PROBLEM
PROBLEM
The world has become more and more digitized
as technology grows exponentially. In the new
era, printing should have new meanings and
capabilities to support the progress of people’s
daily life. However, the user interfaces for
printers have not been innovated for decades,
and the interactions remain dated and
complicated.
The world has become more and more digitized
as technology grows exponentially. In the new
era, printing should have new meanings and
capabilities to support the progress of people’s
daily life. However, the user interfaces for
printers have not been innovated for decades,
and the interactions remain dated and
complicated.
The world has become more and more digitized
as technology grows exponentially. In the new
era, printing should have new meanings and
capabilities to support the progress of people’s
daily life. However, the user interfaces for
printers have not been innovated for decades,
and the interactions remain dated and
complicated.
How might we improve the simplicity,
usability, accessibility, of the control panel
user experience for the target printers?
How might we improve the simplicity,
usability, accessibility, of the control panel
user experience for the target printers?
How might we improve the simplicity,
usability, accessibility, of the control panel
user experience for the target printers?
SOLUTION
SOLUTION
Holder
Home Print Solutions @ HP
type
Permanent
Duration
Dec - August 2021 (9 months)
Tech
Figma(Initial), Axure RP
initial status
Based on existing on-market design
end status
Delivered two interactive
prototypes with a design
suggestion report
my role
UX Module Lead
my work
Lead a team of UI & UX Designers
Collaboration with different depts.
Information architecture
User flow
Interaction design
Product Pre-Launch check
Holder
Home Print Solutions @ HP
type
Permanent
Duration
Dec - August 2021 (9 months)
Tech
Figma(Initial), Axure RP
initial status
Based on existing on-market design
end status
Delivered two interactive
prototypes with a design
suggestion report
my role
UX Module Lead
my work
Lead a team of UI & UX Designers
Collaboration with different depts.
Information architecture
User flow
Interaction design
work directly with
work directly with
Client (HP)
Program Manager
My Design Team
Developers
Client (HP)
Program Manager
My Design Team
Developers
Report to
Report to
Program Manager
Program Manager
Holder
Home Print Solutions @ HP
type
Permanent
Duration
Dec - August 2021 (9 months)
Tech
Figma(Initial), Axure RP
initial status
Based on existing on-market design
end status
Delivered two interactive
prototypes with a design
suggestion report
my role
UX Module Lead
my work
Lead a team of UI & UX Designers
Collaboration with different depts.
Information architecture
User flow
Interaction design
work directly with
Client (HP)
Program Manager
My Design Team
Developers
Report to
Program Manager
Feature 2
Ease of Use through intuitive planning system for the user to attend event of interest.
Ease of Use through intuitive planning system for the user to attend event of interest.
Ease of Use through intuitive planning system for the user to attend event of interest.
demonstration
demonstration
demonstration
During the tenure, I proposed two design prototypes with two different
navigation modes: widget-based interface, and conversation-based interface.
During the tenure, I proposed two design prototypes with two different navigation modes: widget-based interface, and conversation-based interface.
During the tenure, I proposed two design prototypes with two different navigation modes: widget-based interface, and conversation-based interface.
SOLUTION 1
Widget-based interface. Click here to enjoy the prototype.
This was the first solution I proposed. The highlight of this design is to show available options at the same level in an understandable and organized way
so that users can get information at a glance.
This was the first solution I proposed. The highlight of this design
is to show available options at the same level in an
understandable and organized way so that
users can get information at a glance.
This was the first solution I proposed. The highlight of this design is to show available options at the
same level in an understandable and organized way so that users can get information at a glance.
regard efficiency as the first priority
*regard efficiency as the first priority
regard efficiency as the first priority
flat hierarchies
*flat hierarchies
flat hierarchies
reduce clicks and scrolling
*reduce clicks and scrolling
reduce clicks and scrolling
When I presented the widget-based interface to stakeholders in the meeting, its simplicity of understanding was challenged. They worried that showing
too many options on one screen might overwhelm users. Therefore, I explored many ways of interaction and then proposed the conversation-based
interface to deal with this concern.
