Post on 19-Dec-2015
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The Math NotebookRedefining Class Notes
Laurin Beckhusen ● Christopher Chow ● Sean Gabriel
Michael Jurka ● Erik Lewis ● David Wong
User Interface Design Project
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Intended Use of Interface
Introduction
Use of Interface
• Note-taking software technology that bridges the gap between evolving hardware and traditional note-taking methods
• System designed for taking notes in the classroom, imitating the conventional notebook but utilizing the power of digital ink
• Addresses a common problem: how to share answers online? Typing out f(x) = (2x^2+3x) / 5 just isn’t cutting it anymore
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Intended User Population
User Population
• High school students or college students, with some level of computer experience
• Users are familiar with the Windows operating system and can perform common tasks for people their age (ex. use AOL Instant Messenger)
• Early adopters of technology (ex. tablet PCs)
Introduction
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Task Chosen
Task Chosen
Work on homework with a friend online
Walkthrough
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Need For A Help Menu
Need For A Help Menu
User complained that support documentation was insufficient
1. In-line instructions with UI rather than dumping user to an external document
2. Tool tips to aid struggling user
Goal: Design intuitive system that didn’t need extra documentation
Improvements
Help and Documentation
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Fully Tabbed System
Fully Tabbed System
In user testing, found it not fast enough and not intuitive
1. Split Screen with no switching
2. Use common tabs for multiple documents
Improvements
Cater To Universal Usability
Goal: Support fast switching by having 2 tabs, My Notes & Online Collaboration
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Common Symbols Palette
Common Symbols Palette
Cognitive walkthrough and user feedback wanted more tools
Goal: Minimize palette clutter with only common tools (selector, pens, highlighter)
Improvements
Flexibility And Efficiency Of Use
Add ability for user to insert other math related symbols
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Zoom Feature
Need To Reach Menu
User testing showed this was not intuitive
Added a “MathNotes Home” button in top left corner
Goal: Allow users to return to menu page quickly, used a zoom out feature
Recognition Rather Than Recall
Improvements
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Support For Whiteboard
Support For Whiteboard
User testing showed us that this feature is not easy to find or use
1. Split Screen View if user wants it
2. In-line instructions for how to use it
Goal: Create a space where users can draw freely and share with other users
Recognition Rather Than Recall
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More Shortcuts
More Shortcuts For Expert Users
User complained that there were not enough shortcuts supported
Added more keyboard shortcuts for switching between tabs
Goal: Design simple interface that could be used very quickly and efficiently
Cater To Universal Usability
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Alternative Improvements
Suggestions Not Added
• Search functionality: originally considered character recognition but found scope of the problem too big – searching through digital ink poses a similar problem
• Full help menu: prefer iconic “menus” in interface to make system as intuitive as possible – true help menu breaks the consistency of this system
• Reorganization of notes: found optimal breakdown for notes based on user testing – adding more reorganization possibilities puts additional burden on user to categorize things differently and detracts from initial goal of having a seamless interface
• List of IP’s: allow for easier connectivity in collaborative modes – agree with this fundamentally, but it is impractical to implement and may raise privacy concerns
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