Stephanie Wong February 28, 2016 User Design Evaluation Report

Samsung Gear S

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

This report is an evaluation of the ‘’. It is designed and marketed by on August 28, 2014 and is the successor for . Compared to the previous model, Samsung Gear S has a curved screen with a 360x480 resolution, a 300ppi Super AMOLED capacitive touch-screen that displays colors more vibrantly and bright. In this report, the smartwatch is analyzed for its usability and its compatibility with the Smartphone. Its interface is tested to see which tasks are supported successfully and to identify those tasks that have a need for improvement. These are listed with their severity level in our final results, along with recommendations on how to improve the user interface for future design solutions.

My own opinion:

SECTION 2: THE METHODOLOGY

As ‘Heuristic Evaluation’ is considered to be used by single experts and is feasible – we used this as our design evaluation. The report is divided into two sections. The first half has the overall user experience- which is a higher categorization and review. The second half covers tasks users could perform or interact with the watch on a daily basis. The severity levels provided in each are indicators for the team to prioritize the tasks that should be addressed first. With each task, we have also provided corresponding recommendations.

SECTION 3: RESULTS & INTERPRETATION

Samsung Gear S has two main core features, one is to provide notifications and the other is to provide user access to their mobile phones. The smartwatch is meant to assist users to be hands-free and can perform other tasks, without the need to take out their Smartphone. I uncover the overall user experience and then details on the heuristic evaluation done on specific 12 tasks carried on this watch.

Overall the watch does not have much usability in terms of looks as a watch or as a device to get more information. The overall design does not sit well for a general users because of looks, size and weight. Given that it needs to be charged by the end of the day makes it an extra effort compared to standard watches which runs on a cell. The screen needs to be activated too- so it does not really do well providing at a glance time. You need to gesture your hand to see the time and is really useful for not having to tap the watch or button.

3a. Overall User Experience

Sn# Categories Functionality Pros Cons Experience

1. Aesthetics: Big screen to Easy to read The watch screen is User feels imprisoned, or part of a Star Design of the provide access text. too bi and heavy Wars character. The clasp gives it a watch and to text. compared to a more prisoner feel and awkward to Screen size normal watch. use in a social setting. User is not motivated to charge even if the battery dies. No way to customize for

Stephanie Wong Samsung Gear February 28, 2016 User Design Evaluation Report

user’s ease in terms of strap or frame. 2 Navigation Left swipe from -Easy to Addition of Made the user think more than watch face understand and application on faces necessary -not very innovative. means calls and add more face is limited. Needs to Installing applications on phone and messages. Right as it was more be from the ones then synching felt like an extra step. to access more aligned to how that are already immediate Samsung there. applications. phones are. Top to access battery -To go back to settings/wifi/bri the initial ghtness. Bottom screen- swipe to get your up applications. 3. Technical Brings back the Easy to recall Good consistency with user standard Buttons home watch how to get out of usage. face of an application if lost 4. Vibrations To notify for Good way to Too strong- no Had really strong vibrations for alarm- reminders, remind you of option to reduce it which may be harmful for heath alarms, immediate especially while sleeping. Left users messages information feeling annoying and discouraged to place as an alarm reminder. 5. Interface To send Words typed are No option to save User input methods seems outdated. messages to readable when and no predefault your contacts you use the suggestions or using keyboard input. voice. Predefault Also prompted if suggestions are only user messages available on current will be message notification. discarded. 6. Information at The applications Easy to locate Could be a problem if Information was not available at a a glance screen where there are more than glance, users struggled with you can access 20 applications, and maintaining and synching applications. all the you don’t remember Issues of battery power was also felt. applications where the first one was as it makes use of the scroll option. 7. Applications To check user’s Helps to keep The details: Chart, The focus here is more as a medical -Pedometer well being. user updated logs, help for all device or some one obsessed with -Exercise with basic three are not useful health. The sensors or information -Heart Rate( 97 health or adding to what provided did not contribute to the bpm – you can information. user already knows overall usage of the watch. tag it.) or want to know. -Sleep -UV

3b. Details on the issues on performing the tasks

There are a total of twelve tasks; we encountered six with usability problems and six with no issue with functionality or usability. Those tasks that have been performed with the smart watch successfully are joining a wifi network, switching between apps, check for notifications and reply (Watsapp), finding installed apps and launching them (calculator, health), Locking / unlocking the smartwatch,finding

Stephanie Wong Samsung Gear February 28, 2016 User Design Evaluation Report your device. Among the remaining six tasks that Samsung Gear S had usability issues; the common problem that emerged was due to synching with the Smartphone. Except for task 1 and 6, the other tasks all are directly or indirectly related to it. With the smartwatch, users have to manually add their data in – even after it has been sync during the intial time it is paired to the Smartphone. For instance, the application for gallery and music- users has to copy and send it to the smartwatch. There is no option of automatic synching.

