| Designing familiar and easy to use controls is an | | | | is a non-functional version that is created to judge |
| important step in creating a piece of equipment. | | | | how an items looks, how straightforward it is to |
| With the capabilities of modern custom keypads, | | | | use, or to judge control placement. The final |
| engineers have the flexibility to create control | | | | design can be tweaked before a functional |
| systems to make device operation simple for | | | | prototype is created. |
| users. | | | | Designers should not underestimate the |
| Gathering Information | | | | importance of intangibles such as the look and feel |
| The first step in the design of custom keypads is | | | | of a device. Equipment with custom keypads that |
| to figure out what functions are needed. Much of | | | | feel clumsy will create an impression in a user's |
| this process will be dictated by the device itself. | | | | mind that it isn't effective. Although function |
| Obviously each function needs a control. If the | | | | should be more important than appearance, the |
| user will need to enter numbers or text, then a | | | | fact is consumers judge equipment by looks |
| 10-key or QWERTY keyboard will be needed. | | | | before they even consider trying it out. A sleek |
| Designers must decide whether multiple functions | | | | efficient design will improve sales. |
| should be tied to a key or whether each task | | | | Usability Testing |
| should be separate. | | | | After a basic design has been finalized with the |
| However design considerations should not stop | | | | initial mockups, a functional prototype allows |
| with simple functionality. Designers should consider | | | | manufacturers to test the device in operation. It |
| who the target audience is. If the device is aimed | | | | is worth it to create an operating version of the |
| at technically-oriented people, custom keypads | | | | device and allow users to test it. Their criticisms |
| might be designed to be efficient at the cost of | | | | allow the manufacturer to make more |
| aesthetics or intuitive use. Devices intended for | | | | adjustments to controls and functions before |
| users with low or unknown technical ability should | | | | commitment to a large product run. It would be |
| have controls that are easier to figure out. | | | | unfortunate to produce ten thousand units only to |
| If improving an existing device, interview current | | | | discover some small change in custom keypads is |
| users for ideas. They may mention control | | | | needed for optimum operation. |
| aspects the engineers never considered, such as | | | | The best usability testing has users talk out their |
| whether or not the device can be operated easily | | | | thoughts as they use the device. Depending on |
| by left-handed users. | | | | users to write down their likes and dislikes after |
| Prototyping | | | | the fact is less effective. Users often forget |
| Rather that assuming a design that looks good on | | | | important experiences after even a few minutes, |
| paper will work in actual use, manufacturers | | | | so it is better to have the user talk out feelings |
| should create a mockup. Often the first mockup | | | | so analysts can note them immediately. |