Task Analysis - Norman Collier

Task 1: Connecting the NetBox

Upon receiving his brand new NetBox, Norman was visibly excited at the prospect of finally being able to connect to the world wide web.

• He opened the packaging and removed the hardware and cables, inspecting each briefly in turn. Norman commented that he was disappointed that there was no user guide for connecting the NetBox.
  
• Norman first of all attempted to place the NetBox on top of his DVD player, in his TV cabinet, but realised that the device was slightly too high to fit. He stood for a few moments, perhaps considering where he should put it, before placing it carefully on the floor and picking up the wireless broadband modem.
  
• He studied the modem intently before shaking his head and placing this back on the floor too.
  
• Norman returned to the small pile of cables and plugged one end of the SCART lead in to the back of the NetBox.
  
• Norman plugged the power lead into the socket at the back of the NetBox and then plugged it in at the wall.
  
• Norman attempted to plug the other end of the SCART lead in to the back of the television set but could not find the correct socket. He also commented that the cable would not reach from the NetBox's location on the floor.
  
• Norman stood for a moment, looking at first the SCART cable and then the modem. He picked up the telephone and called his son for advice.
  
• Norman's son arrived 30 minutes later. His son unplugged the telephone from the wall socket, connected the modem in its place and reconnected the phone cable to the modem.
  
• His son also struggled to find the SCART socket on the back of the TV and had to drag it away from the wall to access the port. He clearly found this very frustrating and strenuous.
  
• His son placed the NetBox on top of the TV so that the SCART lead would reach and connected it to the TV set.
  
• Norman turned the TV on and then the NetBox. The NetBox menu screen appeared and Norman turned to his son to thank him.
• Norman's son experimented with the control and found the settings for text size on the options menu. He changed this so that on-screen text was larger so that Norman could read the screen from his armchair.
  

The whole process took approximately 90 minutes. Norman commented that without his son's help he would not have known what to do to complete the task, although believed that a diagrammatic "quick start guide" would have enabled him to understand what the modem was for and made the whole connection process much clearer to him. Nevertheless, Norman admitted he would not have been able to pull the TV away from the wall to connect the SCART lead, as his son had, and would have had to call him anyway to do this as he does not have the strength.

Task 2: Using the Internet

Norman was asked to visit the BBC News website with his NetBox.

• He pressed "Menu" on his remote control and was presented with the NetBox main menu welcome screen.
• Norman consulted his remote and then the TV screen. He pressed the down arrow and observed the option highlighter move from "1 - Surf the web" to "2 - View your email". He pressed the up arrow and observed the highlighter move upwards again.
• He commented it was "just like" his DVD remote control and pressed "Select" with "Surf the web" highlighted.
• Norman was then presented with the "Surf the web" screen and took a few moments to read the screen before proceeding.
• Norman held the control close to him and referred to a small piece of paper on which he had written the BBC News web address.
• He pressed "2" and "a" appeared on the screen.
• He pressed "2" again and "ab" appeared on the screen. "Oh" he exclaimed and consulted the remote.
• He pressed the left arrow but realised the flashing bar and moved from the end of the input to a position before his last entry. The screen read "a|b".
• He pressed the right arrow, followed by the "#" key to delete his error.
• The screen read "a" so he pressed "#" again.
  
• Starting over, Norman pressed "2" twice and "b" appeared on the screen.
• He pressed "2" twice again. The screen read "bb".
• He pressed "2" three more times, while looking at his key pad, but upon reading "bb2" he realised he had pressed it four times by mistake.
  
