Project Overview
Redesign a combination-microwave, by focusing on testing the usability for Godrej-Eon J02.
After two iterations of usability study and design ideation, the final design concept enabled the user more control and boost confidence & trust towards the product. We introduced the new functions of scan and keyword and the external device.
The Process
We followed an iterative exploration process with research and design activities.
In a sequential order, we conducted Phase 1 as orientation phase.
The new design idea was tested in Phase 2, which brought about insights to generate Re-design A.
Phase 3, which was the last round in evaluating, Re-design A was retested. The test result was refined into Re-design B.
User Research Surveys
The Gj-Eon J02-A combination microwave is a high end device that functions in a combination of oven, microwave, and grill as all in one.
Microwaves being a common home appliance, we personified ourselves the end user too, identified specific concerns for the interface and product design regarding the usability of this microwave.
Persona Overview
2 nos. of typical persona were created to use the microwave : Sudeep, as an Indian gentleman, mainly uses it to heat up soup and microwave foods; hot beverages, and Apeksha, an Indian mother, who uses the microwave it to heat up baby food, bake desserts and grill chicken, etc. When we derived the usability tasks for testing, both the persona needs were considered.
Research Goal & Question
Phase 1
With respect to our early understanding, Phase 1 was planned to primarily focus on the research goals and questions as below:
“ Does it? and how does it? of the response provided by the product enable the people through the various usability stages efficiently?
- How does the earlier experience of usage of this product effect and influence the operation of this combo-micro?”
Research Method
The test was conducted with 6 participants, with varied past experience of microwave+oven and cultural bkg. (three from the Northern India and three from western India). The results of the testings were analysed into 4 parts: existing understanding of user interfaces, user behavior, time to reach goals, performance and user emotions.
Design Concept
'How To' Session
Based on 1st stage outcome of research, a 'How to' activity was done to generate new design ideas. This brought about some new ideas and approaches on the table. The technique was splitting up a complex problem into smaller, easier to solve sub-problems. As a means of creativity facilitation, the complete team brainstormed about the 'How to' type of questions. Later, clustering and idea amalgamation, 2 design concepts were taken up for further refinements.
Concept
The primary design concept was to migrate few controls to an external device to bring in new functions like SCANNING and KEYWORDS - can be seen in the design of the combi-micro and external device.
Our basic design concept is to move some controls into an external device to facilitate some new functions of SCANNER and KEY WORDS, which is reflected in the product design of microwave and external device.
But we were struggled with the extent of the innovation, which means whether to keep the dials on the microwave or not. The question will be answered after the user test. The external device is designed with the metaphor of a pad to ordering dishes. After the user finishes the setting, they could hang the device on the edge of the combi-microwave, thus integrating the device as part of the combi-microwave system. For UI design, three main control ways, ‘Manual’, ‘Scan’ and ‘Key words’ are designed to meet different tasks based on the corresponding usage behaviors and contexts.
The users’ feeling of being in control of the machine and the trust towards this new combi microwave are meant to be improved
Product Design
External Device
The external device is designed with the metaphor of a pad to ordering dishes. After the user finishes the setting, they could hang the device on the edge of the combi-microwave, thus integrating the device as part of the combi-microwave system.
Combi-microwave
The shape of combi-microwave was redesigned to keep it simple and leave two dials for concept 1 and remove all the buttons and dials for concept 2.
User Interface Design
We first planned the activity flow of the external gadget. According to the design concept, three main control ways, ‘Manual’, ‘Scan’ and ‘Key words’ are designed to meet different tasks based on the corresponding usage behavior and contexts.
Research Goal & Question
We conducted the 2nd UX & usability test with the goal as foll:-
"Will the user adopt to higher usage of pre-program functions with only external device usage?"
"If above is yes, wow will the user adopt to higher usage of pre-program functions with only external device usage?"
There are four detailed research questions:
1. Will the user prefer tangible tactile user-interface of jog dials as compared to external device with same function possibility?
2. How well will users understand the info-graphics in design and feedback of system?
3. Will it, and how much impact will previous experience influence the users preference of tangible dials or touch controls over external device?
4. In the case of concept one, what task objectives will trigger the usage of external device?
Research Method
We invited 8 participants for the test with different background of usage experiences in microwaves and owens.
The group was sub-divided into two groups - one that would use the design with tangible tactile jog dials, and another without it.
The test conducted, included three parts, pre-interview, 4 nos. of tasks and post-interview.
Research results were clustered to five categories, and soon after the test, a new round of redesign was conducted according to the research insights.
These research results were clustered in 5 baskets. Post test, a new activity of redesign was taken up as per insights from research.
Research Conclusion & Redesign 1
STUDY 3
Research Goal & Question
A 3rd session of testing was conducted with the research goal as foll :-
“How and weather the new design of the combination microwave provides a satisfactory experience for user?”
Four main research questions were supposed to be answered:
1. Whether this new design will augment the user feel of stronger and improved controls over the machine?
2. Whether the new design will provide trust towards usage and possibilities of this machine of a combination microwave?
3. Will trust and feel of control increase for usage of pre-programmed functions compared to earlier design?
4. Will a user feel more in control or more convenient by using an external gadget during interaction with a combination microwave?
Research Method
The method of study 3 is similar to study 2 that six participants were invited to finish three tasks and answer some questions. The main difference is that real food and combi-microwave were used in the test instead of paper prototype to get more accurate insights about the user experience.
Research Conclusion
The most important outcome of study 3 is that the re-design gave both a feeling of trust and control which lacked in the current design, based on the following points:
One of the critical result of study 3 was that the new design gave both - a feeling of trust and control which was less in the old design, due on the following areas of improvement :-
(a) looking into the machine, (b) the usage of pre-programmed functions, (c) ease of usage of the interface (d) input confidence and (e) portability of device.
Redesign
On basis of the previous research outcomes, the final design was proposed.
The tangible product design of the combination microwave was minimalistic and less cluttered.
The visual design style of the interface was also less cluttered, fresh and relaxed colour pallet.
Product Design
Two Use Cases for External Device
Final Design
After we conducted 3 rounds of usability and UX testing, the final microwave App design included 3 new concepts of 'simple task', 'scanner' and 'creative/smart cooking'.
Simple Task
For daily ordinary simple heating tasks, user can control the dial directly form the external device hanging on the microwave, exempt from complicated procedures.
Creative / Smart Cooking
To trigger their creativity, user can search the ingredients or food name to get some recipe inspirations.
Scanning
For microwave foods, a scan function is provided to simplify the user operations by simply scanning the barcode on the packaging and receive the indicators automatically.