If users can not sync to the applications on their phones and they can not find similar applications for their smartwatch on the ‘galaxy apps’, the smartwatch main function of notifications can loose its context. For instance, if users would like to get customized notifications of their buses/ trains or their next duty hours in a hospital. How would they include those in the current notifications in their smartwatch, there is currently no option to include the ones on the smartphone. The same is true for task 6 and task 2, there are no help (button/dial) provided within the smartwatch that demonstrates customization of daily schedule notifications or past history messages. As shown in the figure on the right. By clicking the dots, only available options are ‘compose’ and ‘delete’, but not view previous messages.

Samsung Gear S has a separate sim, which allows the user to make and receive calls independent of the smartphone. Without the sim, a user can make only emergency call as additional call cost from your monthly package. This feature is a very useful as it can replace having to take out your Smartphone from your pocket and calling contacts using your smartwatch only, however a user would be charged twice, one for the Smartphone bill and one for the smartwatch. This is assumably expensive for average users. Question is does the user need an extra sim card?

In addition to notifications and access of information, Samsung Gear S is also known for the customizing of the clock’s face and its five screens. One can add health information, temperature and notifications on the clock’s face and settings, music player on the five screens. However, with task 6 – we encountered the limited option to add the applications of your choice on the five screens. Unlike the Smartphone, you can not simply drag and drop your application to the screen, nor there an option to select from the settings. Users have to use the predefine template.

SECTION 3: RECOMMENDATIONS

The user experience with Samsung Gear S is quite exciting. The hand gesture that turns the time on automatically is quite intuitive and provides people especially with weak eyesight to see the time better. Also the pedometer to track your steps is also motivating for users to take few extra mile/steps everyday. However, the current model relies on the Smartphone to carry out most of the tasks as it has limited due to the issue of synching (message and call). If the technical problem of synching is catered

Stephanie Wong Samsung Gear February 28, 2016 User Design Evaluation Report for and is done in the same time when the smart watch is paired- users would have a much more satisfying experience. Also, by providing help buttons or more options to select applications for more customization will help users to build more scenarios and integrating into their daily routines. It is perhaps also a good idea to avoid directing users to the smartphone for most tasks. There are more extra steps involved in a task and users are left to move back and forth between the two devices. This includes removing any unnecessary dialogs, screens for installing new apps or finding help. The help button could be incorporated to the interface, so that users can view the info on the smartwatch rather than the smartphone.

Severity Rating: [0] Not a problem [1] Irritating [2] Minor [3] Major [4] Can’t Complete Task

Sn# Task & specific Heuristic broken Usability defect description Severity Recommendations location in task Rating 1. Pairing your phone Speak the user’s On pairing to a new smartwatch, [2] minor The button for ‘cancel’ language and the dialog asks if I want to save could be placed on the Error Prevention the previous smartwatch’s same screen for giving preference, there were only the user the option to two button (continue or save). exit if he/she does not No other option, in case the old want to continue with smartwatch has viruses that can the present option. be stored on the user’s phone and transferred to the new device. 2. Check new and old Flexibility and System does not show any [3] major The synching of messages. Reply to a Efficiency of use recent or old messages. Neither messages should be contact. does it provides notifications for automatic because it is a new ones. The process of basic function. Users synching is not smooth. should be provided the option to sync as soon it is paired. Adding a help/sycn/refresh button in the Samsung Gear app and in the message application could make it easier to for users to access the messages in short time.

3. Search for and Flexibility and System does not provide an [4] can’t The basic applications on downloading a new Efficiency of use extension to the smart phone complete the phone and the smart app (simple and applications. In addition, there is task phone should be the natural dialog) no direct way to add an same to some extent. application from the The smartwatch could smartwatch (even with its provide the same control separate wifi connection). These it provides for controlling are also limited smartwatch your cell music for other application, not giving users applications. much choice. User needs are not met and are provided insufficient alternative.

4. Placing a phone call Error Prevention Have to insert sim to call. [4] can’t Synch it with user’s cell and answering a Without it only emergency call is complete phone, instead of a phone call made and through the phone- task separate sim card.

Stephanie Wong Samsung Gear February 28, 2016 User Design Evaluation Report

with separate charges. 5. Launching the Consistency and Users’ have to look for buttons, [2] minor Provide buttons for smartwatch default Standards info on the phone or installed adding new events, ‘schedule applications to add info to the viewing present ones application’ scheduler and still to no avail. and deleting old ones within the application. 6. Adding an app to a Provide Help No drag and drop of your [3] minor Limited access to favorite list i.e to the (Shortcuts) favorite application to the face necessary applications. face of the of the watch is allowed. There smartwatch are 5 screens, with predetermined layout options.