• "Oh blow" he exclaimed and pressed the "#" button to delete his last character input.
• He carefully pressed "2" three times and looked up to see "bbc" appear on the screen.
• He studied the remote and looked for the "." button.
• He pressed "1" several times and cycled through a variety of punctuation and special characters (such as '_', '&' and '@'). He did this slowly until he eventually reached '.' on his second cycle.
• Norman commented that it was just the same as his mobile phone and that he didn't like sending texts on that either.
• With the screen reading "bbc.", Norman pressed "2" three more times, "6" three times, and "1" four times until a full stop was reached. The screen now read "bbc.co."
• Norman pressed "8" twice and then "5" twice. He looked up at the screen to see the "Enter web address (URL) text field now contained "bbc.co.uk".
• "Well that was an effort" he exclaimed. He pressed "Select" but nothing happened.
• He pressed the right arrow and the "Go" button became highlighted. He pressed "Select".
• A moment later the screen changed to the BBC main website page. The page was displayed with the default, consistent, NetBox page style - black text on a pastel background with red web links.
• He pressed the down arrow and the highlighter moved down the page to each link in turn.
• He pressed "Select" when the highlighter was over the "News" link.
• The screen changed to the main BBC News page.
  

The whole process took approximately 30 minutes. Norman commented that he found the arrow navigation quite simple and easy to use but did not like the character input controls on the remote control at all. He said it would take a lot of getting used to and surely there must be an easier way of doing it.

Task 3: Send an email

Norman was next asked to send an email to his son, who had provided his email address and was awaiting a communication.

• He pressed "Menu" on his remote control and was presented with the NetBox main menu welcome screen.
• Norman pressed the down arrow and then "Select" with the option "2 - View your email" highlighted.
  
• Norman was presented with the "View your email" screen and was prompted to enter his email address.
• Now familiar with the character input controls, Norman entered his email address. He commented that he entered text quicker this time but it was "still a pain".
• He pressed the down arrow and entered his password.
  
• He pressed down and selected "Sign in". A message appeared saying he had entered an incorrect password. He looked up to see his password was concealed with asterisks (********).
• He entered his password again (his original entry was removed from the text field automatically). He selected "Sign in" again and this time was granted access.
  
• On the next screen he pressed the down arrow to select "2 - Write new email". He pressed "Select".
• Norman entered his son's email address in to the "To" text field. Again, he made a few errors but corrected them.
• He pressed the down arrow twice, giving focus to the main message compose panel.
• Using the key pad he typed "Did you get this". He pressed the down arrow once to highlight "Send" and pressed "Select".
• Five minutes later a message appeared saying "You have 1 new email. Do you wish to read it?". Norman pressed "Select" on the Yes option, which was automatically highlighted (the other option being No).
• Norman was presented with the "Read your email" screen and his new email was automatically displayed. His son had replied "Yes. Well done, Dad! Love Ken."

The whole process took approximately 20 minutes. Norman commented that he was getting a bit more used to the input device but still found it problematic. He commented that he was pleased to have sent and received his first email but did not think he would be able to send longer messages using just the keypad device.

Task 4: Chat and socialise

Norman was asked to access 'Chat', participate in a brief conversation and exit to the main menu.

• He pressed "Menu" on his remote control and was presented with the NetBox main menu welcome screen.
• Norman pressed the down arrow twice and then "Select" with the option "3 - Chat and socialise" highlighted.
• Norman was presented with the "Chat and socialise" screen and was prompted to enter his chat name.
• He entered "Norman" on his remote control and pressed the down arrow to highlight the password text field.
• He entered the same password he had entered for his email address.
• He pressed the down arrow once more, to highlight "Sign in", and pressed "Select".
• The main chat screen appeared and Norman waited for a few moments remarking "So what do I do now?"
• He noticed that the bottom text field was selected and entered "Hello" on his keypad. He pressed the right arrow and pressed "Select" over the on-screen "Send" button. His message appeared in the top window: "Norman says: Hello".
• Norman waited but there was no response.
• He pressed the down arrow once, and then left twice. He pressed "Select" on the "Users" option.
• A message appeared on the screen stating "The following users are currently online:" followed by a list that contained just one entry: "Derek".
• As the only name in the list, "Derek" was already highlighted and so Norman pressed "Select".
• The screen returned to the compose page again and Norman typed "Hello" followed by "Send", as before.
• A while afterwards a message appeared in the top window stating: "Derek says: Hello Norman".
• Norman entered "Hello Derek. Are you using netbox too?"
• A message appeared stating: "Yes. At least, I am trying too".
• Norman entered "I am too. I do not like this this zapper. I want to chat properly."
• After a few short moments the screen read "Likewise."
• Norman entered "Ok. Cheerio."
• Norman navigated to "Exit to Main Menu" and pressed "Select".

