Human-Computer Interaction Analysis of Push Door Handles and Usability

This assignment analyzes the usability of push door handles using Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles. It focuses on the common issue of users pulling doors designed to be pushed and vice-versa, highlighting the importance of clear design. The assignment emphasizes the significance of error prevention in design, arguing that a well-designed handle should intuitively communicate its function, eliminating the need for additional signage. The study references the '10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design' and discusses how design consistency, such as the relationship between the door and handle, impacts user experience. The assignment also provides an example of a better-designed door handle that clearly indicates the action required (pull), regardless of the door's overall design.

Running Head : HCI PUSH DOOR HANDLES
Human Computer Interaction
Push Door Handles
Student Name:
University Name:
Date:

Running Head : HCI PUSH DOOR HANDLES
Push Doors Usability Issues
Push door handles come in variety of forms and it is a real world object that is picked for the
assessment. These push handles in my opinion are poorly designed object that create confusion
to many users. Below is an image:
Door design and use of appropriate sign will provide user feedback about the state of the system.
Moreover, Error prevention is another HCI principle that should be utilized in designing real life
objects. Objects should be designed with the purpose of error prevention. In many push doors
handle, user ends up pulling the door instead of pushing and vice-versa. A push or pull symbol
on the door should not be required if push door handle is cleverly designed. An additional
Push/Pull symbol on the door implies that handle is not capable of delivering the right message
to the user about the state of the door. Hence, a failure at error prevention ("10 Usability
Heuristics for User Interface Design | Design Principles FTW", 2016).
A system or object is considered well designed, if user can initiate an action on its own instead of
waiting for a response from the system. Design consistency can be ensured if door design and
the handle are in synchronization with one another. For example, the image given below is a
better designed door handle.

Running Head : HCI PUSH DOOR HANDLES
It has the handles that clearly indicates that the door is supposed to be pulled instead of pushed.
It is irrespective of the design of the door. The door meets the following HCI criteria of design
( if applied to the real world object)
1. Consistency
2. Error prevention - Design conveys the door should be pulled instead of push, hence
design is based on the real world understanding itself.
Reference
10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design | Design Principles FTW. (2016).
Designprinciplesftw.com. Retrieved 13 November 2016, from
http://www.designprinciplesftw.com/collections/10-usability-heuristics-for-user-interface-design