Examples of User-Centered Design - Paper Prototyping: The Fast and Easy Way to Define and Refine User Interfaces - page 261

representing five different configurations with three minor variations (such as a four-way rocker versus
four separate buttons). Some examples are shown in Figure 15.4 .
Figure 15.4: These prototypes (made of Fome-Cor, paper, and a microphone shell) enabled the
development team to explore what it would be like to hold the microphone and use its buttons to
perform various tasks.
Here's where the usage scenarios came in handy again—by holding a model and pressing its buttons
in accordance with anticipated usage, we literally got a feel for which designs were more comfortable to
use even though the buttons themselves were only two-dimensional. We also got some insights about
which buttons needed to be near other buttons. For example, our simulations showed us that we could
increase efficiency by putting the button to initiate dictation near the one used to display the dictated
text. At this stage, we also considered how complex the design looked, as well as some conventions
such as having the Rewind button on the left and Fast Forward on the right. In a review meeting, we
were able to rule out five of the eight models, leaving us with three.
Foam Models
Next we enlisted a model maker to build true 3D models so that we could further explore the look and
feel of the microphone. We were able to settle on a single overall form, but the layout of the button
arrays was still in flux. One change was to move the buttons so that they'd be easier to press when one
picked up the microphone. We also wanted to limit "regripping," although eventually we decided it was
okay for secondary features.
The industrial designer and model maker then produced a final set of models, like the one shown in
Figure 15.5 . Bob came up with a very pleasing circular layout for the button array. He had the model
maker create one microphone body with four replaceable alternatives for the button arrays. Some of the
differences were concave versus convex button shapes and relative sizes of related buttons. I knew we
were on the right track when the product manager picked up the model and a great smile came over his
face! We also sent models to team members in other states, who gave us useful feedback about
spacing and button sizes.