UX Prototype

Developing a Platform

Project Overview

In addition to helping develop new knob-based oven interfaces, my team was responsible for building a prototype hardware and software platform for user testing.

Roles

project lead

industrial designer

UI designer

programmer

Prototype Components

To facilitate testing in various environments, a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 tablet was used to run the GUI environment. A custom hardware enclosure housed the JennAir knob and microcontroller. Each interface prototype would have it's own enclosure.

The Knob Interfaces

Absolute Knob

This interface allows for fine-degree increments, and represents an experience that is similar to existing analog oven temperature controls. At the end of the cooking cycle, the knob automatically returns to it’s home position.

Segmented Knob

This interface allows the oven to maintain a constant visual aesthetic, as the knob returns home when not being used. Rotating the knob left or right will decrement or increment the temperature. Each segment on the dial corresponds to a different increment speed.

The final builds consisted of two variants: a 2-segment and 3-segment.

Hybrid Knob

A combination of the Segmented Knob and the Absolute Knob, the segments allow users to rapidly approach the intended target temperature, while rotation of the knurled collar allows fine adjustments or correction.

Tester Settings

To allow testing for various parameters, the prototype had adjustable settings. Testers could modify aspects of the prototype to fit a specific test case.