Improve usability of connected household appliance

A consumer products manufacturer sought to assess the usability of a touch-screen appliance that allowed connectivity with a mobile device.

Challenge

We were tasked with assessing the usability of a touch screen prototype designed to connect with the user’s mobile device.

Approach

We observed participants using a prototype of the device in a consumer kitchen lab environment. We assessed the users’ ability to set up and connect the appliance to a mobile device, use the mobile device to control the appliance, as well as their reaction to error screens. We designed this in-lab test to support other streams of research being utilized by the manufacturer.

Outcome

Reaction to the product was positive overall, but we identified key areas to improve the initial connection and overall user experience. We provided specific design recommendations which were made before product launch.

Industry:

Home and small appliance

Method/Process:

Formative / Evaluative

Stimuli:

Home appliance