The whole process took approximately 35 minutes. Norman commented that it was interesting to talk to somebody else through the TV but would have preferred to be able to "chat properly", again citing the input device as being "far too fiddly". He said he would want to chat on the NetBox again but not using the remote control. He said he did not really understand how to use it and how he would chat with other people, such as his children and grandchildren. "It would be easier just to call them!" he exclaimed.

Task Analysis - Maureen Smith

Task 1: Connect Netbox
Connect the Netbox product to your tv/monitor and successfully get the product working.

A breakdown of the the processes performed by Maureen in her attempt to achieve the specified goal is as follows:

• Opens Netbox product box
• Removes all contents and places to one side
• Checks that box is empty
• Removes packaging from each component
• Briefly looks at instruction booklet and rapidly places back in product box
• Places Netbox main unit on top of television
• Identifies power cable and plugs into correct input on back of Netbox unit (by sliding cable along back of unit in order to find the correct fit).
• Plugs power cable into nearest socket (does not switch power on)
• Picks up cable labeled 'TV Input' and places to one side
• Picks up cable labeled 'Telephone Input' and place to one side
• Retrieves instruction booklet from box and turns to 'installation instructions' page.

Task took approximately 30 minutes and ended here. Maureen stated that "it's all very confusing", adding that she wasn't entirely sure as to how she should connect the remaining cables.

Task 2: Using the Internet
Use the internet function to access a specific website ('surf the web').

• Presses power button located at top left (front) of Netbox
• Switches TV on
• Presses '5' to select a channel
• Walks away from TV and Netbox and sits in armchair
• Notes menu options and selects 'Surf the web' by pressing button '1' on the remote
• Presses 'down' arrow on controller (highlights 'enter keywords to search' field)

At this point the task was ended by Maureen as she explained that she was unable to use the keypad. Following Maureen's attempts at the remaining tasks, a demonstrator explained how the keypad should be used. Maureen then commenced the task from the beginning, choosing to enter 'BBC UK' in the search field, followed by the selection of 'search'. This resulted in successful completion of the task and only took about 5 minutes

Task 3: Sending an E-Mail
Send an email to a specific email address.

• Presses power button located at top left (front) of Netbox
• Switches TV on
• Presses '5' to select a channel
• Walks away from TV and Netbox and sits in armchair
• Notes menu options and selects 'View your email' by pressing button '2' on the remote
• Places remote on arm of chair and rubs right hand for approximately 1 minute
• Picks controller back up
• (Notes menu requesting that she enters her email address and password
• Presses button '6' on remote (screen input reads 'm')
• Presses button '2' on remote (screen input reads 'ma')
• Presses button '8' on remote (screen input reads 'mat')
• Presses 'Select' button on remote
• (Presented with 'Email Address already taken' message, and prompted to select from several available email addresses by using the arrow buttons)
• Selects the first address in the displayed list by pressing 'Select'
• (Prompted to enter a password)
• Presses '1' button on remote (input reads '.')
• Presses '2' button on remote (input reads '.a')
• Presses '4' button on remote (input reads '.ad')
• Presses '4' button on remote (input reads '.adg')
• Presses '5' button on remote (input reads '.adgj')
• Presses 'Select' button on remote
• (Notes that 'Sign-in' is automatically highlighted)Presses 'Select' button on remote
• Notes highlighted (blue) 'To' field in chat interface

Task took approximately 20 minutes and ended here. Maureen stated that she didn't know how to input some of the characters when using the remote. She admitted that she was entering anything that would enable her to progress to the next step but that, when it came to entering an actual email address, acknowledged that this strategy would not work. As with the previous task however, once Maureen had been shown how to use the keypad, she was able to successfully complete the task.

