Evaluation

(1) Usability,
(2) Accessibility,
(3) Learnability,
(4) Fun,
(5) Usefulness,

The group decided that a focus group session would be the best option to address aspects and extract ideas from the participants regarding the interactive space.

We gathered 7 people varying in degrees & Levels from the Student populous.

The Focus groups environment was situated in the UCLANS Preston Library, all members where contacted via email to meet first at the praying hands memorial. Participants where asked to think about the space they where in and talk in a group about their thoughts. The Warp Team did not focus on what was said by the members of the focus group but used the time go get the participants familiar with the context and the environment of the design space.

After that we conducted the rest of the focus group in the experiment area within the UCLAN Library as stated earlier.

The prototype was set up in the centre of the room (on a table) The participating group was informed of the concept and was asked the following prompting questions,

(1) "How usable do you think the prototype is?"
(2) "Do you consider the space to be accessible?"
(3) "How easy/hard do you think it is to learn the system and retain that knowledge?"
(4) "Is the space fun and inviting? / Would you stay there with your friends?"
(5) "How useful is the "i-Browse" concept, would it be a success?"

In response to Question (1):

Users considered the concept of the space to be very usable. The concept appealed to the participants. The users stated that they can look at the system and understand how it is used (Suggesting the formation of a conceptual mental modal of the spaces functionality).

In response to Question (2):

One of the participants stated the accessibility for users with disabilities and there ability to access the spaces design features without limiting an individuals experiences regardless of their inabilities.

The main accessibility issues raised where as follows,

• Visually impaired/ Blind Users
• Hearing Impaired/ Deaf Users
• Motor Impaired (Wheel chair users) Users

Visually Impaired and or Blind Users: This issue was solved due to the technology used with the site, the "i-Browse" systems functionality enables the agent to read relevant i.d cards, thus the i.d card containing relevant information i.e information regarding a persons disability. For this example the Blind, the system would react (direct feedback) by using more expressive terminology and higher sounds. Also areas such as the stair area users who are visually impaired or blind will have flooring indications and hand rails.

Hearing Impaired/ Deaf Users: It was considered the Hearing impaired experience will not be hindered in the site due to the agent being able to provide visual output.

Motor Impaired (Wheel chair users) Users: Certain facilities have been added to the site to ensure that no users of the site has a lesser experience of the site. There will be a ramp provided (built into the steps) and the chair sand the hub can be retracted if needed.

In response to Question (3):

The users considered the system to be self explanatory and previous skills and/or knowledge is not required, the system is voice activated, and no buttons have to be pressed to preform functions.

In response to Question (4):

Participants considered the space to be fun and inviting and they would enjoy interacting and socialising within that space, the understood and welcome the premise of promoting interaction, collaboration and communication. They hoped that the space would be implemented in the future.

In response to Question (5):

Participants considered the concept of an interactive agent and the "i-Browse" to be an innovative idea that aided in providing users with information. They enjoyed the idea that the agent would be fully interactive and helped them with tasks such as checking time tables and looking for cinema listings.