ux-Kevinn-Xiong

Kevin’s UX Journal

Journal 1

Not too long ago, I visited my friend and wanted to use their microwave to heat up some food. I figured that it would be a very simple task as I have used a microwave many times before. But my friend’s microwave was different from what I was used to.

The very first thing that I tried to look for was the numbers to enter the time. After noticing that the microwave doesn’t have them, I saw a big knob that turns with a start/quick start button in the middle. Above that was the other options like defrosting, timer, and etc. I wasn’t too sure how to use the microwave at first. I was used to using microwaves with a number pad so my mental model or my understanding of how something works based on experience, didn’t help with this microwave. My initial thinking was that I had to turn the knob and press the start button to get it working.

At first glance, I notice the dots or circle surrounding the knob. It slowly increases in size as it goes out more which is what led me to my first thought of turning the knob. Also the start/quick start button made it obvious how to start the microwave. It also let me know that the knob was related in someway to get the microwave started. I thought that these were good signifiers, which are visual clues that helps people understand how to use something. However the knob wasn’t exactly super clear. The dots or circle surrounding it went both ways, left and right. I wasn’t sure which way I had to turn it or if the directions matters at all. Another thing is that I thought that knowing what time you set it to would be an issue. But as you turn the knob, the timer on the display changes to show the time.

As you turn the knob, it makes a clicking sound and kinda locks into place. This was a good use of feedback as it shows that what the user did worked. I liked this kinda of feedback because it tells you that the knob is turning. Like if the knob was a smooth turn, some people might think it is broken. The clicking and stiffness to the knob makes it feel more noticable.

In the end, I was able to use the microwave but it was a little confusing at first. I think the knob was a nice way to save space but it can be confusing for someone who has never seen that before. I’d suggest that the knob has a little but more clearer instructions like ‘turn to set time’ or something like that.