Peer Review and Usability Evaluation of OtoConnect App

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ITC504 - INTERFACE USEABILITY ASSESSMENT ITEM 3 -
PEER REVIEW AND USABILITY EVALUATION
STUDENT ID:-
STUDENT NAME: -

Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................4
Part A: -......................................................................................................................................5
Part B:.......................................................................................................................................11
Evaluation of the Design..........................................................................................................11
I. Examining the Design...................................................................................................11
II. Evaluation is done with the help of Heuristic Principles..........................................11
III. Evaluation of OtoConnect using Heuristic Principals...............................................11
Conclusion................................................................................................................................17
References................................................................................................................................18
Appendices...............................................................................................................................19
Figure 1 Back button is missing.................................................................................................6
Figure 2 Missing fields in signup page......................................................................................7
Figure 3 Double use of same word............................................................................................7
Figure 4 Signup page error.......................................................................................................19
Figure 5 Login page error........................................................................................................19
Figure 6 Add room page error..................................................................................................20
Figure 7 Environmental zone page error..................................................................................20
Figure 8 Favourites..................................................................................................................21
Figure 9 AC page error............................................................................................................21
Figure 10 Tube light page error...............................................................................................22
Figure 11 Settings page error...................................................................................................22
Figure 12 No linking of Forget password page........................................................................23
Figure 13 No consistency.........................................................................................................23

Introduction
The OtoConnect is an application, which provides the user to control the home appliances.
The OtoConnect uses the structure in which used to need to first login with the help of the
Username and Password and then the home page will be displayed. With the help of this
application user can control the main door, the facility of controlling the Bed-lamp, tube
lights and may other appliances as well. The evaluation of the design of the application is
done in this report. The changes that are needed to be done is suggested as well and the issues
whether it is major or minor is suggested. The application needs to make some changes here
because of which the Evaluation is being done on the basis of the Heuristic approach and all
the points are being covered in accordance with the changes that are needed to be done.

Part A: -
a) Review of the design completed.
b) Do the requirements mentioned in the case study are satisfied by the design provided
or not?
The design that is provided has some major issues as well as have minor issues. The
application needs some changes to cover all the points that are mentioned in the case
study. Some of the pages have major issues regarding the design while some have minor
issues.
1) The sensors can help to access the house: -
Satisfied or not satisfied: - The electronic locks that can control the access of house
are there mentioned in the application but there is a need to enhance the security
regarding the electronic looks.
Reason: - The application should have a separate activity page that has all the
electronic looks and their status whether they are ON/OFF.
Complete or incomplete: - Although the requirement is partially satisfied still the
electronic looks status is not there in the application.
2) Video surveillance and Home security: -
Satisfied or not satisfied: - The home security feature is present in the application,
which again satisfies the partial requirement, but again the option of video surveillance
is missing which contradict the case study equipment.
Reason: - The video surveillance option is not there in the application, which becomes
the greatest drawback of the application and hinders the security of the house.
Complete or incomplete: - It is partially satisfied because the security option for the
doors is given in the application but no video surveillance option is there in the
application.
3) AC Control:-
Satisfied or not satisfied: - The application is provided with a feature in which user
can control the AC. However, the option to control the temperature of the Ac is given
in the form of a slider which is not satisfying the requirement.
Reason: - The application is provided with the feature of AC control but the
temperature control is not given in the form of showing the temperature. The
requirement is not fulfilled in the application.
Complete or incomplete: - This feature in the application is incomplete and the better
option can be provided in the form of showing the temperature of the AC and to
increase/decrease the same as well.

