Product interface design: A participatory approach based on virtual reality

The usability of the user interface is a key aspect for the success of several industrial products. This assumption has led to the introduction of numerous design methodologies addressed to evaluate the user-friendliness of industrial products. Most of these methodologies follow the participatory de...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of human-computer studies 2010-05, Vol.68 (5), p.254-269
Main Authors: Bruno, Fabio, Muzzupappa, Maurizio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Channels
Computer science
control theory
systems
Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface
Exact sciences and technology
Feasibility
Mechanical engineering. Machine design
Microwaves
Ovens
Participatory design
Product interface design
Redesign
Software
Usability
User interfaces
Virtual reality
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Summary:The usability of the user interface is a key aspect for the success of several industrial products. This assumption has led to the introduction of numerous design methodologies addressed to evaluate the user-friendliness of industrial products. Most of these methodologies follow the participatory design approach to involve the user in the design process. Virtual Reality is a valid tool to support Participatory Design, because it facilitates the collaboration among designers and users. The present study aims to evaluate the feasibility and the efficacy of an innovative Participatory Design approach where Virtual Reality plays a ‘double role’: a tool to evaluate the usability of the virtual product interface, and a communication channel that allows users to be directly involved in the design process as co-designers. In order to achieve these goals, we conducted three experiments: the purpose of the first experiment is to determine the influence of the virtual interface on the usability evaluation by comparing “user–real product” interaction and “user–virtual product” interaction. Subsequently, we tested the effectiveness of our approach with two experiments involving users (directly or through their participation in a focus group) in the redesign of a product user interface. The experiments were conducted with two typologies of consumer appliances: a microwave oven and a washing machine.
ISSN:1071-5819
1095-9300
DOI:10.1016/j.ijhcs.2009.12.004