done on the left side. Hour and minutes have separate buttons. AM and PM will adjust as you set the hour (this may result in the user having to press the button several times, but if the user holds down the button and the hours will scroll faster). On the back the user has the option to use 12 or 24 hour (military) time with a slide button. Date: Day, Month, and Year can be set with buttons on the left side (the day of the week will set based on these details). Other: The back has a battery compartment (I just realized now that a battery life display would have been prudent!) and a hole for a power cord. Alexandra, I really like your design! My favorite part is the huge snooze button--I hate fumbling around for that thing in the morning, so that would be a big factor in user preference for me. I also think that your setting buttons are very intuitive and would be easy for someone to learn and remember. |
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Post by jenntreadway on Mar 1, 2013 17:18:00 GMT -5
Sophie, I like the overall design of this alarm clock. In particular, I appreciate that you placed the buttons on the front of the alarm clock. I also liek the volume test button. I would hate to have the volume set to something I wouldn't actually wake up to! Great feature! Unlike my alarm clock which placed all the button (except snooze) on the back, you front buttons allow users to easily change the time without having to flip from the back to the front to ensure the time/date is correct. Another great feature. I might change the words wake uo under your alarm features to something like time set. I say this only because everyone may not be using the alarm feature to wake up. Perhaps, they set the alarm for a child's time out or to get track of the time while getting ready for something. Also, do you have a button to turn off the alarm? Finally, I might consider putting the date in a [month day, year] display because not all individuals internationally display the date in [MM/DD/YY] format. For example, some individuals write out the date in a [DD/MM/YY] format. |
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Post by jmessick on Mar 1, 2013 18:30:55 GMT -5
terpconnect.umd.edu/~eland/t3-5/I really like this design. It is simple and easy to understand. I like the alarm and clock settings being on the same side, it makes it easy to remember how to set it. I also like the alarm indicator on the front and the radio station indicator |
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Post by jmessick on Mar 1, 2013 18:36:20 GMT -5
terpconnect.umd.edu/~andrea15/t5/I really like this design! The concept of integrating the smartphone calendar with the alarm clock seems great. Seeing what important meeting you have that morning right as you wake up will help jolt you out of bed (instead of trying to snooze and then realizing you have somewhere to be!) The same concept is there with showing the date, it will help jog your memory early in the morning what day it is and what you have to do that day.
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Post by geleskie on Mar 1, 2013 19:22:10 GMT -5
terpconnect.umd.edu/~geleskie/t5/Okay, I confess I've never used or needed an alarm clock, nor has anyone in my family. I'm sorry. I know we're disgusting. That said, it was not until after I designed my clock that I had any idea what sort of problems people tend to have with them, so there're a lot of things I would change at this point. So, word of advice: don't ask someone who doesn't use a thing to design one!
Instead of using digital numbers it has a screen much like an old iPod would or a laptop. In other words, the numbers are shown in the font they'd actually be shown in. They would also be blue, because blue is one of the easiest colors to read as far as glowing lights go.
Setting the time and the alarm is simple. You press which one you're setting and then use the numbers to put the desired time in. You can choose whether you want to use a 12-hour or 24-hour clock. If you select 12-hour you will be prompted to select AM or PM. If you select 24-hour, the AM/PM indicator won't show up on the screen.
The buttons for Tone, Radio, and MP3 determine what sounds should come out of the speakers (not shown, but on the sides) when the alarm goes off. You can change the radio station by pressing the Radio button and putting in a station number.
The sleep and snooze buttons perform their usual functions, either stopping the alarm until it's next set to go off or delaying it for five minutes.
On the back (not shown) is a standard cord for plugging it in.
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