Task 4: Participating in Chat
Access 'Chat', participate in a conversation and exit to the main menu.

• Presses power button located at top left (front) of Netbox
• Switches TV on
• Presses '5' to select a channel
• Walks away from TV and Netbox and sits in armchair (approx 2 meters from Netbox/TV)
• Notes menu options and selects 'Chat and Socialise' by pressing button '3' on the remote
• (Presented with prompt to enter a name to be used in chat) Presses button '6' on remote (screen input reads 'm')
• Presses button '2' on remote (screen input reads 'ma')
• Presses button '8' on remote (screen input reads 'mat')
• Presses 'left' arrow button on remote (in an attempt to delete text)
• Text deleted (screen input reads 'ma')
• Presses button '8' on remote (screen input reads 'mat')
• Presses 'Select' button on remote
• (prompted to enter a password) Presses '1' button on remote (input reads '.')
• Presses '2' button on remote (input reads '.a')
• Presses '4' button on remote (input reads '.ad')
• Presses '4' button on remote (input reads '.adg')
• Presses '5' button on remote (input reads '.adgj')
• Presses 'Select' button on remote
• (Notes that 'sign-in' is automatically highlighted)Presses 'Select' button on remote
• Notes highlighted (blue) 'compose' field in chat interface
• Presses button '4' on remote (input in 'compose field reads 'g')
• Presses 'left' arrow button on remote (deletes previous input)

Task took approximately 20 minutes and ended here. Maureen stated that she didn't know how to input characters using the remote.Again ,once Maureen had been shown how to use the keypad she was able to successfullu enter the text she wished to, therefore completing the task. Navigating icons/menus did not seem to be a problem for Maureen, as she rapidly grasped this concept.

Task Analysis - Derek Wilkins

Task 1: Connect up netbox

We asked Derek to attempt to connect the netbox device to his tv.

• Derek first unpackaged the device and found the main netbox unit. He examined this and found the power and input connector on the back of the device.
• He inserted the power cable into the power socket and found the tv input cable and connected this like-wise.
• He tried to put the device under his television, however, it was too big, so he placed it at the side of the tv next to his vcr.
• He plugged the device into a power socket and then connected the tv input cable to an empty scart socket on the back of his tv.
• He attempted to turn the netbox on at this point, but the error message no connection made him quickly realise that he hadn't connected his modem.
• He examined the modem and found the telephone cable.
• He unplugged his telephone and plugged this cable into his phone socket (n.b. he forgot to reconnect his telephone to the netbox modem).
• He connected the power cable to a power socket.
• He then turned on netbox and managed to see the netbox menu screen.

The whole process took around an hour. Derek commented that it was fairly easy to connect this up and there wasn't too many cables that he had top worry about, and the ones he did were very clearly labelled.

Task 2: Using the internet

We asked Derek to access the internet fom the menu and connect to the bbc website (www.bbc.co.uk) and navigate to the news section.

• Derek selected the internet option from the start up menu.
• He commented that the navigation around the screen was not as good as his computer mouse.
• He moved to the address bar and clicked on that.
• He then realised that the keypad on the remote was the same as his mobile phone.
• After a few expletives, he decided to give his grandchildren a ring to find out how to use the keypad.
• He realised that the phone was still disconnected so after a couple of minutes, figured out wher the phone connector goes.
• After obtaining a set of instructions from his grandchildren, he managed to type in 'www'.
• He was unable to type in full stop, so had to make another phone call.
• After obtaining further instructions, he managed to type the full address and get to the desired website.
• He easily managed to scroll down the screen and select the news hyperlink to get to the correct page.

