Biolite Campstove + Kettle

Transcript

BIOLITE CAMPSTOVE + KETTLE M3 Design Heuristic Evaluation www.m3design.com +1.512.218.8858 August 2014 CONTENTS •  Introduction What, why, and how? •  Evaluation Summary Overview of evaluation and final scoring •  Strengths & Opportunities Key takeaways of evaluation •  Evaluation Data Reference M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 2 INTRODUCTION M3 heuristic analysis process What is a heuristic evaluation? A heuristic evaluation is an usability assessment tool that M3 utilizes early in product development. It helps researchers, designers and engineers identify usability problems related to how the product functions and interacts with the user. The evaluator meticulously inspects the product and judges its compliance to predetermined usability and design criteria – the heuristics. Why is it useful to you? M3 heuristic evaluation serves 3 key purposes: 1.  Learn from your competition – a method to create head-to-head comparisons to your competition, and understand the pros and cons of each product 2.  Improves decision making - allows the development team to quickly and thoroughly understand how well a product performs to establish usability and design criteria for new product concepts 3.  Concept evaluation tool – a highly efficient scoring tool used to assess multiple concepts during development to objectively rank concept alternatives M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 3 INTRODUCTION M3 heuristic analysis process How does it work? M3 experts analyze a product against 9 evaluation criteria divided into 3 key stages . Each criteria is evaluated on a 5 point scale based on how the product behaves and what it communicates to its user. The results indicate how close to the 5-point optimum the product is designed from a human-centered perspective. 01 02 03 Refer to “Evaluation Data Reference” section for detailed explanation of each stage and its associated criteria M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 4 HEURISTIC EVALUATION BioLite Campstove + Kettle M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 5 HEURISTIC EVALUATION BioLite Campstove + Kettle We live in a busy connected world; always in need of charging our smart devices to ensure we never miss a tweet. Whether commuting, at work or home, we are fortunately never too far from a power outlet. However, what gets interesting is what happens to our connected devices when we decide to escape from our urban habitat? A growing number of outdoor gear companies have been trying to address this new trending dilemma. To some, being disconnected in the great outdoors is simply unthinkable! BioLite believes they have the answer, and has been leading the market space with their popular Campstove system, which many consider the product to be functional, and well-considered. M3 decided to put one of these BioLite systems to the usability test, and see if it could calm the nerves of those hyper-connected campers. M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 6 EVALUATION SUMMARY BioLite Campstove + Kettle USABILITY & DESIGN CRITERIA EVALUATION SUMMARY IMPRESSION ENGAGEMENT EXPERIENCE The product has an unique and pleasing aesthetics that conveys practicality and functionality. Upon initial inspection, the simplicity of the design and use of consistent language are user friendly, easy to approach, and direct. There are a few minor criticisms, but nothing truly hinders the overall user experience. Despite its simple appearance, the setup of the product can be rather complex, especially for the first time users. However, with a little practice, the product does makes sense, and in fact offers huge flexibility in how one can use the product. Unfortunately, with concerns on overall stability, lack of feedback on charging status, as well as a couple of ergonomic issues, the product definitely has room for improvement and refinement. The product is relatively simple and basic, which means its ability to prevent errors is mediocre at best. The 3 second hold button is a great way to prevent unintended use, but without instructions, users could get frustrated when changing charge modes, and powering up. Fortunately, the overall usability story of the product is consistently communicated, and mostly well presented. SCORE * AESTHETICS 4 SIMPLICITY 4 LANGUAGE 4 APPROPRIATENESS 3 FLEXIBILITY 5 FEEDBACK 3 ERROR PREVENTION 3 RECOVERY 3 CONSISTENCY 4 * Scoring System 1 2 3 4 5 M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 = = = = = Does not meet minimum usability and design considerations Meets barely the minimum usability and design considerations Meets minimum usability and design considerations Meets most of the usability and design considerations Meets optimum usability and design considerations 7 EVALUATION SUMMARY BioLite Campstove + Kettle Final Average Score 3.7 (out of 5) M3 Heuristics Meets minimum usability and design considerations M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 8 STRENGTHS Key elements that should be embraced or improved upon •  Consistent and well-presented usability story to communicate user and brand touch-points •  Simple yet elegant design with thoughtful usability touches improve the overall user experience •  Versatile design (stove + charger, stove only, charger only) •  Simple one-button operation •  Good choice of materials and finishes help to convey durability, ruggedness, and use BioLite stows inside of kettle for easy transportation Fold-out tripod is simple, robust, and functional Fold-out handle is functional, and folds away when not needed LED indication of current