This Interaction Annoys This Interaction Annoys MeMe

Documenting a problem with an interactionDocumenting a problem with an interaction

Example Example Specify Hardware and SoftwareSpecify Hardware and Software

Hardware and OSHardware and OSHardware: HP TC1100Hardware: HP TC1100

OS: Microsoft XP, Tablet PC Edition 2005, Version OS: Microsoft XP, Tablet PC Edition 2005, Version 2002, Service Pack 22002, Service Pack 2

Software: Outlook Express 6, Version Software: Outlook Express 6, Version 6.00.2900.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)6.00.2900.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)

ExampleExampleTaskTask

I want to make a permanent copy of the image I want to make a permanent copy of the image (of a goose) currently displayed.(of a goose) currently displayed.

1. I decided to save the image.1. I decided to save the image.

2. I right clicked on the image.2. I right clicked on the image.

3. I clicked on the “save” button.3. I clicked on the “save” button.

4. I clicked on the “no” button in 4. I clicked on the “no” button in warning window.warning window.

5. I moved mouse to the 5. I moved mouse to the “file name” field.“file name” field.

6. I changed the file name.6. I changed the file name.

7. I clicked on the “save” button.7. I clicked on the “save” button.

8. I receive feedback that the task 8. I receive feedback that the task is complete.is complete.

ExampleExampleAnnoyance DescriptionAnnoyance Description

I was annoyed in step 4 that I was allowed to try I was annoyed in step 4 that I was allowed to try to save the image with a file name that already to save the image with a file name that already exists.exists.

I was annoyed in step 6 that I had to guess a file I was annoyed in step 6 that I had to guess a file name that had not already been used.name that had not already been used.

ExampleExampleWhy I was annoyedWhy I was annoyed

I was annoyed by step 4 because the system set me up I was annoyed by step 4 because the system set me up to fail. The system could have determined that the to fail. The system could have determined that the file name was already used and given me different file name was already used and given me different options that one that would fail.options that one that would fail.

I was annoyed by step 6 because I was not provided I was annoyed by step 6 because I was not provided enough information to choose a file name that was enough information to choose a file name that was not already used.not already used.

How to fix the annoyanceHow to fix the annoyance

Instead of presenting a simple save dialog in step 3, Instead of presenting a simple save dialog in step 3, the system could present a dialog with the following the system could present a dialog with the following choices:choices: Overwrite file with name “goose_resized_2001_1024”Overwrite file with name “goose_resized_2001_1024” Save with new name, suggested name Save with new name, suggested name

“goose_resized_2001_1024_1”“goose_resized_2001_1024_1” Change directoryChange directory CancelCancel

This Interaction Annoys MeThis Interaction Annoys Me

Pick an interaction you find annoying.Pick an interaction you find annoying. Document the steps.Document the steps. Describe the annoyance and how it can be Describe the annoyance and how it can be

fixed.fixed.

InteractionInteraction

Specific systemSpecific system HardwareHardware Software (full stack)Software (full stack)

Specific taskSpecific task What is trying to be accomplishedWhat is trying to be accomplished Not how it is accomplishedNot how it is accomplished

Specific methodSpecific method Steps used to (attempt to) perform the taskSteps used to (attempt to) perform the task

TaskTask

A task is:A task is: What the What the useruser is trying to accomplish is trying to accomplish The objective of the interaction from the The objective of the interaction from the users users

perspectiveperspective A task is not:A task is not:

The actions taken by the userThe actions taken by the user The behavior of the computerThe behavior of the computer

Task QuestionsTask Questions

Questions to determine if it is a task descriptionQuestions to determine if it is a task description Is the description about the user’s objective(s)?Is the description about the user’s objective(s)?

Is the user the subject of the sentence?Is the user the subject of the sentence? Is the verb some form of wanting?Is the verb some form of wanting?

Does the description contain terms about the interface or Does the description contain terms about the interface or internals of the application?internals of the application?

Terms from the users mental model of the taskTerms from the users mental model of the task Buttons, sliders, and other widgets are not part of the task.Buttons, sliders, and other widgets are not part of the task. Databases, engines, and IO devices are not part of the interface.Databases, engines, and IO devices are not part of the interface. If the task domain is a computerized system, these rules do not If the task domain is a computerized system, these rules do not

work.work.

Documenting the StepsDocumenting the Steps

What atomic actions does the user perform?What atomic actions does the user perform? Includes what the user is trying to do by the actionIncludes what the user is trying to do by the action

What responses does the system make?What responses does the system make?

Atomic ActionsAtomic Actions

PhysicalPhysical Mouse clickMouse click Mouse movementMouse movement Key strokeKey stroke

Cognitive (Mental)Cognitive (Mental) What the user (not the designer/programmer) considers a What the user (not the designer/programmer) considers a

single actionsingle action Enter a text string into a fieldEnter a text string into a field Press a buttonPress a button