Chambers - Blog 4

The user is not always correct. In class we discussed how users would “choose the healthy burger” because they think that they would choose logically, but in practice, users are not logical.

The designer should not always provide new features because some of the users ask for them. The power users that want more features will probably be outspoken in what they want, but they are typically the minority. The normal users who only use 20% of the features will just get lost if you add more features. More features add clutter and get in the way of the main features that most people use.

Hoekman mentions forums as a way for users to talk amongst themselves as well as fix each others’ problems. It takes less resources to manage and allows a centralized place for suggestions, complaints, and positive feedback.

As far as project 2, I would eliminate essentially everything but the workout and iPod tabs. Even the main screen isn’t necessary. Buttons on the workout screen would allow you to choose the type of workout. Chapter 3 says to take out all of the bells and whistles, but since the machine is “nike + ipod” it would be wrong to take the ipod away. This way, the user is presented with one simple screen to control exercise functions and one simple screen for ipod functions. Also on the workout screen, the image that is to show the level of the incline and difficulty is fairly redundant, so it can be removed to make room for other workout option buttons.