When I presented the widget-based interface to stakeholders in the meeting,
its simplicity of understanding was challenged.
They worried that showing too many options on one screen might overwhelm users.
Therefore, I explored many ways of interaction and
then proposed the conversation-based interface to deal with this concern.
When I presented the widget-based interface to stakeholders in the meeting, its simplicity of understanding was challenged. They worried that showing
too many options on one screen might overwhelm users. Therefore, I explored many ways of interaction and then proposed the conversation-based
interface to deal with this concern.
SOLUTION 2
This was the first solution I proposed. The highlight of this design is to show available options at the same level in an understandable and organized way
so that users can get information atThe idea of the conversation-based interface is on the other side of the widget-based interface in terms of the way of
navigation. The highlight of this design is to offer users with step-by-step guided experience. a glance.
This was the first solution I proposed.
The idea of the conversation-based interface
is on the other side of the widget-based interface
in terms of the way of navigation.
The highlight of this design is to offer
users with step-by-step guided experience. a glance.
This was the first solution I proposed. The highlight of this design is to show available options at the same level in an understandable and organized way
so that users can get information atThe idea of the conversation-based interface is on the other side of the widget-based interface in terms of the way of
navigation. The highlight of this design is to offer users with step-by-step guided experience. a glance.
regard empathy as the first priority
*regard empathy as the first priority
deep hierarchies
*deep hierarchies
reduce confusion and uncertainty
*reduce confusion and uncertainty
In this interface, users are asked to make only one decision at a time and each option is equipped with more details than the first solution so that users
are more likely to get their desired outcomes. Moreover, the conversation-based interface can humanize the printer and make users feel smart and
friendly.
In this interface, users are asked to make only one decision at a time
and each option is equipped with more details than the first solution so that users
are more likely to get their desired outcomes.
Moreover, the conversation-based interface can humanize the printer
and make users feel smart and friendly.
In this interface, users are asked to make only one decision at a time and each option is equipped with more details than the first solution so that users
are more likely to get their desired outcomes. Moreover, the conversation-based interface can humanize the printer and make users feel smart and
friendly.
timeline
Role Overview
background
The new UI was going to be applied on printers used at home or small office and targeted on productivity.
An example of the target printer
An example of the target printer
Designing for the printer is different from designing for the mobile phone or the laptop. Different printers have different functions with corresponding physical cues. The new UI should consider target printers' capability and follow the physical cues. "This new user interface is used on the type of printers made for home and micro-business scenarios printers made for home and micro-business scenarios and will support the highest level of productivity for basic and complex functions . This type of printers has high-quality color graphics display and full sound feedback."
Designing for the printer is different from designing for the mobile phone or the laptop. Different printers have different functions with corresponding physical cues. The new UI should consider target printers' capability and follow the physical cues. "This new user interface is used on the type of printers made for home and micro-business scenarios printers made for home and micro-business scenarios and will support the highest level of productivity for basic and complex functions . This type of printers has high-quality color graphics display and full sound feedback."
user research
user research
Top 3 target users' printing motivations are smart, productive, and successful.
Top 3 target users' printing inhibitors are time-consuming, wasteful, and
unsatisfactory.
Top 3 target users' printing motivations are smart, productive, and successful.
Top 3 target users' printing inhibitors are time-consuming, wasteful, and
unsatisfactory.
Top 3 target users' printing motivations are smart, productive, and successful.
Top 3 target users' printing inhibitors are time-consuming, wasteful, and unsatisfactory.
Warriors are ambitious and resourceful people, building achievements in their lives and using print for the advantage.
Warriors are ambitious and resourceful people, building achievements in their lives and using print for the advantage.
Embracers are engaged, active people who use technology and print to help them live their personal, professional and family lives to the fullest.
