Good Continuation
The mobility of the laptop design in comparison to a desktop is dependant upon the continuation of lines, maintaining relatedness of the computer. Laptops are a rectangular shape with rounded edges when closed. Upon opening the laptop the monitor and keyboard maintain the same shape as when closed. This continues the established direction the user senses when first perceiving the object. Through the shape of the monitor mirroring the shape of the area where the keyboard, mouse, and speakers are placed the perceived alignment corresponds the relatedness of the two sections.
Hick’s Law
When applying Hick’s Law to starting up a computer is appears there is only one alterative. The task is simple, the goal is to turn on the computer, and there is only one available option, the on button. Designers of laptops make the decision easy by only including one primary button deemed as “on”. However upon implementing the option a number of decisions follow. The user must decide what their primary goal is when entering the computer. Due to the number of complex decisions presented when starting up a computer, Hick’s Law only applies to the process of turning on the computer.
Hierarchy of Needs
All basic laptops should follow the hierarchy of needs design principal. Thus, the design should satisfy basic needs before concentrating on adding innovative features. The design of a laptop must be able to meet the basic functionality needs of computing. The laptop must then be able to meet reliability and usability needs. If these needs are met the device will consistently compute, be tolerant of basic user errors, and be the product of an intuitive design. Once these basic needs are met, designers can focus on high-value needs such as proficiency and creativity needs.
Life Cycle
Computers are designed to last a finite amount of time. New hardware and software are constantly being developed. Computers are designed to accommodate the transition in software, by being built to last roughly four years. The growth, maturity, and decline of computers are accommodated by the use of warranties. A standard warranty is typically valid for one year, maintaining customer satisfaction during the adolescent years of the computer. The computers companies then give to option to purchase an extended warranty. These indefinite extended warranties accommodate computers until their stage of maturity.
Mapping
The shell of the laptop allocates simple controls to users. The good use of mapping allows beginner to advanced computer users to anticipate the effects of laptop controls. That is, users understand that the largest button, usually located above the keyboard, acts as the power button. The keyboard is located in the middle of the bottom portion of the laptop and the mouse pad is placed below the keyboard. The predictability and ease of laptop controls indicates a good use of mapping.
No comments:
Post a Comment