Shower Control Interface
For my first assignment in my HCDE451 class (“User Experience Prototyping Techniques”), we were asked to create a physical shower control interface with a handheld wand. The task was to make this shower control interface as user-friendly and comfortable as possible for users with a variety of abilities and hindrances in the shower.
The first step I took to create the shower control was to draw out 3 different sketches of some ideas I had in mind. These sketches allowed me to get an idea of the main functions and features of the shower control.
Prototype
After choosing one of the sketches to move forward with, I created a prototype out of clay, cardboard, and paper.
To mimic the weight of a hand held shower wand, I used a hair curler. I created a shower wand holder out of clay to hold the hair curler and made it similar to a wrench so users could usually slip the shower wand onto the holder. I attached the clay wand holder to a cardboard box to mimic a shower head interface. On the cardboard box I added a paper user interface and physical buttons made out of cardboard. I added icons and paint around the buttons to make it more clear what the buttons functions were.
Design
- I created a wrench-like holder to hold the shower wand in place because it makes it difficult for a shower wand to slip out of place and users can easily place holders in.
- I created a user interface in which users can see the temperature and settings for the valves and water volume. I highlighted the current valves and water temperature in blue so that it’s easier for the user to see what setting it’s on in case they have difficulty seeing in the shower.
- I designed 3 buttons for users to choose between the 3 different valves. I decided to make these large buttons so I could label them easily, allowing users to quickly understand what each buttons does. I also wrote the function of each button above in case users don’t understand the icons.
- I also created 2 knobs to change the temperature and water volume. I chose a knob because it’s relatively easy to switch between different temperatures/volumes with the extra handle on top for a better grip. This will allow users which soapy hands or limited hand dexterity to grip the handle better. I colored the different temperature settings (hot and cold) with bold colors so that it’s easy for users to know which direction corresponds with water temperature. I also painted bold dots to corresponds to water levels so it’s clear to users how turning the knob will allow them change the water level.
To turn on the water, the user simply twists the temperature knob and turns it clockwise or counterclockwise to get the desired temperature. After that, the user will push a button to get the water to spout from the correct valve before turning the knob to get it to the desired water volume.
After creating this prototype, I asked my sister to help me conduct a user test in which I asked her to turn on the prototype, use the wand, change the spout, and change the water level. You can access the user test here:
Analysis
Along with my sister, a few other students in my class conducted a user test with my prototype. I would say that they were all able to successfully complete all the tasks with little confusion. Although there was some hesitancy when completing some of the tasks, I would say the entire process went well. The common feedback I got with from my testers was that the buttons were labeled well with the different icons for valves, temperature, and volume. The painted symbols and icons really made the buttons a lot more clear.
One area of improvement this user testing uncovered was the on/off feature. When I first created this prototype, the idea was for users to turn the temperature knob to the left or right to turn on the shower. When one of my classmated conducted the user testing, she tried to pull out the knob and then turn it to the left or right — which is a lot more similar to how some showers are created. If I were to redesign this prototype, I would create a handle that curve inwards slightly to show users that they can grip the handle and pull out and turn instead of turning a knob.
The three valve buttons and water volume knobs were pretty effective as my sister had no questions or comments about these features. The shower interface also did a good job at highlighting those current settings and which one the user was on through the blue highlights.
