Ubiquitous devices:
Inch Scale devices: Logbar’s ring and apple watch.
Logbar’s ring:
Every other electronic equipment can be connected to this device which as its name suggests can be worn on our finger like a ring. A simple gesture will control devices such as TVs, home lighting and also send messages from your phone. This device will interpret the hand writing and send it as a text message or even send it via our smart watches. A detailed functionality of device can be understood from the video below.
Positive usability aspects:
The device simply connects with almost all our daily electronics and works seamlessly. It is easy to use. Simple tap on the side to activate the device and gesture in the air to communicate with other devices. Also by using (Kim, Choi & Ji, 2008) usability evaluation of ubiquitous devices we can say that the device is adaptable to context of users, controllable since it can be used under any circumstance. The device also supports interconnectivity with other devices, and the ring can be easily moved around without any issue. The system is generally seemed to be satisfying the users who use it.
Negative usability aspects:
The device is a bit tough to get used to without any training. It may also be difficult to use the device for elders since their hands may not be as stable as younger people and this may be cause the gesture to be misinterpreted. The negative aspects of usability based on (Kim, Choi & Ji, 2008) are that the device is not that simple to use from the start since it requires training. It may also not support transparency since the state of the device at every point of time might not be that clear. Accessibility aspect of the usability also will be difficult due the fact that elders and differently abled people will not find this usable.
Apple Watch:
Apple watch is a smart watch from Apple which connects and works seamlessly with the iphone devices. You can practical access most of your applications from your smart watch. It is of great help for navigation, accessing media easily, have a look at the mails and messages and reply and also help take care of our health with the health kit available. Given below is a video which demonstrates the uses of an apple watch.
Positive usability aspects:
Generally, apple watches provide users with the convenience because just by raising the wrist they will able to see the messages, respond to them which makes their job simpler rather than taking their mobiles out. It also has a feature whereby even payments can be done without the cards which is apple payment, making the life of the user easier. With respect to the usability aspects of Kim et al, the device has the ability to adapt to the changes in context such as the user’s location and also user’s activities such as exercise. They can also be interconnected with iPhones which enables them to share the information with the users mobile. The mobility aspect of the device is high too due to the fact that it is a wrist watch and is always on you. The state of the apple watch can be easily understood by the user and hence it is transparent.
Negative usability aspects:
One major usability issue with such devices is that they have a small interface and hence may be difficult for the user to interact. Since the watch is on your wrist only one hand is accessible and few users may find this difficult. When aligned with the usability paper from Kim et al the problems that are found are that the device predictability is almost nil since this is the first such device from apple and hence the user may not have any prior experience. The usage of the digital crown to zoom in and zoom out is one of the feature available which is not simple for a few users who might not be that inclined to use the latest technology. Compatibility of the system is also questioned because the user’s mental model of using a watch is quite different from what is being presented to them.
Foot-scale devices: Emiota’s Belty smart belt and GPS navigator
Emiota’s Belty smart belt:
It is an interesting product developed to be worn around the waist to enhance the health of a person. The belt can adjust itself by getting tighter when standing and loosens when a person sits. The belt can also interact with the user and let him know that he has been sitting for a long time. It has the abilities to identify early signs of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. It has built in sensors that monitors inactivity, waistline trends, Bluetooth capabilities and also has a phone app. It increases the comfort of the user and also provides valuable advice.
Positive usability aspects:
It uses the belt metaphor in an effective manner which improves the ease of use of the user. While considering Kim et al framework for usability adaptability of the device seems to be excellent due to the fact that it changes according to the user context. Mobility aspect of the device is a huge plus because it being a belt can be carried around with much ease. It is completely compatible with the user since all he has to do is wear the belt and move around and it provides all the valuable information.
Negative usability aspects:
One of the main usability an issue is that the user has to access the mobile app every time he needs to check about his health. The user interface of the system is almost nothing since it is just a belt and this sometimes may cause an issue due to lack of simplicity.
GPS navigator:
As suggested by the name itself the most important functionality of the GPS navigator is help people with the routes to the required destination. They are mostly used in the car. It can also have voice activated navigation for increasing the ease of use and also can link up with the smartphone.
Positive usability aspects:
It is simple to use since it is almost like a phone. It is also flexible due to additional functionalities such as the usage of voice navigation. The device is excellent and can be controlled under any circumstances and it also provides interconnectivity with the smartphones. The simplicity of the user interface will only increase the usability of the device and its mobile phone metaphor is only an added advantage.
Negative usability aspects:
The clarity of the information provided by the device may sometimes be vague that can confuse the users.
General note: The framework for usability evaluation of the ubiquitous devices are taken from the following paper. Kim.J.H, Choi K.J and Ji.Y (2008). Usability evaluation framework for ubiquitous computing device. Third 2008 International conference on convergence and hybrid information technology, 164 - 170
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