Original Design
Final Design
The problem statement helped directly identify what the problem was to come up with different UI solutions.
Problem Statement Elaborated:
There are 5 buttons on the controller, but only one button for the light. In order to set it on the dimmest setting, the user has to hold down the light button and release when it gets to the setting they want. The problem with this design is that the user would sometimes miss it because it’s lacking signifiers to show the current setting, which causes the light to turn off if they are already at the lowest setting. The light turns on at the brightest setting again, forcing the user to cycle through until the desired dimness is achieved.
By prioritizing components that I saw were necessary to address to make the experience better, I made sure to focus on improving those first.
1. Show current setting
Current design has no signifiers to show increments.
Current design has no signifiers to show increments.
2. Indicate it can dim
Current design only has on/off button.
Current design only has on/off button.
3. Make size more compact
Original: 12.5cm x 5.5 cm with 5 buttons.
Original: 12.5cm x 5.5 cm with 5 buttons.
I went through four different iterations, each working towards solving the initial pain points that were identified in during the prioritization stage.
User testing allowed me to pinpoint the pros and cons of each design and further improving the interface with the feedback.
User Testing Feedback
Positive
- Simple, know how to operate right away
- It gives finer control over both
- Gives the light button more options
- Simple, know how to operate right away
- It gives finer control over both
- Gives the light button more options
Negative
- Doesn’t show indicators for speeds
- Might not be able to hit desired brightness, depending on increments
- Don't know what settings are available—are you at max brightness or speed?
- Doesn’t show indicators for speeds
- Might not be able to hit desired brightness, depending on increments
- Don't know what settings are available—are you at max brightness or speed?
Positive
- Having a physical slider signifies ability to dim on light
- Having a physical slider signifies ability to dim on light
Negative
- Doesn’t show indicators for fan speeds
- Looks weird having buttons and sliders mixed in one device
- Have to slide all the way down to turn off light
- Doesn’t show indicators for fan speeds
- Looks weird having buttons and sliders mixed in one device
- Have to slide all the way down to turn off light
Positive
- Easy to tell current speed within what settings are available
- It solves the initial problem, but doesn’t really show what’s all available
- Easy to tell current speed within what settings are available
- It solves the initial problem, but doesn’t really show what’s all available
Negative
- Doesn’t show indicators for speeds
- If you always leave the fan on 2 or 3 speed, you always have to skip over 1; might cause wear and tear on hardware
- You have to slide all the way down to turn off, no on/off button
- Sliders feel a bit small
- Doesn’t show indicators for speeds
- If you always leave the fan on 2 or 3 speed, you always have to skip over 1; might cause wear and tear on hardware
- You have to slide all the way down to turn off, no on/off button
- Sliders feel a bit small
Positive
- Can always see where you are on setting spectrum
- Fine grain control
- Quick on/off returned
- Can always see where you are on setting spectrum
- Fine grain control
- Quick on/off returned
Negative
- What are the increments on the light? (Later revoked after explanation of button controls)
- What are the increments on the light? (Later revoked after explanation of button controls)
The Final Design
The final design. Light increase and decrease buttons allow for fine grain changes when pushed, but has rapid speed change if held down. Light signifiers for current setting. Quick on/off buttons to restore last used settings. Icons returned as alternate UI for accessibility purposes.