Embracers are engaged, active people who use technology and print to help them live their personal, professional and family lives to the fullest.
The target users for this type of printers can be categorized into two types based on their printing behaviors and patterns: Warriors and Embracers.
The target users for this type of printers can be categorized into two types based on their printing behaviors and patterns: Warriors and Embracers.
market research
market research
By conducting competitive analysis and heuristic evaluation, I found that the problems of existing control panel experience are complicated, inefficient, unintuitive and unattractive.
By conducting competitive analysis and heuristic evaluation, I found that the problems of existing control panel experience are complicated, inefficient, unintuitive and unattractive.
By conducting competitive analysis and heuristic evaluation, I found that the problems of existing control panel experience are complicated, inefficient, unintuitive and unattractive.
By reorganizaing the information architecture and user flows, the new design aimed to boost the printing experience from an innovative perspective. Here takes the copy flow as the example.
information architecture
usability testing
The result of user testing shows the overall satisfaction rate for the new design is 92%. More participants prefer the widget-based menu to the conversation-based menu but the difference is not significant.
METHODOLOGY
This user testing aimed to test the usability of the new information architecture and the high-level interaction design as well
as compare the two solutions and conclude the preference.
Platform
Total Number of Participants
100
Method
Randomize the order of design solution
Unmoderated online study
Minimal Requirements
Work with a printer and use it regularly
Have a color graphic display with touch interface on the printer
Have used the printer to copy and scan files before
Tasks for Evaluation
Make 1 color copy of a 1-sided document quickly
Make 10 color copies of a 2-sided document in correct orientation
Scan a photo, enhance its quality, and send to your email
Target Age Group
18 - 25
26 - 35
36 - 50
Metrics for Evaluation
Time spent per task
Task completion and success
Ease of use per task
Ease of use per solution
Likes and dislikes per solution
Overall experience
Preference between two solutions
Target Region
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
India
Germany
Testimonials
In conclusion from participants’ comments, over half of the testing participants mentioned that integrating the advantages of the two solutions would be a better choice. .
From Widget-based Solution
Widget menu can simplify complex
tasks
Users prefer to change settings
without leaving current page
Fast copy based on default setting
can improve simple tasks’ efficiency
Large buttons can reduce errors
and make control easier
Has better layout of elements and
uses space more efficiently
Younger users prefer this solution
From Conversation-based Solution
Detailed conversational
instructions can minimize
confusions and reduced errors
Using visual aids can help users
better understand complicated
instructions and get what they want
faster
It is smarter and more
approachable
It should show detailed instructions
only when necessary and helpful
Elder users prefer this solution
ideation
Considering the target users' current concerns and future needs, the new user
interface should value efficiency, responsiveness, intelligence, and delightfulness.
To implement these values under context, I brought forward four concepts to the
design solution: multitasking, customization, automation, and dynamic preview.
CONCEPT 1
Now most existing printers in the market were unable to handle multiple tasks at a time. Multitasking could help users enhance task efficiency while maintaining productivity.
Multi-user operating system
A productive printer typically has 3 to 10 active users. The design
of a multi-user operating system lays as a foundation for
advanced functions about customization and automation and
aims for better information security.
The design of a multi-user operating system
lays as a foundation for advanced functions about
customization and automation and
Different types of jobs can work simultaneously
Different types of jobs can work simultaneously
Existing printers can only do one task at a time. Some jobs may
take a long time to complete. If the printer can do more than one
type of task simultaneously, users can save lots of time and get
their jobs done quickly.
If the printer can do more than one type of task
simultaneously, users can save lots of time and
get their jobs done quickly.
Do not have to wait for scanning
Do not have to wait for scanning
During scanning, the printer allows users to change settings (e.g.
number of copy, edit file) at the frontend when scanning the file
at the backend.
Printer allows users to change settings (e.g.
number of copy, edit file) at the frontend
when scanning the file at the backend.