Task Complete Successfully 1. Joining a wifi network 2. Switching between apps 3. Check for notifications and reply (Watsapp) 4. Finding installed apps and launching them (calculator, health) 5. Locking / unlocking the smartwatch 6. Finding your device

Stephanie Wong Samsung Gear February 28, 2016 User Design Evaluation Report

Samsung Gear S2

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

This report is an evaluation of the smartwatch ‘ Silver’. The Samsung Gear S2 actually comes in three different versions: the standard Gear S2, the Gear S2 Classic and the Gear S2 3G. Gear S2 screen size is 1.2 inch and runs of the . The watch is round, and have two physical buttons ( one to go back and one to go to the home screen or launch the app drawer) and a rotating bezel that can be used to navigate the Tizen interface. In this report, the smartwatch is analyzed for its usability and its compatibility with the iPhone. For this purpose, we ran a Heuristic Evaluation on a number of tasks and evaluated each task based severity level that needs attention. An over user experience is also added to provided for a complete review with recommendations for the tasks.

My own opinion: S2 is my preference in terms of smart watch and a simple watch. The reason is there is a lack of applications, but as a user I feel that can be rectified with new software and patches. If information and interaction could be made meaningful, simpler and more customized, I think this watch can make wearable enjoyable and useful. A good point to learn from is the consistency in information display, user knows where to look and what info to find which reduces the learning/searching time and information is registered at a glance.

SECTION 2: THE METHODOLOGY

As ‘Heuristic Evaluation’ is considered to be used by single experts and is feasible – we used this as our design evaluation. The report is divided into two sections. The first half has the overall user experience- which is a higher categorization and review. The second half covers tasks users could perform or interact with the watch on a daily basis. The severity levels provided in each are indicators for the team to prioritize the tasks that should be addressed first. With each task, we have also provided corresponding recommendations.

SECTION 3: RESULTS & INTERPRETATION

Samsung Gear S has two main core features, one is to provide notifications and the other is to provide user access to their mobile phones. The smartwatch is meant to assist users to be hands-free and can perform other tasks, without the need to take out their Smartphone. I uncover the overall user experience and then details on the heuristic evaluation done on specific 12 tasks carried on this watch.

The overall user experience of Samsung Galaxy S2 is quite intuitive; it does not give you a digital or techy feel, but makes the watch feel like a watch. The aesthetics of this watch is considerably great compared to other watches. Even if some time the battery dies one does not feel irritated or upset quickly because it still looks good on the wrist. The interaction and flow from one application to another is smoother, efficient and perhaps effective over time with the usage. As the user get used to some of the apps the speed to select application on the fly also becomes faster. With the round interface, with the silver rim and matching button colors makes it a desirable product and leaves the user looking savy. The feeling of being awkward was not present, infact peers appreciated the look and display of information. One highlighted feature of Samsung Galaxy S is it can work independent of the phone. Meaning if the phone battery dies- your watch can work as a normal watch does.

Stephanie Wong Samsung Gear February 28, 2016 User Design Evaluation Report

Compared to Apple watch and its former design, the major drawback is the lack of applications integration and support with the smart device. It relies heavily on the usage of phone even for minute display of information and does not the hands-free option that comes with wearable for e,g placing a call. Users can only imitate with a watch and complete the call from the cell phone. Another drawback is its battery life. User has to customize settings and usage of application to save battery life, Apple watch has this feature embedded in their design.

3a. Overall User Experience

Sn# Categories Functionality Pros Cons Experience 1. Aesthetics: Uses the circular Compared to the The size is quite small The dial and the shape of the Design of shape of standard curve shape of to interact in terms watch gives a much more the watch watches Samsung S- this of writing text or delightful experience compared and Screen looks very elegant & playing with an to all wearable including Apple. size sophisticated. application. It looks modern, but at the same time very traditional. Does not make the user feel awkward when glancing in it for information. 2 Navigation Uses the dial to Fast, fun and The inner navigation It was fun, but also confused the navigate the screens provides more buttons in the user due to lack of consistency. and applications navigation depths. interface is not consistent & misrepresented the actual items. 3. Technical The bottom button All three: buttons Remembering where Although most of the Buttons pressed harder and the dial makes the information was applications are not very brings the gear it very ease to can be a challenge, consistent in their layout. The options including navigate back and since each interface two buttons and the dial make it power off. Pressing it forth. Even fun is different. smooth to figure the application once brings the because of the high in short time. application screen. visuals. The top button takes you one screen back in any of the applications opened. 4. Vibrations To notify for alerts, They provide two Vibration takes The watch battery runs out in a appointment, alarms options, Mild and power and it can be a day due to the vibrations for the etc. Light. Default concern as to when notifications and high resolution vibration is better do you want it to displays for the apps – Battery compared to Apple vibrate and for what. life is lesser than 24hours. and Samsung S. 5. Interface To help users Attention to details, In the application The interface of each of the navigate through easily customizable interface one can application rated high on design. applications and keeping adding more The customization of the watch faces easily. applications but, the face and the addition of the dial device became slow. inside the interface- give users flexibility and variety. 6. Information Notifications Easy to view Very less information The device is built to be very at a glance was customized to intuitive – only lacks in creating make it useful and and choosing relevant important in default information and follow applications. consistency in presentations on