The whole process took about 45 minutes. Derek commented that the remote control was very difficult to use, particularly navigating around the screen and especially typing text. He said that he wouldn't buy a netbox in it's current state because of how difficult he found it to type text.

Task 3: Sending an email


We asked Derek to send an email to one of his grandchildren, and then when they replied, read that email response.

• Derek selected the email option from the startup menu.
• He quickly recognised how to compose an email and selected that option.
• He managed to type the first part of the email until he got to the @ character. It took him about 2 minutes to work out how to type the @ character.
• He finished typing the email address and began typing a message.
• He became very frustrated typing a message and so ended the message fairly quickly. His message was comprised of the test "Hello peter can you reply to this message from grandad".
• He was able to send the message with no problems.
• After checking the email about 3 times, he found that there had been a reply sent and it was in his inbox.
• He was able to select inbox and read the message with no problems.

The whole process took about 30 minutes. He again commented on how awful the process of typing was for him and said that "If I don't have to type another message on that remote control it will be too soon". However, he said that the email function was the same as his computer and he would use it if he had a better way to type text.

Task 4: Participate in Chat

Derek was asked to access 'Chat', participate in a brief conversation and exit to the main menu.

• Derek switched on his netbox and then selected the 'Chat and socialise' option from the main menu.
• He was prompted to enter his chat name, so typed in 'Derek' using his remote control. He then entered his password and selected the sign in option.
• He was then a little confused as to what to do next, but then a message appeared on the screen saying 'Hello' from someone called Norman.
• Derek navigated to the compose window and typed 'Hello Norman'.
• He commented on how strange it felt talking to strangers over the internet.
• After a couple of minutes, another message came back saying 'Hello Derek. Are you using netbox too?'.
• Derek then typed "Yes. At least, I am trying too".
• He commented that it was taking him ages to type into the remote control.
• After about 5 minutes another reply came back "I am too. I do not like this this zapper. I want to chat properly."
• Derek said that he couldn'y be bothered to type another long reply so he just typed 'Likewise'.
• A reply came back after a couple of minutes 'OK. Cheerio'.
• Derek turned off his netbox.

The whole process took about 30 minutes. Derek said that he might be interested in using that function again, however, if it took him that long just to say a couple of sentences, then there would be little point. 'I may as well just phone somebody up' he commented.

Task Analysis: Rebecca Green

Task 1: Connect up netbox

• Rebecca opened the box that Netbox arrived in and removed the contents and packaging, placing them on the floor
• She then rummaged amongst the contents and located the instructions
• She briefly flicked through the pages and, as she did so, held the power cable in her left hand (glancing between it and the manual)
• She then placed the instructions and cable on the floor
  , moved her hands to her mouth (a gesture which was accompanied by a look of confusion) and commented that she was unable to continue

The task ended here, as Rebecca explained that she would never attempt to connect such a device, adding that she always gets one of her children to do such things for her

Task 2: Sending an email

We gave Rebecca an email address and asked her to send an email.

• Initially she wasn't sure what we meant
• After a while, she managed to choose the e-mail option from the main menu (by clciking on the corresponding number on the remote controller)
• She struggled alot with the input device
• She could not figure out how to type letters using the remote controller
• She was so frustrated that she decided to give up, at which stage we had to intervene and explain how to type text.
• It took her more than an hour to type three lines of text
• At one point, while trying to type a number in, she ended up clearing all of the text
• She was constantly complaining about the size of the keys
• Once she finished typing the email, she was able to select the send option quite easily

The whole process took about 80 minutes and caused Rebecca to experience some degree of duress.

Task 3: Using the internet
Rebbecca was tasked to "surf the web" and arrive at "BBC news" web site.

