Practical functions: handling optimization, cleaning, device maintenance
The requirements created in the design brief are applied as the project progresses. This leads to design coordination. Based on continuous process interaction, the design brief is adapted as necessary to current findings.
In this article we take a closer look at some of the most important practical functions of eSticky.
Management
The goal of eSticky is to create a product that provides the best possible usability for the user, centered on the natural context of use. With the help of a well-considered design, the product should be easy and effective to use. Finally, it is very important that the product does not harm or endanger the user.
In the course of the project, the strengths and weaknesses of the eSticky product can be evaluated with the support of user experience partners, regarding the ease of use of the devices-for example, through displays and buttons-and the presence of clear states and feedback-for example, through displays or lights.
In addition, other evaluation aspects are also considered, such as satisfaction with the product or expectations regarding design and style.
Below are the guiding criteria for usability in the ISO 9241-11 standard:
- Effectiveness in solving a task;
- Efficiency in managing the system;
- Satisfaction in using the product.
Based on these results, the product will be optimized to provide a satisfactory user experience.
The display of eSticky is clearly designed to provide all necessary information to the user. The design of the system is pleasing to the eye and at the same time easy to understand. The confirmation button can be operated mechanically and provides tactile feedback. In addition, wall mounting is very easy with a removable adhesive sheet and magnets, without the need to use tools.
Commissioning the device and replacing batteries are tasks to be performed by the assistant, but can also be done by the user himself. For convenience, we chose a battery exchange. Charging batteries directly on the unit would take too long and would not be practical for users. The battery compartment is closed with a snap-lock system without the use of tools.
Packaging is used to protect the unit during transport and is easy for the user to open.
Cleaning
It is advisable to clean the unit daily and with mild, readily available commercial cleaning agents. The display, body, fabric cover and accessories can be cleaned with a mild soap solution or a damp cloth. Suitable display cleaning agents can be used.
In the event that the product is later classified as a medical device, other requirements for surface design may need to be met. However, this aspect was not considered relevant to this project by the consortium partners. In the case of any specific requirements, it may be necessary to adapt the design at a later stage.
Maintenance
Ease of repair
Repair of eSticky may be carried out by a trained professional.
Few fasteners, such as screws, will be used to enable quick opening of the shell. This will be further improved in combination with a snap-lock system. The two side covers of the shell are individual parts, so that the shell can be easily disassembled. Should the unit fall, the goal is for the parts to separate at known points without breaking, so that they can be reunited later.
The batteries and SIM card can be easily replaced by the user, who can be either the primary or secondary user. For this purpose, the battery compartment will have a cover that can be opened without the use of tools. This also ensures that the cover will not be lost during opening and that it will not accidentally open if the device is dropped.
It will be ensured that the insertion of the batteries is easy. The installation location of the batteries should be clearly visible.
Durability
The materials used for the shell will be of high quality in order to ensure a long service life from a sustainability point of view.
The device will offer protection against mechanical impacts. To this end, it will have shock-absorbing features or a separate bumper. The materials will not be easily broken or scratched. They will also be resistant to cold, heat and sunlight.
The material will also be protected against premature optical wear and tear, so it will not quickly become obsolete. Natural materials, which are usually less affected by fashions, are preferable.
Hardware elements will be easy to expand or replace. Of these, storage elements are the most important. Batteries will be rechargeable so as to avoid the use of disposable batteries. The goal is to be able to easily replace the computer processors in order to keep the hardware up-to-date for a longer period, thus enabling extended system use.
Recyclability
At the end of product life, devices should be disposed of properly and integrated into the materials cycle.
Recyclability will be possible if biodegradable or recycled plastics are used for injection molding of body parts.
In general, natural materials will be used. These not only have a positive influence on the aesthetic effect of the product, but are also usually easier to work with after the end of use than plastics. Wood and textiles will be the main materials in the selection of materials.