2.4 Problems With Current Interface
Summarizing the original description of the interface, the three focus problems are:
•
No positive transfer from old-style watches
•
Buttons have no visual affordance to hint at functionality
•
Modes make buttons even harder to understand
3. DESIGN SOLUTIONS
To improve the positive transfer from old-style analogue watches to modern digital watches, the
solution is quite simple: take design concepts from those old watches and implement them. Of
course the old watches’ interfaces were very simple, but some of their features might still be
useful. For instance, I propose to add a knob on the side of the new digital watch interface like
those used to set analogue watches.
Figure 3. Analogue watch with time-setting knob
The knob would work the same way as its analogue counterpart. Pulling it out would enter the
watch into ‘time set’ mode, at which point rotating the dial forward would increase the time and
backward would decrease it. Pushing the knob back into the watch would then return it to
normal operation. The four buttons will still be around (for now) the display as they are still
needed for other functionality. With the introduction of the knob, most users at the very least will
be able to set the time right away.
Since size is a major design concern with respect to watches, the modes of the watch must be
preserved to maximize its functionality while using such a small display. However, the current
mode switch mechanism is confusing. A three letter abbreviation of the mode name is shown
immediately after pressing the ‘mode-switch’ button, but it is quickly replaced by the relevant
info. For replacement, I propose a ring around the display with the mode names written around
it. Users can then rotate the ring until the desired mode is at the top of the watch, thus setting
the watch to that mode.
To remove the two mode-specific buttons, I would suggest using other inputs aside from
buttons, such as wrist movements. If the mode-specific buttons are removed, the only functions
not covered are the stop/start and reset of the stopwatch and countdown (The setting of
countdown timers, alarms, etc. can also be covered by the added knob). In these cases, the