Michael DeVries

Usability studies where conducted on a wide range of product features. A few of the studies included:

• Hardware prototype testing
• Software UI testing on paper and computer simulation
• Icon performance testing. For more details on the technique, check out my portfolio page on measuring icon performance.
• Working model tests, including tasks for transferring data off the device using IR technology
• Out of the Box testing, including directions provided by the box cover, a getting started tutorial, and a Quickstart Card that were aimed at ensuring a successful first scan.
• Combined usability testing included over 100 participants

• Research indicated that the concept of the U-shaped drag in particular could be problematic. This lead the team to design a quickstart card that itself contained visual design elements to support a first scan success (see card pictured here).
  
  
• Working on the design also includes such pieces as menu organization, screen layout, dynamic transition concepts, and many other day to day design discussions.
  
  
• Design review was also provided on the dynamic training tutorial, including what to provide in the training, and how to train. Because the Capshare usability issues include dynamic user mistakes, a video was created to demonstrate use and illustrate common errors. The video sequences include a number of points to help the user, including using the Quickstart Guide to help with first scan practice, how to scan, how not to scan, etc. The video here shows how to do a successful scan.

• While the delete feature is a fairly simplistic design, this figure also shows the paperclip. The paperclip was a method used to take multiple scans and put them together. The paperclip is a well known metaphor for attaching documents, and worked well for this device. The method of applying the paperclip included all of the animated sequences of events used to help the user understand that two scans were being put together. This animated sequence is important in helping a user stay aware of everything that has happed. The animated sequence of changing from one web page to another on the iPhone (if you are familiar with it), is an equivalent design construct.


• IR technology was used for sending a picture from the HP CapShare to a printer or computer. This was used because Bluetooth technology was not available yet. The design sequence steps the user through connecting with the IR on the computer, and displays an animated sequence of the document being folded and sent as a paper airplane over to the printer or computer.

• Usability testing
• Multiple methods of user data collection
• Design and design evaluation
• Training program and documentation design