charge mode is considerate and useful •  Minimal graphics and lack of superfluous details keep the product purposeful and easy to approach •  Perforated stove housing is not only visually distinctive, but also provides a visual cue to user of potential high heat M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 9 OPPORTUNITIES Key elements that should be reconsidered and redesigned •  Kettle must be stable and secure once placed on live stove top •  The setup process must provide idiotproof cues and design constraints on product to intuitively guide user to success •  Avoid “press and hold x seconds” interface controls to avoid user confusion •  All user touch-points should conform to human factors standards •  Current charging level / status should be provided on the charging module Kettle is not stable when placed on top of stove Switching between charge modes is not obvious The provided plastic cup nestles inside kettle, but impossible The small recessed handle on kettle lid is difficult to access •  Fold-out handle is a great space-saving feature, but consideration must be given if the user forgets to deploy the handle prior to boiling liquid M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 10 EVALUATION DATA REFERENCE 01 IMPRESSION Evaluation Guidelines The impression stage of a product experience in where the product conveys its look, feel and functional details. At this stage users formulate an overall perception of the product. This is where certain judgments are made about the perceived level of simplicity or complexity, and initial assessments of how usable the product is for it’s intended use. AESTHETICS SIMPLICITY LANGUAGE Conveys appropriate look & feel - functional form and purposeful details Overall perception of product, visibility of information, and level of complexity in terms of product interaction Use of natural and logical words, labels, meaningful colors, and logical interactions Considerations: Considerations: Considerations: •  •  •  •  •  What does the overall appearance say to you? Is the form appropriate for its intended purpose? Is it “form follows function” or “style over substance”? •  •  M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Does the product details convey a sense of simplicity? Is the product over-loaded with complex and confusing details? Are product information (e.g. brand, labels, buttons) clearly visible and readable? Does the product guide you through its use and operation? Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 •  •  •  Does the product communicate its use and operation in simple easy-to-understand terminology? Are the touch-points all well labeled and identified in a logical concise format and language? Are the product colors telling you something? 12 01 IMPRESSION Evaluation Worksheet AESTHETICS Conveys appropriate look & feel - functional form and purposeful details - •  Product looks utilitarian and practical •  Charging module appears well-made and solid with appropriate texture finish for durability •  Visual appearance is appropriate for the outdoor environment •  Great use of colors keep the product looking hip and cool •  Large and clear power button on the charging module •  Product appears rather tall and top heavy M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 13 01 IMPRESSION Evaluation Worksheet SIMPLICITY Overall perception of product, visibility of information, and level of complexity in terms of product interaction - •  Unnecessary superfluous details are kept to a minimum •  Touch-points are very simple to identify •  Instruction of use printed on the packaging box to minimize paper in the box •  The system is sold with 3 different parts, and could be confusing for some M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 14 01 IMPRESSION Evaluation Worksheet LANGUAGE Use of natural and logical words, labels, meaningful colors, and logical interactions - •  Use of designated colors to communicate the product’s use and function •  Use of orange color as touch-points also convey a sense of warmth, and sunny outdoor wilderness •  Branding on the stove, and the kettle could be difficult to see •  Use of orange color as touch-points could be interpreted as “warning – be careful when touching” M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 15 02 ENGAGEMENT Evaluation Guidelines The engagement stage sets out to assess specific characteristics of the product in use. Users at this stage judge how well it feels and functions in relation to its intended use. This is where users assess the object’s ability to provide feedback, and adapt to changing users and/or environmental conditions. APPROPRIATENESS FLEXIBILITY FEEDBACK Interaction is in context and relevant to the product conveys a sense of familiarity and appropriate mental model Use of product is efficient and adaptable, based upon different users and environmental influences Product communicates its intentions at all times in regards to its state, mode, action, status, mistake and error, etc. Considerations: Considerations: Considerations: •  •  •  Does the way the product is used and operated make any logical sense in its given context? Does the product feel appropriate and relevant during use? •  •  Does the product adapt to your needs, or do you need to adapt to the product? What happens if more than one person uses the same product? Can the product work efficiently under other intended environments and scenarios? •  •  •  •  •  M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 Does the product validate and confirm all interactions during use? Does the product notify the user on operation status? Does the product notify the user when there’s an error? How does the product notify the user when a mistake has been made? Does all touch-points communicate its state and intentions? 