MA 2007 / Crystal / Interface & Interaction project
'A simple and intuitive desktop metaphor for the elderly.'
Upon completing the theory module on interface and interaction, we were asked to create a new desktop metaphor for a specific target group. It was necessary for us to analyze the predominant interfaces (Mac OS and Windows) and come up with a different approach. Along with three other students, I chose to focus on the elderly. The desktop interface we created named 'Crystal' is intended to help older people use the computer without any trouble unlike with existing operational systems. Instead of reinventing it we refined and simplified the system to make the experience as easy as possible. The restrictiveness of our interface serves our target group to navigate through their files and applications without having to deal with functions they don’t really need.
From a visual point of view the desktop is more abstract, probably reminiscent to older operational systems. It doesn’t offer one of the fundamental principles of modern GUI design – the coexistence of a number of overlapping windows - due to its simplicity, but it’s extendable. The idea of having a tab-system is to allow its users add new ‘sections’, such as applications or other file management options.
Usability
Usability tests were especially important because of our target group. We therefore conducted several tests with a flash mock-up at a home for the elderly to see whether the interface was clear enough and intuitive for them.
As a whole, participants found Crystal quite simple and clear. The prominent tab-system and its big icons made it easy for them to navigate through the desktop. It did not take them long to realize how the system worked. They explored the interface by using the mouse and discovering each of the sections. Nevertheless we gained valuable information to improve our interface.
Overall I feel this project has helped me realize how important it is to conduct usability tests throughout a whole project. These have to be well carried out in order for us to understand what the user’s needs really are.