Prototype 2 - Input Devices

Prototype 1, left, with Prototype 2 redesigns

The aim of prototype 2 is to address the major issue that arose from testing of prototype 1, which was the fact that people found it extremely difficult to input text into their netbox remote control. As this is the key fundamental aspect of the netbox product, we have concentrated the whole prototype 2 to addressing this issue.

Our aim in designing netbox is to have a final product that is highly intuitive - that is a user can pick up a netbox product and get it working with very little instruction. In our initial design, we wanted to adopt a minimalist approach to the number of hardware items required to use netbox, which is why we decided that a mobile phone text style system for typing would be good. However, we didn't really anticipate that it would be such a barrier for an elderly person to overcome.

So, for prototype 2, we have introduced a separate keyboard to allow for typing and this will be tried out along with several new remote controls. The aim of using several remote controls is to determine which one is the easiest and most comfortable to use. We found that our original controller was cumbersome, with people finding it hard to navigate around the screen due to the restricted movement option. So, in designing our new remote controls, we have tried to introduce more free flowing movement around the screen.

Finally, we wanted to explore the option of removing the need for a keyboard by introducing a voice controlled typing mechanism, or 'Talk Type', that allows the user to input text into netbox by using their voice alone. This is facilitated through the means of a microphone incorporated into the remote control handset.

• Wireless keyboard
  
  
• Remote control 1: Rollerball. This contains a rollerball that allows the user to scroll quickly and efficiently around the screen. We believe that this is an improvement on the up, down, left, right control from the initial remote.
  
  
• Remote control 2: Touchpad. This contains a touch pad that allows the user to move their thumb or finger across a touch pad on the remote control to position the cursor on the screen. Again we believe this is a better option.
  
  
• Remote control 3: Standard Button with Wii-style motion sensing. This is a completely interactive remote control and as it employs the 'wii'-style system of pointing to the screen where you want the cursor to be placed.

The built-in microphone, incorporated in to each handset, allows the user to be able to 'talk type' text input into their netbox.