Social creation networks for designing low income interfaces in programmable thermostats

© 2020 Elsevier LtdThe user interface serves as a critical contact point between electronic devices and end-users. They aim to increase usability and optimize communicative relations between humans and machines. In this regard, theories related to human-computer interaction (HCI) stress the importance of interface design methods that consider needs, expectations, and requirements of end-users. In this paper, we propose a design methodology of a programmable interface for low-income household thermostats based on product social creation through ¿personas,¿ scenarios, and usability heuristics. As traditional market research methods used to design interfaces are inherently expensive and time-consuming, we propose a web-based design model based on the extraction and analysis of Facebook public profiles. We consider that by using Facebook profiles, the most essential interface-related needs, such as simplicity and interactivity, can be addressed in a more efficient, complete, and realistic manner comparing with the traditional product design methods. Finally, we present a mock interface and a 3D model as a way to validate the proposed design methodology based on the usability analysis.

Social creation networks for designing low income interfaces in programmable thermostats Academic Article in Scopus