Prototype Testing - Overall Evaluation and Improvements

The initial prototype performed fairly well on the whole, but there are a large number of possible improvements. The navigational method can remain relatively unchanged, with a few minor tweaks to the presentation and structure, and the devices themselves also do not need a major overhaul. The issues that must be addressed are the usability of the watch, making the stylus more robust, and adding error prevention/management.

Potential Improvements

• Remove the security aspect, as it over-complicates the system and may not be considerate to users' current situations.
• Change the orientation of the input device, so that it folds out like a book, which is more intuitive to the user.
• Make the stylus larger.
• Use a cord to attach the stylus to the input device.
• Ensure there are error messages if input is invalid (e.g. an information category written does not exist).
• Enable calls to a designated family member to be made using the watch.
• Make important functions such as zooming in and verbalising text more explicit in instructions.
• Remove tech-speak from text and buttons.
• Allow the deletion of logged and sent information past a certain amount of time.
• Display the sender of a message.
• Remove the function to modify date/time and perform it automatically.
• Provide "undo" functionality.
• Make watch functions easier to use, but harder to perform by accident.
• Enable sending of information to different people.
• Ensure the watch knows if it has been taken off.
• Add a light to the watch which can inform users about the current state (e.g. green means it's working, off means it's switched off, red means it's in alarm mode).
• Enable replying to messages.
• Distinguish between "return to main" and "go back" more clearly.
• Verbalising of text needs to be made more contextual, and distinguish between text and buttons.
• Disable "continue" button if no input provided.
• Let the user change relevant options contextually.
• Improve the contrast of text and background in problem areas.
• For text relying on differences in colour, make them bold as well.
• Add more images to buttons.
• Make notification screens consistent across all changes to information.
• Make the scroll bars more intuitive.
• Order information with newest information first.