Pseudo Task Analysis: PC Internet Access

The above video is a recording of a 67 year-old male using a home computer for the first time. The individual knew of the internet and was given the task of gaining access via a typical Windows XP set-up (commencing from the desktop). Minimal instructions were given to the 'subject' with regard to how to operate the mouse and keyboard. If at any point the individual paused or seemed in difficulty, they were given a hint as to how they should proceed. A narrative for the above video sequence would be as follows:

1.The user initially struggles with the optical mouse, sometimes lifting it from the mouse mat. This resulted in the pointer rapidly traversing the screen.

2.They then proceed to explore the 'landscape', moving the pointer as they do so, simultaneously experimenting with the left and right mouse buttons (at this point I advised them to use the left button only).

3.Having noticed the word 'internet' on the Internet Explorer icon, they click on it, but only once. The application fails to open, so they repeat this process (clicking only once) several times.

4.Having failed to open the browser with the above process, they proceed to the Start menu. They explained to me afterward that they expected the internet browser to open when they either pointed or clicked here, and were quite daunted by the menu.

5. Nevertheless, they managed to correctly locate the Internet Explorer icon and subsequently open the browser (revealing Google as the homepage).

6.Here I gave a brief explanation about search engines and ended the recording.

Without question, the individual would not have completed the above task without having undertook some form of tuition, whether that be via a manual, a basic course in computing, or advice from another individual. Our aim is to eliminate the need for such tuition by providing a highly-intuitive product. Removal of the PC as a means of accessing the internet was identified as key to achieving this goal.

* Oh, and apologies for the poor video definition...