4) Controlling of light of Lounge, family and kitchen areas:-
Satisfied or not satisfied: - The application does have any user interface for the
kitchen area, or for any other room.
Reason: - The option for controlling the light of the kitchen area, family area or lounge
is not there in the application. The UI even is not there for these rooms or areas. Only
one option to control the light of the house is there.
Complete or incomplete: - This feature is incomplete in the application. Lots of
changes need to be implemented in the application for accessing the control of turning
ON/OFF light of different areas in the house.
5) Adding new devices, areas, and control for TV, radio etc.
Satisfied or not satisfied: - The option to add different devices and areas in the house
is present in the application. There is no option to control the TV, radio etc. and to add
them as well.
Reason: - The application’s case study mentions that the application can be able to
connect the new device and to add them as well. But the application only provides the
feature to add new devices to a smart home panel but no provision is there to control
appliances such as radio, TV etc.
Complete or incomplete: - Incomplete feature is there in the application. The UI
designer needs to add more features in which a user can add the new devices like
Radio, TV and control them as well.
List of all incomplete requirements:-
1. No back button: - The application does not have any working Back button. Every
page has the back button at a top left corner but it does not have the valid linking and
hence it is not working.
Reason: - The Back button in the application is not working on any of the pages.
The back button is a very essential feature of the application and these features need
to be added in the application.
.
The back button is
not working
Figure 1 Back button is missing

2) Signup page is incomplete: - The signup page does not have the required text fields so that the
new user can validate his/her identity.
Reason:- The signup page does not have the required fields which will be a breach to the security
of the application and new fields need to be added in the signup page.
3) Double use of Environment zone: - There is a double use of the environmental zone on
the page ‘Environmental zone’.
Reason: - The double use of the word Environmental zone on the same page lacks the
consistency in the application and it needs to remove from
that page.
Figure 2 Missing fields in signup page
Incomplete fields for
Signup of new user
Double use of the word
environmental zone

c) Is the design easy to be understood and looking
pleasant for the user? Include reasoning on principals of design.
The design of the application is quite easy to understand. There are a few problems present
in the application. Because of which at some instance the user will get, confuse where to
move and how to proceed for the next.
1) Signup page is incomplete: - The signup page does not have the required text fields so that the
new user can validate his/her identity.
Reason:- The signup page does not have the required fields which will be a breach to the
security of the application and new fields need to be added in the signup page.
Evidence: - (Referred to figure 2)
2) Double use of Environment zone: - There is a double use of the environmental zone on
the page ‘Environmental zone’.
Reason: - The double use of the word Environmental zone on the same page lacks the
consistency in the application and it needs to remove.
Evidence: - (Referred to figure 3)
3) Air control: - The application has the AC control but it does not show the temperature at
which AC is running and no options for changing the temperature of AC which is
provided as slider and it is not showing any temperature.
Reason: - The AC control should show the temperature of the AC at which it is running
and a button through which the temperature of AC can be changed while showing the
change in temperature.
Evidence: - The AC page in the application showing the features of AC that can be
accessed or change through app. Is showing a slider to change the temperature. AC
temperature cannot be determined while using this application.
4) No option to go on Forget password page: - The application has the biggest drawback
for the user that they cannot change their password.
Reason: - The forget password page is been created in the application but there is no
way through which user can reach there. The forget password option is not visible in the
‘Home’ page and ‘Signup’ page.
Evidence: - The ‘Home’ page and the ‘Signup’ page do not have any option through
which the user if forgets his/her password then can change their password. The forget
password page Is created but there is no linking of that page from anywhere.
Figure 3 Double use of same
word

d) Improvements need to make in the design of the application based on ‘principles of
design’.
1. Video surveillance: - The security of the house needs to be perfect and for this, the
video surveillance feature needs to be added in it. This will add security for the house
and fulfil the requirement of the principals of design.
Reason: - There is a need for video surveillance because it will be going to increase
the security of the house. The video surveillance page should show the video cameras
installed in the house and features in which the different doors of the house can be
easily accessed.
2. Double use of Environment zone: - There is a double use of the environmental zone
on the page ‘Environmental zone’.
Reason: - The double use of the word Environmental zone on the same page lacks the
consistency in the application and it needs to remove.
Evidence: - (Referred to figure 3)
3. Signup page is incomplete: - The signup page does not have the required text fields so that
the new user can validate his/her identity.
Reason:- The signup page does not have the required fields which will be a breach to the
security of the application and new fields need to be added in the signup page.
Evidence: - (Referred to figure 2)
4. No documentation in settings: - There is no documentation given in the tips options
under the settings menu.
Reason:- The documentation is being one of the most important parts of the
application and there is no documentation present in the application. There is no
linking between the tips option under the settings.
Evidence: - The Tips option under the ‘Settings’ page does not open.
5. Air control: - The application has the AC control but it does not show the
temperature at which AC is running and no options for changing the temperature of
AC which is provided as slider and it is not showing any temperature.
Reason: - The AC control should show the temperature of the AC at which it is
running and a button through which the temperature of AC can be changed while
showing the change in temperature.
Evidence: - The AC page in the application showing the features of AC that can be
accessed or change through an app is showing a slider to change the temperature. AC
temperature cannot be determined while using this application.