Do multiple tasks on the same file without extra scan
After a task is successfully done, the printer will ask the user
whether they want to do another task for the same file.
After a task is successfully done, the printer will ask
the user whether they want to do another task
for the same file.
CONCEPT 2
Like a good friend, the printer knows users and understand their needs. According to current scenarios, customization allows the printer to give information selectively rather than throwing everything to users, which makes their decisions much easier.
Like a good friend, the printer knows users and understand their needs. According to current scenarios, customization allows the printer to give information selectively rather than throwing everything to users, which makes their decisions much easier.
Give options accordingly based on users’ decisions
Give options accordingly based on users’ decisions
To prevent overwhelming or confusing users, the new design
avoids throwing numerous choices for them. According to users’
actions, the printer hides irrelevant settings in order to reduce
the user’s cognitive load.
To prevent overwhelming or confusing users,
the new design avoids throwing numerous choices for them.
printer hides irrelevant settings
Remember user preferences and curate recommendations
The multi-user operating system will remember each user’s
unique habits and adjust itself to better serve them.
The multi-user operating system will remember each user’s
unique habits and adjust itself to better serve them.
Put the most frequently used items on the top
The printer records users’ behavior patterns and accordingly put
the most frequently used items or settings or pre-fills
information for users.
The printer records users’ behavior patterns and
accordingly put the most frequently used items or
settings or pre-fills information for users.
Offer contextual assistance based on current user status
Offer contextual assistance based on
current user status
The help menu will be organized based on the relevance of the
user’s current step where the user clicks the help button.
The help menu will be organized based on the
relevance of the user’s current step where the
user clicks the help button.
CONCEPT 3
Automation is the trend to enhance the intelligence of the machine. Automating steps that can be solved by the printer itself will significantly improve the efficiency of users' tasks.
Detect user’s identity without manual login
Detect user’s identity without manual login
Recognizing who is currently using the printer without manual
login can help users get their jobs done quickly. One effective
method to accomplish this is to detect user’s identity through
Bluetooth.
Recognizing who is currently using the printer without
manual login can help users get their jobs done quickly.
One effective method to accomplish this is to detect
user’s identity through Bluetooth.
Detect the file type intelligently
Detect the file type intelligently
The options for different file types will be different. If the printer
can detect the file type through image recognition, the system
can better help users decrease noisy choices.
The options for different file types will be different.
If the printer can detect the file type through image
recognition, the system an better help
users decrease noisy choices.
Start scanning automatically after closing the scanner
Start scanning automatically after closing the scanner
After the user turns the file for second-page scanning, the printer
can detect the user’s page turn behavior and start scanning
without asking for extra confirmation.
After the user turns the file for second-page scanning,
the printer can detect the user’s page turn behavior and
start scanning without asking for extra confirmation.
Fix common copy issues automatically
Fix common copy issues automatically
1) Correct the black areas emerging during copying;
2) Adjust printing quality when printing for photos;
3) Maintenance works automatically when common problems
happen.
1) Correct the black areas emerging during copying;
2) Adjust printing quality when printing for photos;
3) Maintenance works automatically when common problems
happen.
information architecture
By reorganizaing the information architecture and user flows, the new design
aimed to boost the printing experience from an innovative perspective. Here takes
the copy flow as the example.
By reorganizaing the information architecture and user flows, the new design aimed to boost the printing experience from an innovative perspective. Here takes the copy flow as the example.
usability testing
The result of user testing shows the overall satisfaction rate for the new design is
92%. More participants prefer the widget-based menu to the conversation-based
menu but the difference is not significant.
The result of user testing shows the overall satisfaction rate for the new design is 92%. More participants prefer the widget-based menu to the conversation-based menu but the difference is not significant.
This user testing aimed to test the usability of the new information architecture and the high-level interaction design as well as compare the two solutions and conclude the preference.
