Homework 0: Pick a Device

For 05-863/08-763/46-863: Introduction to Human Comuter Interaction for Technology Executives (Fall, 2008)

Assigned: In class on Tues, Oct 28, 2008

All of the assignments in this course will be individual. Most of them will involve creating a simulated user interface for a complex device. Each student will pick a different device. However, for a multi-function device, multiple people can pick the same device as long as they pick different functions on that device (for example, someone can do basic setup of a DVD and someone else can do setting of timed recordings on a DVD-R). You will use the device you select for the entire course, so choose wisely. You will need to pick a device with some complexity; that is, with some tasks that are difficult to do.

Below are some examples that might be selected, but feel free to make up your own, with permission of the instructor.

Note: for Homework 1, you will have to test a user on a real version of the device, so you should select something you own or have access to (it would be fine to use a CMU copier, for example),

In class on Tues, Oct 28, 2008, each student will pick a device.

  1. Desk phone with speed dial
  2. Answering machine with selective playing, deleting of recorded calls
  3. Copy machine with 2-sided copying
  4. Cell phone for placing calls using an address book
  5. Cell phone for doing SMS using an address book
  6. Cell phone address book management (add, remove, update addresses)
  7. VCR or DVD/R: basic setup (which channels, clock, input source, record speed, etc.)
  8. VCR or DVD/R: setting timed recordings (record in the future)
  9. Cable TV or DishNetwork configuration and control interfaces
  10. Data Projector configuration user interface (pick source, brightness, keystoning, etc.)
  11. Conventional television with contrast, brightness, channels, input sources
  12. High definition television with various wide-screen modes
  13. Digital camera including taking pictures, specifying different resolutions, turning on and off the flash, etc.
  14. Digital Picture Frame
  15. Camcorder
  16. Digital Watch
  17. Microwave with cooking, defrost, set current time, timed cooking, etc.
  18. Wall Oven, with bake, broil, self-clean, timer for timed cooking, etc.
  19. Washing machine, with parameters for water temperature, different cycles, etc.
  20. Drier with parameters for different cycles, heat, cool down, etc.
  21. Programmable Coffee maker
  22. Digital refrigerator (?)
  23. Robotic vacuum cleaner (speed, obstacle avoidance)
  24. Conventional vacuum with digital controls
  25. Digital video recorder (schedule recordings) (e.g., TIVO)
  26. Digital music player (e.g., iPod)
  27. Digital FM radio with presets
  28. Universal remote control (programmable)
  29. PC Music player with play-lists (e.g., Windows Media Player)
  30. Augmented calculator (e.g., ability to see past computations, etc.)
  31. Complex Alarm clock (set time, set alarm, multiple alarms, snooze)
  32. Audiobook player (select book, navigate chapters)
  33. Programmable Massage chair
  34. Programmable light (brightness, weekly on/off schedule)
  35. Programming lawn watering system, with timers and sensors
  36. Voice recorder (play, delete, record, rewind)
  37. Printer configuration (orientation, sides, color, scale)
  38. Multi-function printer (print/fax/copy)
  39. Wireless network chooser (select, security settings, on/off)
  40. Movie schedule mobile web application (by movie, by location)
  41. Stand-alone air purifier
  42. Home heating and air conditioning (HVAC) controls (programmable)
  43. Automobile heating and air conditioning (HVAC) controls
  44. Automobile HD Radio
  45. Stand-alone HD Radio
  46. Automobile Satellite radio
  47. Stand-alone Satellite radio
  48. Automobile navigation system
  49. Hand-held navigation system
  50. Any digital medical device
  51. ATM
  52. Airport Ticket kiosk
  53. Play/Movie Ticket kiosk
  54. Photo printing kiosks
  55. Vending machine for movies (like outside the Giant Eagle in Squirrel Hill
  56. Self checkout system for supermarket (like at Giant Eagle)
  57. IM interface (gtalk, yahoo messenger)
  58. CMU printing kiosk
  59. Programmable exercise equipment
  60. PA lottery touch screen machine
  61. Any complicated electronics from Brookstone
  62. Any desktop or web interface that seems like a control panel for a device