e) Recommend changes for the above-mentioned problems in the order of priority.
1) Video surveillance: - The first change that is needed to be made in the application is
the adding of the video surveillance feature which will increase the security.
Improvement suggested: - The maker of the app. Will add the video surveillance option
under the security page. The sensor page name should be changed with the security name.
Under this the maker will add security option of the door and of video surveillance also.
Priority: - Major issue
2) Signup page: - In this section, the maker needs to add different kinds of the field on the
signup page.
Improvement suggested - The maker need to add few of the field. The fields will be
phone no., email id, password confirmation and name of the user. With the adding of these
fields in the signup page, it will be able then to add the new user.
Priority: - Major issue
3) AC control: - The application needs to change the ‘temperature changer’ of the AC.
Improvement suggested - Instead of using the slider for changing the temperature of the
AC on the ‘AC’ page the buttons should be used. The slider will remove as it is not
showing the temperature of the AC and buttons should need to show the temperature.
Priority: - Major issue
4) No documentation in settings: - The ‘Tips’ under the settings should contain the detail of
the application and about its use.
Improvement suggested - The information regarding the use of the application, about its
feature and a brief description of the home security need to be there.
Priority: - Minor issue
5) Double use of environmental zone: - the double usage of the word environmental should
be removed.
Improvement suggested – The ‘Environmental zone ’ page contains the two times use of
the same word. The heading, as well as the top bar, contains the same name. It will use
extra space, which can eliminate by removing it. Although the amount of space used will
be in kb’s but still, this exercise shows the better skills of a coder.
Priority: - Minor issue

Part B:
Evaluation of the Design
I. Examining the Design
OtoConnect is the given name of the application on which there is a need to do an evaluation.
The OtoConnect application provides the user to get options to control the home appliances
as well to help the user to see through the video surveillance about the conditions of the
house. The application needs some changes, these changes are being mentioned here, and the
overall design is being evaluated as well. The student needs to change the described changes
in it. The proper guidance is given to the student about where and what kind of changes need
to be done. The application needs these changes for the better development of the application
and it will go to fulfil all the requirements mentioned in the guidelines. According to the
author (Artinger et al., 2015, p. 34) few problems may arise in the application while
analysing the application which can be solved by giving the proper solutions for the mistakes
which can be later on solve.
II. Evaluation is done with the help of Heuristic Principles
According to the author (Chen., 2018, p. 145) the Heuristic Principles are used here with
which the evaluation is done of the application. The heuristic method is done to evaluate the
application or any other application through which the mistakes can be found out in the User
Interface (UI) designing. The principal was given by Jakob Neilson and there was one partner
named as Rolf Molich in the 90s century while the outcome of the principal came out in
1994. According to the author (Quiñones et al., 2017, p. 90) the main aim of using the
heuristic principle was to develop a better understanding of the evaluation of the application.
The UI interface creation needs a better strategy through which the enchantment in making
the UI can develop. According to the author (Rusu et al., 2015, p. 10 ) the heuristic approach
is used because it possible solve all the major issues that are been arise in the application. The
solutions and issue-level of the problem are discussed and provided with better solutions.
III. Evaluation of OtoConnect using Heuristic Principals
1. System status and visibility of the system
a) Type of the issue – Different issues based on visibility and system status.
 Wrong button. Named as ‘Lightening’ but links to the page named as ‘Tube light’.
 Wrong button. Named as ‘AIR Controller’ but links to the page named as ‘AC’.
 Information provided on ‘Signup page’ is not enough for the new user to register.
 The ‘AC’ page showing the controls for the AC does not have the ‘Power options for
ON/OFF functions’.
b) Why it is an issue – The visibility of the system is not accurate. Wrong information
provides the wrong communication to the user. User will mislead with the information
provided. There is a need to change this and the visibility of the system will increase.