Platform
Total Number of Participants
100
Method
Randomize the order of design solution
Unmoderated online study
Minimal Requirements
Work with a printer and use it regularly
Have a color graphic display with touch interface on the printer
Have used the printer to copy and scan files before
Tasks for Evaluation
Make 1 color copy of a 1-sided document quickly
Make 10 color copies of a 2-sided document in correct orientation
Scan a photo, enhance its quality, and send to your email
Target Age Group
18 - 25
26 - 35
36 - 50
Metrics for Evaluation
Time spent per task
Task completion and success
Ease of use per task
Ease of use per solution
Likes and dislikes per solution
Overall experience
Preference between two solutions
Target Region
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
India
Germany
METHODOLOGY
PREFERENCE
PREFERENCE
More people prefer the widget-based solution, but the difference is considered not significant. Younger people prefer the widget-based interface while elder people prefer the conversation-based interface. The reason might be that younger people value more on efficiency while elder demographics value more on simplicity. Younger people are more familiar with technologies and more flexible to digest more information at a time than elder people.
* Solution 1 is Widget-based Solution, Solution 2 is Conversation-based Solution
* Solution 1 is Widget-based Solution, Solution 2 is Conversation-based Solution
EASE OF USE
EASE OF USE
Participants rated conversation-based interface easier than widget-based interface for task 1. The reason might be that conversation-based
interface had clearer instruction so that participants were more confident with their actions, especially for simple tasks. However, it did not
perform well for task 2 primarily because it involved more steps than the other solution. Task 3 is actually easier than task 2 because people
are more familiar with this type of task, but it has more steps than task 1. Therefore, participants were able to complete it without very detailed
instructions and felt annoying when there were more clicks which they had to make.
Participants rated conversation-based interface easier than widget-based interface for task 1. The reason might be that conversation-based
interface had clearer instruction so that participants were more confident with their actions, especially for simple tasks. However, it did not
perform well for task 2 primarily because it involved more steps than the other solution. Task 3 is actually easier than task 2 because people
are more familiar with this type of task, but it has more steps than task 1. Therefore, participants were able to complete it without very detailed
instructions and felt annoying when there were more clicks which they had to make.
KEYWORDS
Automation is the trend to enhance the intelligence of the machine. Automating steps that can be solved by the printer itself will significantly improve the efficiency of users' tasks.
Widget-based Interface
Positive Feedback
familiar
easy and timesaving
freedom of control
better for office use
Negative Feedback
clutter
confusing
overwhelming
easy to make errors
Conversation-based Interface
Positive Feedback
clear and helpful
adaptive and smarter
confident and
enjoyable
approachable and user-
friendly
Negative Feedback
deep
tedious
waste time
smaller buttons
TAKEAWAY
TAKEAWAY
TAKEAWAY
In conclusion from participants’ comments, over half of the testing participants mentioned that integrating the advantages of the two solutions would be a better choice.
In conclusion from participants’ comments, over half of the testing participants mentioned that integrating the advantages of the two solutions would be a better choice.
In conclusion from participants’ comments, over half of the testing participants mentioned that integrating the advantages of the two solutions would be a better choice.
From Widget-based Solution
Widget menu can simplify complex
tasks
Users prefer to change settings
without leaving current page
Fast copy based on default setting
can improve simple tasks’ efficiency
Large buttons can reduce errors
and make control easier
Has better layout of elements and
uses space more efficiently
Younger users prefer this solution
From Conversation-based Solution
Detailed conversational
instructions can minimize
confusions and reduced errors
Using visual aids can help users
better understand complicated
instructions and get what they want
faster
It is smarter and more
approachable
It should show detailed instructions
only when necessary and helpful
Elder users prefer this solution
Other Takeaways
Most users value simplicity as the
top priority
Need a faster and more convenient
login method
Need to design a faster flow for
expert users
Novice requires more guidance and
detailed instructions
Consider the design for multiple
users or jobs to provide more
personalized services