Everyday Usability 5 – Stove

Everyday Usability 5 – Stove

A stove is a classic example of an everyday device that we can struggle using. Don Norman described an example in his book. I will add my experience in the following. Recently we moved into a new flat which already had an in-built kitchen. The stove has a ceramic stove top and a control field with five small touch buttons (photo below). One button turns the stove on and off and the other four buttons adjust the temperature at a…

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Everyday Usability 4 – The flying spork

Everyday Usability 4 – The flying spork

While on a flight I noticed an unexpected type of cutlery. The stewardess served a noodle salad in a see-through plastic bowl. I received only the bowl. After waiting for a while I began to search for the cutlery. I could not see anything obvious attached to the bowl and there was no hint on the bowl whatsoever. When I looked around looked into the confused faces of my fellow passengers. The bottom of the bowl brought somewhat insight. There…

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Everyday Usability 3 – Mobile phone

Everyday Usability 3 – Mobile phone

I bought my old mobile phone around the year 2000. At that point of time, a mobile phone that can be flipped open was stylish. It has a small display on the front which shows the time and when it is flipped open there is a larger display and a keypad (photos below). The most important functions of a phone are to enable the user to call other people, answer to calls, and in some cases also to refuse a…

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Everyday Usability 2 – Cup handle

Everyday Usability 2 – Cup handle

Cups are an everyday object. Innovative designs can turn the experience of drinking coffee or tea into a special event. Unfortunately, a visual pleasing design might make it difficult to drink. Enjoy this example of everyday usability. During a visit to a cafe I discovered this charming design of a coffee cup. It is a small coffee cup. Fitting to the beverage, the cup’s handle is formed like a coffee bean. In the photo below you can see the design….

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Everyday Usability 1 – Usability mp3 player

Everyday Usability 1 – Usability mp3 player

In this first article about the usability of everyday products I want to talk about the experience with my mp3 player. I often used the mp3 player while cycling or walking to work. Notably, I did not recognize the design limitations when I tested the design in the shop. I noticed them only after using the player for a while. The most important function of an mp3 player is the selection of songs and to adjust the volume. This device…

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