Post hole digger redesign
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Contents |
Executive Summary
Research and Observations
Usability Study
In order to get a better understanding of how the user interacts with our product, we conducted two usability studies. To broaden our knowledge on the use of the tool, we chose to examine two subjects -- one male and one female, both college aged. Each user study was conducted in the exact same manner. The user dug a total of 4 holes; 2 with the simple post hole digger and 2 with the complex post hole digger. Of the 2 holes dug with each tool, one was in hard, grassy soil, the other in soft topsoil. The user first dug for 5 minutes in hard, grassy soil using the simple post hole digger. He or she was then given a few minutes to rest, and moved on to digging another hole for 5 minutes with the complex post hole digger. This hole was strategically dug in an area nearby the previous one to maintain a common consistency of the soil. After another brief rest, he or she moved to the soft topsoil. The user dug with the simple tool until 5 minutes was up or a depth of 36” was reached, resting only after this milestone. Lastly, the subject dug in the soft topsoil with the complex digger for 5 minutes or until the 36” depth was reached. Again, the hole was dug near the first one made in the soft topsoil to ensure common soil consistency. Throughout all of the experiments the group members noted the user’s actions, comments, and depth of the hole throughout the process. After finishing the physical testing, the group asked the user to comment on the experience, while also asking specific questions to help prompt them for a particular type of response. A summary for each study can be found in the following paragraphs.