Stephanie Wong Samsung Gear February 28, 2016 User Design Evaluation Report

the screen. 7. Applications Schedule To view the daily Synchs with the No way to This problem was found in the schedule, news phone add/modify events previous model of Samsung S and have to access too. my cellphone. Unnecessary default applications installation e.g Bloomberg. Phone applications not available on the watch. Alarm Similar to apple- Dial took a bit This was not a problem as it removed the step to longer for numbers gives the user a realization that add directly and use that are like 7-10 it is like those old watches with the dial pm. dial and were a bit mechanical in nature. Plus point from Apple is it does not allow users to be confused about using the dial or not. Users can tell that they have to use the dial. 3b. Heuristic Evaluation

The heuristic evaluation list a total of sixteen main tasks. Those that are successfully done are listed at the end, while those that require attention are listed with their severity and recommendations.

Severity Rating: [0] Not a problem [1] Irritating [2] Minor [3] Major [4] Can’t Complete Task

Sn# Task & specific Heuristic broken Usability defect description Severit Recommendations location in task y Rating 1. Launching the Flexibility and Previous model Samsung S had [4] This is one of the core smartwatch default Efficiency of use the same problem of not can’t features for users who are ‘schedule (simple and allowing users to add/modify complet pressed for time. To application’ natural dialog) their scheduled tasks. To view e task provide a button that previous month’s appointment allows this flexibility. led it to the current month. 2. Search for and downloading a new app Flexibility and Required extra installation of [4] Focus on making the Efficiency of use applications e.g Bloomberg, can’t basic/core applications (simple and ESPN without first synching the comple would make the user feel natural dialog), basic application, which made te task at ease and also use other the watch slow and took more extra apps. space on my device. Also there are not many useful applications on the store. Consistency and Each application had their own [0] not Create applications based Standards interface a on a specified target proble audience. m 3. Using the Consistency and The keypad took 85% of the [3] Could use the voice input Calculator Standards space. There was an issue with major to take the numbers or text readability. make the key pad area smaller like 25% of the

Stephanie Wong Samsung Gear February 28, 2016 User Design Evaluation Report

screen. 4. Using the Camera Flexibility and There was a need to install a [0] not Could be built as one of Efficiency of use separate third party application a default application on the (simple and which made synching slower proble smart watch. natural dialog) and some time difficult to m achieve.

5. Listening to the Speak the user’s When there is synching issues, it [3] Provide simple instructions music player language. Help to asks the user for “BT Headset major as to what is required and diagnose the not found”. I have my where and how to find error earphones plugged in. User is more information. left guessing. 6. Image Gallery Flexibility and There are 3 main dots in each of [2] Dots should be consistent Efficiency of use the screens for the applications. minor and meaningful with (simple and Gives an impression of 3 items respect to item. natural dialog) available. However it’s only 2. Also option given is send image back to phone. Seemed inappropriate as the image was sent from the phone to view it on the watch. 7. Adding an app to a User control and I could add the widgets and [4] Some information could be favorite list i.e to freedom timezones, but could not delete can’t built-in the watch so that it the face of the them. Time zones provided me comple is less relied on the phone smartwatch - with information, but was slow te task and needs less processing Widgets and Time in updating while travelling – time to gather the zones accuracy is an issue. Requires information. the phone to be taken out for making changes. 8. Check new and old Error Prevention. Before going back to the watch [3] Provide the option for messages. Reply to Speak the user’s homepage. It should ask the major discarding /saving or a contact. language. user if the message draft needs customizing the predefined to saved or discard. It discards template. without notification, leaving user tired and frustrated after typing so long. 9. Placing a phone call Error Prevention Can initiate, but requires a [4] Ideally call could be made and answering a phone to complete the call. This can’t and received directly from phone call- have to was an incomplete feature and comple the watch with out the do. the watch felt like an extra te task need for sim or taking out piece. the phone. However, having a speaker embedded to the watch makes it feasible to take Skype or social media calls without the need for a sim. Task Complete Successfully 1. Joining a wifi network 2. Pairing your phone 3. Placing and answering a phone call without an additional sim 4. Installing and adding an app to the clock face 5. Finding installed apps and launching them (calculator, health) 6. Locking / unlocking the smartwatch 7. Finding your device

Stephanie Wong Samsung Gear February 28, 2016 User Design Evaluation Report