16 02 ENGAGEMENT Evaluation Worksheet APPROPRIATENESS Interaction is in context and relevant to the product - conveys a sense of familiarity and appropriate mental model - •  Once everything is figured out, the overall use and operation is relatively straightforward •  Interaction touch-points are very simple to identify •  The fold-away tripod is a neat idea for reducing overall product size and yet offering stability during use •  Being able to use the stove without needing to install the charging module •  The fold-out handles on side of pot works well •  Clever design allows all the parts to be housed inside the kettle for easy transporting •  Useful scale marking inside of pot •  Useful small cup included in the kettle pot •  Power indication comes on once power button is activated •  Attaching the lid to kettle is a simple fraction fit •  A little complex to setup the charging module on the stove, especially for the first time •  The soft foil material surrounding the copper probe seems vulnerable and subject to wear and tear •  The kettle is not stable when placed on stove top •  New product paradigm means initial setup is somewhat difficult for the first time •  Switching between LOW and HI charging modes is not apparent during initial product engagement •  Difficult to access the kettle lid handle •  The scale marking on the pot is reversed when looking from the outside •  Charging module could be a little on the heavy side for backpacking travel use •  No where to place your smart device once plugged in – must be left on the ground M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 17 02 ENGAGEMENT Evaluation Worksheet FLEXIBILITY Use of product is efficient and adaptable, based upon different users and environmental influences - •  Product allows system expansion through the purchase of additional BioLite accessories •  Versatile design allows other uses beside from just camping purposes, such as where heating/ cooking and charging functionality is desired, e.g. tailgating, emergency, etc. •  Does not require the charging module to use the stove •  Does not require the stove to use the charging module •  Option to switch between LOW and HI charging modes is useful •  Only charges one device at a time M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 18 02 ENGAGEMENT Evaluation Worksheet FEEDBACK Product communicates its intentions at all times in regards to its state, mode, action, status, mistake and error, etc. - •  Charging module produces a low level humming sound to indicate normal operation •  Power button on charging module clicks positively •  The fold-away tripod feet feels solid and durable •  The flip-out handle on the side of the pot flips out with a nice and subtle snap •  Product does not communicate its charging status •  No warning or indication that the pot can be dangerously hot to touch •  Fraction fit of the kettle lid feels insecure and cheap M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 19 03 EXPERIENCE Evaluation Guidelines The experience stage sets out to assess a products ability to deal with or avoid error conditions. Users at this stage assess its ability to correct its mistakes. Finally, this stage is where users judge how well the product delivers consistency across its user touch points and performance. ERROR PREVENTION RECOVERY Product prevents problems before it happens Ability to correct mistakes - reversible actions and states CONSISTENCY Consistent delivery of Aesthetics, Language, Relevancy, and Feedback Considerations: Considerations: •  •  How well does the overall product prevent user error from happening? How easy does the touch-points allow mistakes to be made? •  •  Is it possible to recover from the mistake? How easy is it to correct the mistake? Considerations: •  •  •  •  M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 Is the overall look & feel and context of use consistently conveyed throughout the product(s)? Is the use of language, icons, and colors consistently delivered on the product(s)? Does all the interaction/ touch-points share the same or similar usability story? Does the product consistently provide meaningful feedback no matter what and where the user is interacting? 20 03 EXPERIENCE Evaluation Worksheet ERROR PREVENTION Product prevents problems before it happens - •  Orange touch-points serve as a reminder on where to grab when the pot gets hot •  3 second delay on the charging button prevents unintended charging •  Potentially forgetting to unfold the pot handles before the pot boils •  Not knowing there’s a 3 second charging prevention feature during initial product engagement •  Product does not suggest how to start a fire from scratch M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 21 03 EXPERIENCE Evaluation Worksheet RECOVERY Ability to correct mistakes - reversible actions and states - •  Instructions is printed on the packaging for easy access to help (none) M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 22 03 EXPERIENCE Evaluation Worksheet CONSISTENCY Consistent delivery of Aesthetics, Language, Relevancy, and Feedback - •  Consistent use of colors and materials •  Consistent and clear use of language and iconography •  Consistent usability story, in terms of color application •  Use of different materials mean the same colors are not an exact match M3 Design Confidential and Proprietary www.m3design.com Biolite Campstove + Kettle, April 2014 23 Heuristics