Social creation networks for designing low income interfaces in programmable thermostats

Pedro Ponce, Therese Peffer, Arturo Molina and Sergio Barcena

Technology in Society, 2020, vol. 62, issue C

Abstract: The 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.

Keywords: Thermostats; Human-computer interaction; Heuristics; Facebook (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:teinso:v:62:y:2020:i:c:s0160791x18302628

DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2020.101299

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