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Assignment 3 Case Study

The document discusses the redesign of remote controls to be simpler and easier to use, a new wheelchair design that prioritizes user comfort and independence, and key concepts from 'The Design of Everyday Things' around discoverability, understanding, and intuitive design.

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Phong Nguyen
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38 views3 pages

Assignment 3 Case Study

The document discusses the redesign of remote controls to be simpler and easier to use, a new wheelchair design that prioritizes user comfort and independence, and key concepts from 'The Design of Everyday Things' around discoverability, understanding, and intuitive design.

Uploaded by

Phong Nguyen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Assignment 3 Case Study

Group 4

Thành viên nhóm

Question 1:

 Product: Remote controls for televisions and other devices.


 Problem: They often have many buttons, some of which are rarely used,
making them confusing and difficult to navigate, especially in low light
conditions.
 Potential Improvement: A redesign could focus on simplifying the
interface, reducing the number of buttons, and grouping them by function.
Backlit buttons or a small screen could make it easier to use in the dark.
Additionally, integrating voice control could provide a more user-friendly
and accessible experience.

Question 2 :

The new wheelchair design by Michael Graves considered several different


customer groups:
 Patients: The primary customer is, of course, the wheelchair user. The
design prioritizes their comfort, safety, and independence. Features like the
molded seat, easy-to-grip armrests, and elevated handles address these
needs
 Caregivers: Nurses, aides, and other healthcare professionals who assist
wheelchair users also benefit from the design. The foot-operated brakes
and ergonomic handles reduce strain on their backs and make maneuvering
the chair easier.
 Hospitals and medical facilities: The smaller footprint of the chair allows
for efficient storage and stacking, saving space in crowded hospitals.
Additionally, the fixed attachments are less likely to be lost or broken,
reducing maintenance costs.
 Society as a whole: By promoting a more positive and dignified
experience for wheelchair users, the design contributes to a more inclusive
and accessible society.
Incorporating the process of using a wheelchair:

Graves's personal experience using a wheelchair was central to the design


process. He identified key pain points and challenges faced by wheelchair
users, such as:
 Discomfort and lack of support: Traditional wheelchairs often have hard,
unforgiving seats and offer little back support. Graves's design features a
contoured seat and adjustable armrests for improved comfort and posture.
 Difficulty transferring in and out: High seats and awkward armrests can
make it challenging for users to get into and out of wheelchairs. The Prime
TC's lower seat height and angled armrests address this issue.
 Hygiene concerns: The proximity of handgrips to the wheels, which can
pick up dirt and germs, raises hygiene concerns. Graves's design places the
handgrips higher up and away from the wheels.
 Maneuverability and control: Traditional wheelchairs can be bulky and
difficult to maneuver, especially for less experienced users. The Prime TC's
smaller size and improved ergonomics make it easier to control and
navigate.

= > By addressing these issues through careful observation and user-centered


design, Graves created a wheelchair that is not only more functional but also
more dignified and user-friendly.

Question 3 :

In Chapter 1 of "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman, titled "The


Psychopathology of Everyday Things", Norman argues that good design must
be human-centered. He introduces key concepts that underlie good design:
discoverability (what actions are possible) and understanding (how products
should be used)

 He uses the example of doors to illustrate his point. Doors without handles
and hinges, for example, lack discoverability and hinder understanding.
Norman argues that simple inventions should not require user manuals and
that overly-complicated products epitomize failed design¹.
 He also shares an anecdote about a friend who got trapped in the doorway
of a post office due to the confusing design of the doors. This highlights the
importance of intuitive design in everyday objects.

Norman's approach was unique in the 1980s because it combined three major
design areas normally considered distinct:

1) Industrial design, which focuses on the creation and development of


products and systems that optimize function, appearance, and value for users
and manufacturers.

2) Interaction design, an area that draws on psychology, art, and emotion to


understand how humans interact with technology.

3) Experience design, which focuses on user enjoyment.


=> This book is a great resource for understanding the principles of good
design and how they apply to the objects we interact with every day. It
emphasizes that design should be intuitive and easy to use.

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