C H A P T E R 1

Newton and Its Users

more specific tasks. These tasks can be based on the task analyses that you performed earlier in the design process. After you determine which tasks to use, write them out as short, simple instructions. Your instructions to the participants should be clear and complete but should not explain how to do things you’re trying to test. See the following section, “Ten Steps for Conducting a User Observation,” for more information; it includes a series of sample steps on which you can base your own user observation.

During the user observation, record what you learn about your design; you’ll be using this information to revise your prototype. Once you’ve revised your prototype, conduct a second user observation to test the workability of the changes you’ve made to your design. Continue this iterative process of creating prototypes and conducting user observations until you feel confident that you’ve fully addressed the needs of your target audience.

Ten Steps for Conducting a User Observation

The following steps provide guidelines that you can use when conducting a simple user observation. Remember, this test is not designed as an experiment, so you will not get quantitative data that can be statistically analyzed. You can, however, see where people have difficulty using your product, and you can then use that information to improve your product.

Most of these steps include some explanatory text with sample statements that you can read to the participant. Feel free to modify the statements to suit your product and the situation.

1.Introduce yourself and describe the purpose of the observation (in very general terms). Most of the time, you shouldn’t mention what you’ll be observing.

Set the participant at ease by stressing that you’re trying to find problems in the product. For example, you could say something like this:

“You’re helping us by trying out this product in its early stages.”

“We’re looking for places where the product may be difficult to use.”

“If you have trouble with some of the tasks, it’s the product’s fault, not yours. Don’t feel bad; that’s exactly what we’re looking for.”

Involve Users in the Design Process

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Apple 2 manual Ten Steps for Conducting a User Observation
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The Apple II is a defining product in the history of personal computing, first introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer, Inc. Designed by Steve Wozniak, the Apple II was one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products and played a significant role in bringing personal computers into homes and schools.

One of the Apple II's standout features was its color graphics capability. It was one of the first personal computers to provide color output, thanks to its built-in video interface. The initial model supported a resolution of 280x192 pixels with a palette of 6 colors, which allowed for vibrant visuals that set it apart from contemporaries like the monochrome Altair 8800.

The Apple II was notable for its open architecture. This design allowed users to expand the computer's capabilities easily through a series of expansion slots. Users could add floppy disk drives, additional memory, and various peripheral devices, making the system highly adaptable to individual needs. This encouraged a thriving ecosystem of third-party hardware and software, which contributed to its popularity.

Another significant feature was its use of the 6502 microprocessor. This 8-bit CPU was not only affordable but also powerful for its time, allowing the Apple II to run various applications efficiently. Along with a built-in keyboard and an innovative plastic case that housed its components, the design was user-friendly and appealing.

The Apple II also introduced the concept of “bootable software” through the use of floppy disks. The disk operating system (DOS) allowed users to store and run multiple programs without having to reload software manually, providing a level of convenience that had not been widely available before. Key software like VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program, helped boost sales, showcasing the Apple II's utility in business and education environments.

The computer was also well-known for its early adoption of BASIC programming language. Apple provided an operating system that supported Applesoft BASIC, which enabled users, including students, to write their programs, further fostering a community of developers.

In summary, the Apple II's color graphics, open architecture, powerful 6502 processor, innovative use of floppy disks, and support for BASIC programming made it a revolutionary product in its time. Its legacy laid the groundwork for future personal computers and established Apple as a leader in the burgeoning tech industry. The Apple II remains an iconic symbol of the early personal computing era, reflecting a generation's transition into a digitally connected world.
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