The electric burner in Fig.
1 is different from a typical user's conceptual model. Associations with LTM are
moderate due to the use of controls, less familiar for this type of
device, as shown in Fig.
2. However, because the controls are clearky labeled (e.g.,
timer, temperature scale) and
users will typically have had interactions with similar types of
controls for different electric appliances, the user should be able
to update their conceptual model of the electric burner using easily
available parts of other conceptual models. The two arrows change the
temperature up and down, and the far button on the right turns the
burner on and off. Nevertheless, because the
controls are more numerous than a typical user's original conceptual model,
and includes a timer on the far left not normally associated with a
burner, it is
unlikely that users will be able to sketch the design accurately after
seeing it once.
The electric burner in Fig.
3 does not have a control knob and is thus different from a
user's typical conceptual model. However, because users will
easily recognize the on and off push button from other electric
appliances they
have used, they will very quickly be able to use this burner and
remember the design quite easily. |
Fig. 1. Electric Burner with Different Controls
Fig. 2. Familiar Controls But Somewhat Cluttered
Fig. 3. Push Button Electric Burner
|