• She didn't seem to understand what was meant by "surfing the web".
• However, she managed to press the menu button, which directed her to a list of options.
• Then she pressed "1" on the key pad to select the "Surf the web"
• Since she's already typed an email using the remote, she didn't have any trouble typing the web address but she had forgotten how to type ":", so she spend around 15 minutes pressing different buttons on the key pad and eventually she manged to type the full address
• Unfortunately instead of typing the web address on the address bar, she had typed it on the search bar
• Then she pressed the search button, which generated a list of web pages including the desired "BBC news" web site
• Then she pressed the search button, which generated a list of web pages including the desired "BBC news" web site


• After spending some time reading the descriptions she chose the correct link (Which was result 3)
• She pressed 3 on the keypad and arrived at "BBC News" website

The whole process took her around 40 minutes. Comparing to her previous task of sending an e-mail, Rebbecca was more comfortable with the Netbox, however as she pointed out several times during the task, she doesn't really understand what she is doing, but she was quite happy to follow the instructions blindly as long as she can achieve her goals.
She also pointed out that some of the technical jargon is not user friendly (eg: "surf the web"). She didn't have any complains about the Netbox interface, but once again she complained about the size of the key pad. However her biggest complain was the amount of time taken for her to navigate to the news page. She wondered if this process could be shortened.

Task 4: Participating in Chat

• Presses 'Menu' button on remote
• Notices appearance of main menu and selects the chat option by using the 'down' arrow button followed by 'select'
• (Screen prompts for a user name and password to be entered

Rebbecca ends the task at this point by explaining that she doesn't know what she should do, adding that "it's not as easy as using the red button". The task was therefore explained in more detail and a set of instructions was handed to her. Rebecca then commented that she'd much prefer it if someone would actually show her what to do, as she finds instructions difficult to understand. She remarked that, "instructions use too many big words. I think many people could do with some instructions about how to read instructions".

Use Case: Use Chat

Use Case Name
Use Chat

Summary
The goal is to access and participate in chat, after which the user must exit to the main menu. For simplicity this can be defined as any route that results in the user obtaining a response from another Netbox user and exiting to the main menu.

Preconditions

Course of Events/Flow

1. User ensures that Netbox is switched on by checking the 'on/off' button located on the front of the main unit at the top-left.
2. If the power button is not green, user presses the button until it is illuminated.
3. User ensures that the TV is on.
4. Users notes the on-screen menu options (1.-Surf the web, 2.-View your email, 3.-Chat and socialise).
5. User chooses 'Chat and socialise' by pressing button '3' on the remote control..
6. (confronted with request to enter a user name and password for chat) Enter names that will be used for chat by using keypad
7. (request to enter a password)Enters password using the keypad
8. (Main chat display now entered)Enters a message in the small 'compose' window (automatically highlighted)by using the keypad
9. Navigates to 'Send'
10. Awaits response from other another user
11. Responds to response
12. Navigates to 'Send'
13. When chat session complete, user navigates to 'Exit to Main Menu'

Postconditions
Main menu is displayed

Alternative Paths/Flows

2. Power button is green

Use Case: Sending an Email

Use Case Name
Use Email

Summary
The goal of this is to use the 'View your email' option to compose and send and email

Preconditions
NetBox needs to be connected correctly and plugged in to a power source, and turned on.

