User+Testing

Please post your user testing here: User: 55-year old woman, works part-time
 * Amanda Cho **

The //FoodSmart’s// core functions were explained to the user, giving her an overview of the system (i.e. SmartGlass, scanning items, etc.). She was then allowed to interact with the //FoodSmart// interface, and then provided additional feedback. The user found the touchscreen interface to be very straightforward and efficient to use, and did not require instructions in order to navigate. Overall, she had no complaints regarding //FoodSmart’s// interface. The user stated that it would “take getting used to” in order to remember to scan items in and out of the fridge. She also thought that it might be “tedious” to scan in items and enter expiry dates when she has a large amount of groceries. Additionally, she stated that products without UPCs, requiring manual entry, would be a hassle, especially with a large amount of groceries. She stated that in this case, she would probably not bother entering them manually. She did acknowledge that there was most likely no way to avoid this problem. Another suggestion that she mentioned was that she would like the ability to print off the onscreen shopping list, since she does not have an iPhone that would be able to retrieve it for her. Also, she did not understand how the iPhone application could access //FoodSmart’s// shopping list without the use of cloud computing (a valid point). The user praised //FoodSmart’s// inventory system, saying that it would be very useful to keep track of items in her fridge. She mentioned that many items get pushed to the back of the fridge when new groceries are put in, so the inventory list would be useful for her. She also mentioned using the fridge’s scanning and inventory capabilities in a way never considered by The Inventors. She said that she would use the scanning and inventory list to also keep track of the items in her chest freezer, located in her basement (she would scan the items and place them in the chest freezer, rather than //FoodSmart//). This way, she would not have to go down to the basement in order to check what is in the freezer. She stated basement freezer was often very full, making it difficult to sort through. Overall, the user thought that it would be a “useful” product and that she would enjoy having one in her kitchen. She had never heard of a similar fridge and thought it was a novel concept.

GENA **User Testing: 34 year old female, works full time, have heard of smart fridges but was not aware some are already in the market, have had experience with Fresh Direct (online grocery shop for New York), owns a BlackBerry smart phone** The user found the scanning function to be intuitive. The user immediately scanned in the barcodes of items. However, the user struggled when there was an unscannable item. The user then referred to the help section and the user was able to understand the manual entry system. When asked to take out items from the fridge, the user did not scan out some of the items. The user complained about the inefficiency of scanning in and out items. The user felt that scanning in items was an unnecessary task since it was what the cashier would have already done with the groceries at the store. The user suggested perhaps there would be a way to get the data of groceries that was already bought at the store and have it automatically update on the fridge. The user did not like having to scan out items as well because the user felt scanning was redundant and it did not feel natural because there is no such thing as having two kinds of scanning at a grocery store. The user did not like having to manually input data either because it felt as though it defeated the purpose of easily scanning items into the fridge. However, the user appreciated the generated alerts for expiration dates on food. The user did not like the idea of having to manage the FoodSmart fridge and a phone app. The user preferred to only manage the fridge and buy groceries from it. The user only uses their smart phone for business purposes. The user thought it would be best to do it from home so that they can be at the door when the groceries are delivered and immediately put it in the fridge. The user felt that errors will occur as they had made in the testing and they would buy items that were already in the fridge by forgetting to properly scan in and out items. So, the user wanted the ability to double check what is inside the fridge while going through the inventory. With that being said, the user felt they would not purchase a SmartFridge and would stick to using online grocery shopping because it works similarly without having to scan in and out items. The user also noted that the name FoodSmart gave a different impression as to what the fridge actually does. The user thought it would promote a healthy lifestyle by possibly providing recipes and information on scanned products such as calorie counts and ingredients. **Stephanie** ** USER TESTING: ** Profile: Receptionist for a law firm in her early 50’s (52 years old) The user was intrigued by the functions that FoodSmart provided as soon as it was introduced to her because the user is a part time receptionist that just took on an extra shift at the office, making it difficult for her to organize and keep track of her groceries. She has a husband that is fifteen years older than her, hence other than being a receptionist, she also has to keep their house organized, coordinated and clean. Therefore, she found FoodSmart to be a great addition to her household because it certainly makes grocery shopping to the very least much easier for her hectic schedule. The user tested out the touch screen interface, and followed each step in creating a desired grocery list. She found this function as something she would definitely use when she has no time to go grocery shopping on the days that she has to work. However, as she was trying out the barcode scanner gun, she stated that this would take awhile to get used to due to the complex design of FoodSmart. She also wanted to make sure that the alerts that FoodSmart sends out when goods expire would be loud (having adjustable volume) and clear, because her husband has a slight case of hearing problems, and the user herself wears reading glasses on a regular basis. She initiated a few possible alert options, including different sounds or ringtones and so on. The user did not find the iPhone application useful because she uses a more traditional phone device that is simple to use. The user also suggested that because FoodSmart is such a complex system design, the use of electricity must be very high. Therefore, she suggested that we could design and add on a sleep button, so that when no one is using FoodSmart, it would not be consuming a massive level of electricity. Overall, she stated that she is very satisfied with the design, and it would be even better if minor considerations as suggested above would be made.

