Design Homework

Using one of the design methodologies we learned in class (or another of your choosing that you clear with me first), design a microwave interface. The catch: it can only have one button. No keypad, no touchscreen. Just a single button. You can design the button yourself and it can have multiple functionalities (turning, pushing, etc). The microwave can only have one simple digital readout screen like this:

Create a sketch of the microwave and describe how the button works. You should support the following tasks and explain what steps a user would do to accomplish each:

• Setting the time to cook
• Start cooking
• Stop cooking (even if there is time left)
• Clear the display
• Optional features (which need all the necessary set/cancel functionality)
  • A clock
  • Adjust power level
  • A kitchen timer

In addition, create a writeup that addresses the following:

1. What design methodology did you use to design this? Explain any relevant details (e.g. if you did co-design, how did you run the session? if you did brainstorming, who did you brainstorm with and what came out of it)
2. How usable is your microwave? Do you think there are features that are very usable or likely to be problematic? You don't have to conduct a usability study, but do an analysis given what you, as a usability expert, know about interfaces.

Turn in a picture of your design along with your writeup into the BOX folder.