c) Level of the issue – Major issue
d) Solutions for the problems – The page name should be changed in the above-mentioned
pages. The name on the main screen and to linked screen name need to be same which are
different in this application.
2. System and real-world matching
a) Type of the issue – Different issues based on visibility and system status.
 No text input for the name of the user, mobile no and other details not asked in the
‘Signup’ page.
 The ‘AC’ page showing the controls for the AC does not have the ‘Power options for
ON/OFF functions’.
 ‘Wi-Fi device list’ has no linking to access the same
 ‘Facebook’ page does not have ‘full functionality’ to provide the information by the user
 ‘Google +’ page does not have ‘full functionality’ to provide the information by the user.
b) Why it is an issue – The information provided on each page is not accurate and is
incomplete. This will create a problem for the user to proceed further from these pages.
c) Level of the issue – Major issue
d) Solutions for the problems – The User interface need to be changed of these pages and
the full functions should be implemented in it and power button to ON/OFF, need to be
included. Wife device list needs to be shown in the application and pages like Facebook and
Google + need to show full functionality.
3. Freedom and better user control
a) Type of the issue – Different issues based on visibility and system status.
 ‘Notification’ page does not have the ‘Control function’.
 No ‘back’ options on ‘Facebook’ and ‘Google +’ pages.
 ‘Wi-Fi device list’ has no linking to access the same
 No ‘Remove room’ option is there on the ‘Add room’ page.
 No ‘Functionality’ on the ‘sensors’ page
 No ‘linking’ of the ‘Living room, Bathroom, Kitchen’ on ‘Home’ page.
 No ‘linking’ of ‘Curtains’ on the ‘Environmental zone’ page.
b) Why it is an issue – The user needs the best controls for the applications and each page
need to be linked with another page by clicked buttons. The pages are not linked properly and
some the buttons are not working. This will lead to problems for the user while using this
application.
c) Level of the issue – Major issue

d) Solutions for the problems – The ‘User interface’ need to be changed and activities
linked to the above-mentioned buttons need to be made. ‘Back’ options need to be made for
each page. Remove room button need to be added so that room that is been added can be
removed with ease.
4. Standards and consistency
a) Type of the issue – Different issues based on visibility and system status.
 ‘Wrong alignment’ on the ‘Home’ page.
 Double use of the same word ‘Environmental Zone’ on ‘Environmental Zone’ page.
 ‘Footers’ missing on the ‘Notification’ page.
 Poor ‘alignment’ on the ‘Add Device’ page.
 ‘Add’ options is not working on the ‘FAVOURITES’ page.
 No ‘Forget password’ option on the ‘Login’ page.
b) Why it is an issue – the consistency in the applications shows integrity in the app.
Applications look better with the consistency. Standards need to be followed in order to make
the application user-friendly.
c) Level of the issue – Minor issue
d) Solutions for the problems – The alignment of the buttons with respect to the screen
should be perfect which looks better and eye-catching. The options need to be added in the
page wherever required.
5. Prevention of the Errors
a) Type of the issue – Different issues based on visibility and system status.
 No ‘Breadcrumbs’ are there in the application.
 No linking of ‘Back’ button is there on the ‘Home’ page.
 No ‘Linking’ of ‘Wi-Fi device list’ page is there.
 No ‘Linking’ of ‘Change username’ activity on ‘Welcome smart user’ page is there.
 ‘Sensor’ page does not have the ‘Video surveillance’ feature for the Security.
b) Why it is an issue – The security features in the application is not appropriate. The back
button is not working which creates a havoc condition for the user if he/she wants to use the
previous activity.
c) Level of the issue – Major issue
d) Solutions for the problems – The video surveillance options are must to be added in the
application. The back button functionality needs to work as it is an important feature in the
application.
6. Recalling must exclude with recognition