Jessica Ross User-53 year old unemployed female

The test began with a navigation of the shopping portal as the tester was most intrigued with this function. She liked how the shopping list displayed what the user is buying and suggested the list should give more detailed information. She thought that information displayed should include items’ brand names, if something is organic, the location it originated from, and the prices. After navigating the shopping portal the user went into the manual entry function. In the manual entry portal the tester found the functions here easy to operate and perfect. After a short look at this function she went into the options section. In the options portal the tester liked how the text and colour of the interface could change. She particularly liked colours that allowed a strong contrast to the font to create clarity. The tester also preferred dark fonts, however they disliked Impact as the closeness of the letters was difficult to read. After completing the section the tester went into the Inventory portal While navigating the Inventory section the tester appreciated how items listed their full product name and she thought entering expiry dates would be easy to forget and time consuming. She also suggested that this function should have support for leftovers as food that has been cooked or opened has a different lifespan than fresh food. After this, she entered the Help option. The tester really enjoyed exploring this portal as she thought it was really easy to navigate and thought the Scanner and Manual Entry portals very helpful as these portals contain many steps. Also, she suggested there should be tutorial for the iPhone application as directions for this not stated clearly anywhere. However, she did think the iPhone could prove useful for it makes it easy to compile a shopping list, which is easy to read. After exploring all the portals the tester viewed the home screen to see if they could remember what each function did. She remembered what each function was used for and liked how it had a minimalist appearance. Once all the tests regarding the software were complete the tester explored the hardware. The first refrigerator component the tester analyzed was the //SmartGlass.// She found the //SmartGlass// gimmicky, as the stainless steel appearance could be a fad. However, she did like how the //SmartGlass// could turn off to reveal fridge’s interior. She stated this feature would be an effective way to see what is inside as it saves energy. However, she thought the items on the inside of the door may obscure the view of the shelves further inside the refrigerator. The scanner was the last component and she thought it looks simple to operate. She also suggested it would be best to sell the scanner in various colours so people can have one to match their kitchen décor.

Darya

User: female in her 20s, has three jobs and studies full-time.

The user was shown an interactive prototype, and thought that the design was very innovative. However, she stated that the default font looks "too old for such an innovative technology". Other then that, she thought that the design is very interesting and creative and the functions of the fridge are very useful; therefore, she said she would buy this product if it entered the market. As for future work recommendations, she suggested enabling an option of giving the unique fridge tracking number to the cashier before checking out at a grocery store, so that the items could automatically be entered into the fridge's inventory without having to scan them again.

User: 23-year-old male, works full time

The user was shown the prototype and was given an explanation on how the fridge works. He also thought that FoodSmart was a great invention, but stated that it would be a hassle to scan items. Thus, he suggested that items should be automatically erased from FoodSmart's inventory and added to the shopping list if the item was not scanned back into the fridge within 24 hours. The user also commented that the 'Manual Entry' screen could be improved by adding voice command feature to the fridge's software, so that the user could say what he or she is putting into the fridge, instead of having to type it. Other than that, the user stated that he would want to own this fridge if it was ever introduced to the home appliances industry.

YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FoodSmart is AH-WE-SO-ME......YOU KNOW IT!

Kevin

User: A 26-year old woman, single.

The user found the layout to be plain in appearance, but responded to the controls with swiftness and ease. She was able to instantly identify the options that were present, and did not need any assistance to figure out how certain applications worked. She thinks that the scanner and is a viable tool to have, because it helps them. A quick glance at the scanner tutorial allowed her to understand how to properly use the device. As she is not always at home and leads a busy life, she tends to forget when items expire, forgets that certain items are even inside the refrigerator, or simply neglects certain items seldom consumed, leaving them to expire or rot. She commented that with continued habitual use, she would use the inventory list to keep track of everything placed inside the refrigerator, which would ultimately save her money in the long run by preparing dishes with items that are close to expiring. The user did not care for the options, asides from the colour. She found the default font and font size to be adequate and saw no point in changing it, although she appreciates that the option is present.