The use of modes in digital watch interfaces is extremely common as it allows for increased
functionality from the watch’s small screen and limited number of buttons. The Casio G-Shock
is no different, cramming 6 different modes into one watch! Two of the four buttons, being
mode-specific or ‘soft’ buttons, will change function depending on which mode the watch is
currently in. Remembering which function is associated with which button is very difficult.
There are no visual allowances to suggest anything to the user aside from the microscopic text
next to each button which is often confusing and unhelpful. On top of these problems, the
functions of the two soft buttons change depending on the mode. In the case of the G-Shock,
this gives each soft button the possibility of 6 different functions, rendering the small label
beside the button useless.
Moving from the buttons to the overall user-experience of the watch, I wonder why more cues
were not taken from analogue watches. When asked to set the Casio G-Shock, a user familiar
with an analogue watch wouldn’t know where to begin. When this watch was being created, I
imagine that the designers wanting to create a ‘high-tech’ feel. However, by completely
throwing away all the old conventions created by analogue watches, they didn’t allow new users
to use previous experience and create an appropriate mental model.
2. ANALYSIS
2.1 Functionality
The following figure will be used in the Casio G-Shock’s primary functionality description:
Figure 2. Casio G-Shock Interface
(Source: Casio G-Shock Online Manual http://ftp.casio.co.jp/pub/world_manual/wat/en/qw3151.pdf)
Set Time
-
The main purpose of the watch is to keep time. In order to keep the correct time,
the user must be able to set the time.
Hold A until the ‘seconds’ field flashes
Use C to change selected field (seconds, hours, minutes, day, etc.)
Use D to increase and B to decrease value
Stopwatch
- A common additional feature in digital watches used to keep precise time of
events.
Press C to change modes until STW appears on the main display
Press D to start and stop the timer