Exercise 4 - Evaluation

Since no users aren't easily accessible an inspection method for evaluation was considered. An heuristic evaluation was therefore conducted with one expert, another HCI-student. First a presentation of our low-fi prototype was conducted followed by a pluralistic walkthrough involving our design group and the expert. The following topics were then considered by the expert:

• Is it a clearly defined User group?
• “The feeling"
• Interaction and over arching structure
• Primary and secondary functions
• Design/composition
• Help
• Sketches

In summary the overall impression of the app is good. The simplicity was appreciated and provided a good user experience. The evaluation as presented by the expert can be seen here: http://myferrytail.blogspot.se/2016/11/evaluation-for-group-a5-agneev-guin.html and at the end of this post. There where some comments about the settings menu, which might not be necessary. We'll do another review about this when we have constructed a more detailed prototype.

In the following evaluation we would like the evaluators to focus more on Nielsen's usability heuristics. They will also be more meaningful in the context of a high-fi prototype.

Evaluation for Group A5: Agneev Guin

The following is an evaluation of the app prototype of group A5.

User group

The user group consists of Tourists from all backgrounds. The group focuses on everyone carrying mobile devices who are eager to learn about the nearby places of interest.

"The feeling"

The pluralistic walkthrough of the app is quite appealing as it's user centered approach doesn't allow any unnecessary stuff, thus focusing on its usability. The augmented reality section will be quite useful while riding on the ferry, however the use of the map view is constrained while in the ferry as the first time tourists might not be able to relate to the map. The information along with the interest points might help the tourists choose their next destination point. Interaction and over arching structure The one touch selection to display the details of the tourist spots seems simple and easy to operate. There are no unnecessary options to mess around, thus focusing on the easy to grasp capability.

Primary and secondary functions

The main function, to use the Augmented Reality, is the main focus of the design prototype. The AR is the catchy part where information for the important points is easy to capture from your current location. The secondary function, to see the map view, is more valuable to those part of the target group who are on the shore.

Design/composition

An interesting splash screen of AR and Map is a clear segregation. The heuristic approach of having a layout to provide the user an impression of a first time user for a fresh app helps keep the design simple. The design is thus, quite appealing. People might want to explore more based on the simple nature.

Suggestions for improvement

The tag AR or Augmented Reality may not be clear to all. The app seems quite attractive once someone is using it but it might be a bit of a confusion for the first time users. The impression that its a tourist guide can be explained more. The settings for AR and GPS on/off might not be required. It can be like Google maps that if GPS is disabled, it will popup a message to enable. The pop up window should remain open even after moving away the mobile device. Else the user might have to hold it that place and direction to get all the info. In case more info needs to be provided like information about the place or public transport timings to reach there may be provided with easy to grasp icons. Ratings may be provided based on previous tourist travelers. Help No further support is provided or needed for any tricky stuff.

Sketches

The sketches clearly justify their plans. The pop up information shows that they cover a part of the screen. This needs to remain even after removing the device is moved. They have even provided an idea of the settings section to describe the possibilities.

Summary

The usability of using a mobile device to explore the nearby places has been widely explored. The simplicity provides a good user experience focusing primarily on their target group.