May 8th - User Testing of Database and Advanced Features

Team Members Involved - Eric Oltean, Micheal Seng, Jonathan Wai

Unfortunately for us, Paul was out of the office for the last two weeks! However, Eric linked up with him this Friday and got the client feedback from Ombitron's testing sessions.

At least two companies tried out the prototype for general user testing and potential use. For security, we haven't been given the company names or their representatives. Here is a link to the demo they had access to: http://temphum.ombitron.net/

Pros: Most everyone liked the Dashboard! There was a lot of positive feedback, though none of it particularly specific. All clients were able to use the Dashboard effectively and complete testing tasks. Some of their comments:

• Interface was very "Usable," "visual" 
• Easy to navigate; no problems switching between tabs, views, or back out
• Clients liked the "two systems for viewing": some preferred the List View and found no use for the Folder View, while others loved the Folder View and its simplification of the List.
• "Simple overall," with no major problems of user experience

Cons: A few nitpicks here and there, but nothing major from a design standpoint. Instead, most were slight technical adjustments, a few content adjustments, and perhaps even some per-client customization based on their individual needs.

• Temperature graphs were noted to be in Celsius. Of course, since the product will primarily be launched in the US, all clients wanted this information in Fahrenheit 
• The refresh rate of information (rate of capture from device to dashboard) didn't need to be as frequent as the demo's setting of updating every 9 seconds. Suggested refresh rates by clients would be anywhere between 1-5 minute intervals, perhaps even up to 20 minute intervals.
• Client-specific request: On the Detail View, "Status and Location" is first thing seen on the page in the upper left. However, to this particular client, this information is not as important, since the user should know which fridge they're looking at. The Client has requested that graphs or specific information should be displayed first, then status and location if necessary (lower hierarchy)

So overall, things are looking very good! This weekend will hash out the Promotional Video and Abstract, along with these final tweaks, and then the poster. Getting close to the end!