Browsing by Subject "usability"

Objectives. In this research I was studying the usability of an electronic knitting machine (Brother KH-970) from a novice’s perspective. By using a novice for testing, it was possible to gain information about the basic functions of the knitting machine. One of the objectives of this research was to create a readable manual for the beginners to make it easier for them to get started with an electronic knitting machine. An overall picture of the usability of a product can be gained by observing several criterions of usability. In this research the focus was on the following criterion; the manual of an electronic knitting machine, ease of the use and the machine’s functionability. Some previous research of electronic knitting machines existed but none of them had yet focused on the usability of electronic knitting machines. Method. This research was made by using the method of action research. The material of the research was collected by reflecting an action. The researcher was acting also as a tester who collected the research material by writing reflections while exploring the electronic knitting machine (Brother KH-970). The material was theoretically analysed with a content analysis. For the analysis a model of usability by Keinonen was exploited. The model can be found in the categorization of the content analysis. This research is the first part of usability testing. Results and conclusions. The test results were given by comparing the categories and by evaluating those according to Keinonen’s model of usability. The two compared categories were desired effects and non-desired effects. The considered sections of these categories were: the manual, the ease of use and functionability. On base of the results, it can be said that the usability of this electronic knitting machine isn’t the best for a novice. Instructions-wise, the results are similar to the ones that have been received from earlier research. A novice wants more information concerning the reasons for the actions. A novice is, however, capable of using an electronic knitting machine and its functions. According to the results, the main hindering issues in the instructions are confusion of the directions and imperfection.