Evaluation: Second User-Designer Session

A Cooperative evaluation with Paul using new device (scanning only):

Paul is given the device and a sheet of paper on which is printed an extract from Alice in Wonderland.

Designer: OK Paul, could you please scan the fifth word on the page.

Paul holds the scan button down and scans the word. He uses both hands to operate it as before. Paul clearly benefits from his previous experience with the device and scans the word correctly first time.

Paul: "It says rabbit"

Designer: "OK Paul, now because you are left handed we need to change the screen so it's the right way up for you. See if you can find the setting on your own."

Paul scrolls through the menu and find the setting, then changes it.

Paul: "That's better, I can hold it the right way now."

Paul reads out the word and its definition.

Designer: "Do you like this new device, is it more comfortable?"
Paul: "Yes, it's much easier to hold, it doesn't slide about as much as before."
Designer:"OK just like last time, I want you to just scan some words."

Paul scans various other words without problem, the novelty begins to wear off and Paul doesn't seem to be enjoying the device like he did before. He turns the sound on and laughs so more at the voice. Paul scans a word and looks confused.

Designer: "What's the matter Paul?"
Paul: "I don't understand this definition."

Paul reads out the definition and the designer explains the word.

Results

For Paul the novelty of the device is beginning to wear off, this isn't to say that the device isn't useful.

Screen inversion in the left-handed position is now solved and Paul was happy with the new settings.

The new comfort grips make the device easier to hold, an improvement on the previous model. The problem of complicated definitions is one which cannot easily be tackled. This shows that while the device is an excellent learning aid it is not a substitute for a parent, guardian or teacher.