Course of Events/Flow

1. 1. Ensure that Netbox is switched on by checking the 'on/off' button located on the front of the main unit at the top-left. If the power button is not green, press the button until it is illuminated.
2. 2. Ensure that the TV is on.
3. 3. Note the on-screen menu options (1.-Surf the web, 2.-View your email, 3.-Chat and socialise).
4. 4. Choose 'View your email' by pressing button '2' on the remote control or using the arrow keys followed by 'Select'.
5. 5. (Presented with request to enter an email address and user name for email) Enter your email address (whatever name you entered will automatically be followed by '@netbox.com'. So, if you enter 'Norman85', your e-mail address (to which you can give other people) will be 'Norman85@netbox.com')
6. 6. Once you have entered your email address, press 'Select' on the remote control or the 'down' arrow
7. 7. (Request to enter a password) Enter a password using the keypad and press 'Select' or the 'down' arrow
8. 8. ('Sign-in' now highlighted)Press 'Select'
9. 9. (Main e-mail display now entered) Use the number buttons or arrow keys (followed by 'select') to choose 'Write new mail' from the options (1-Read your email, 2-Write new mail, 3-View sent mail)
10. 10. (Compose window now accessed)Enter an email address in the 'To' field at the top(automatically highlighted)by using the keypad
11. 11. Navigate to 'Subject' by using the arrow buttons or pressing 'Select'(the latter will automatically highlight 'Subject') and enter a title for the e-mail by using the keypad
12. 12. Press the 'down' arrow button or 'Select' to highlight the main window (where you should type your email)
13. 13. Using the keypad, type a message
14. 14. Navigate to 'Send' by pressing the 'down' arrow or 'Select'
15. 15. Your email has now been sent
16. 16. If you wish to exit to the main Netbox menu, simply press the 'Menu' button on the remote

Postconditions
The user will have one new message in their sent emails folder.

Alternative Paths/Flows
9. If the password you have entered is incorrect, then you will need to re-type your password.
15. If you have entered an incorrect email format, then you will be requested to re-type the email address.

Use Case: Connect Netbox

Use Case Name
Connect Netbox

Summary
This Use Case represents the first task that a user will perform once they have a Netbox:connect the netbox product to their tv/monitor and successfully get the product working.

Preconditions
User must have a functional TV and operational telephone line.

Course of Events/Flow

1. 1. User takes Netbox unit from the box and places it in a location near the television or monitor where the unit will be located.
2. 2. User connects the cable labelled "TV INPUT" to the back of netbox in the socket labelled "TV/MONITOR".
3. 3. User connects the other end of the "TV INPUT" cable to the television or monitor.
4. 4. User disconnects the telephone from the telephone socket.
5. 5. User connects the Netbox modem unit to the telephone socket using the cable labelled "TELEPHONE INPUT".
6. 6. Connects phone cable to the Netbox modem unit socket labelled "TELEPHONE".
7. 7. Plugs the netbox modem's power cable into the nearest electrical powerpoint.
8. 8. Connects the Netbox power cable to the back of netbox and plugs this into the nearest electrical powerpoint.
9. 9. Turns Netbox on by pushing the power button at the top left point on the front of the Netbox unit.

Postconditions
Netbox is now fully functinal and ready to be used.

Alternative Paths/Flows

4. Netbox can be connected to an existing wireless router in the household, in which case the wireless router supplied will not be required. So, setup existing wireless router to recognise netbox.

Task Analysis Goals

Now that the initial prototype is complete, we wanted to test how easy it would be for each of the 4 personas to perform certain tasks with netbox. These tasks will be performed initially without the aid of instructions. This is to ascertain how easy netbox is to use and how intuitive each aspect of netbox is. The goal of this exercise will be to identify any major weaknesses and use this information to build a better final product.

The user will be given 4 tasks to perform with netbox. These tasks are:

1. Take the netbox device and connect it up to their television set.
2. Use the internet function to access a specific website ('surf the web').
3. Send an email to a specific email address.
4. Access 'Chat' and participate in a conversation.

The user will be required to perform each task in a 'real world' setting, such as their own home. Also, the user will initially be expected to attempt the tasks without the aid of any instructions.

Should the user encounter difficulties, then a detailed set of instructions for each task will be provided. These instructions take the form of solutions/routes by which the task can be achieved (and may even act as templates for instructions that will be provided with the finished product). They do not represent a single "correct" sequence by which a particular task can be achieved, but act as a guidline to highlight how simple and straightforward the interface should be.

We will provide each persona with the NetBox for a period of one month and ask them to complete a questionnaire at the end of their trial use of the protoype. During this time we will meet each persona and observe how they use their NetBox. A detailed account of each user's task attempt will be provided.