For Europe's biggest photo finisher CeWe Color SirValUse designed a User Experience Test for a terminal that takes orders for digital photos. This test aimed at detecting any possible weak spots in the navigation and operation of the device and the interface.
The so-called DigiFilm-Maker reads the digital photos directly from the digital camera's memory card; the photos selected for the order are burned on a CD that is then sent in for development in a photo bag like a traditional photo order. So far mainly photo specialist shops, drug stores, and electrical shops provide access to this device that is operated by the customers themselves. Since users are often inexperienced in dealing with technical devices, usage of the terminal must be simple and its operation self-explanatory.
The usability, utility, and design of the DigiFilm-Maker were investigated by means of the User Experience Test. In order to create a most realistic user situation we re-designed the test lab into a point of sales with promotion displays and advertising material. In the course of explorative individual interviews the respondents completed the total process of ordering photos as well as additional tasks that corresponded with typical usage scenarios. The participants were asked to "think aloud" thus explaining the motives for their actions in using the device.
Based on the Usability Test we could elaborate specific and realisable recommendations as derived from the respondents' remarks and the observations of the test heads. This clarified the need for optimisation regarding the navigation structure, the naming of individual functions and keys and also within the ordering process.
Usability method User Experience Testing
