Elevator-Interface

Link to github repository: https://github.com/stanleyyoang/Elevator-Interface

Part C

Control Interface

Operation of Control Interface

Issues with Control Interface

• The outside interface does not light up when pressed
• The outside interface does not have audio
• The inside interface does not indicate the direction
• The inside interface does not have audio

Explanation

• If the interface does not light up, the user is unsure if the button was pressed properly
• If the interface does not have audio, the user is unsure if the button was pressed properly
• If the interface does not indicate the direction, the user is unsure if the elevator is moving the same direction he/she wants to go

Part B

Common/Rare Uses

• To travel vertical distances in a building
• If I am physically unable to walk up/down the stairs
• Yes it does. I just have to click a couple buttons to move up or down various floors of a building

Sequence of Actions

1. Click up or down button on the outside interface
2. Enter the elevator
3. Click the desired floor to travel to
4. Click the close door button (even if it doesn’t really work)
5. Exit once the elevator stops and the door opens

How does the elevator support the user figure out how to make it work?

The elevator helps the user by having a straightforward interface that requires little to no instruction. For example, it has simple buttons with arrows next to them to indicate the direction the elevator will move when that button is pressed. It also has numbers next to the buttons to indicate what floor the elevator will travel to when that button is pressed.

How does the elevator provide feedback to the user?

The most common ways an elevator provides feedback is by having the button light up when pressed which indicates that it is in operation, as well as providing audio cues to notify the user when the elevator has arrived at a destination.

Common Mistakes

• It is easy for a child to hit the alarm or call button because it is as at the bottom
• It is easy to miss your floor if you’re not paying attention due to the lack of audio cues
• It is easy to get on the wrong elevator because it does not display the direction the elevator is traveling on the inside interface

Improved Control Interface

The screen at the top supports buildings with up to 99 stories and clearly show the direction the elevator is moving with the arrows on the left/right side. On the left side of the screen will be a label that indicates the max capacity of the elevator. On the right side will be the speaker for user feedback, that doubles as a microphone for emergency calls.

The bottom two buttons will be for opening and closing the elevator doors. The buttons above those two will be for the various floors. Then the top two buttons will be for the bell alarm and for calling 911 for emergencies. All buttons will light up and will give an audio cue when pressed. The labels are next to the buttons to avoid wear and tear of users pressing the buttons. The alarm and call button are at the top to avoid accidental presses by children. The call button will be fully lit when a call is placed and will flash when help is on the way, as clearly labeled next to the button.

Between the screen and buttons are various panels used by non-normal users, such as repair men or firemen. Because these panels are used less often compared to the buttons and also require a key to, they should be placed in an area less likely to be used.

Part A

Touchscreen Design Implementation Prototype

It will have a diagonal length of 11 inches, so the size will be close to the iPad Pro, which could provide a sense of familiarity to the user.

Touchscreen Design Implementation Prototype

Because this just a prototype, the interface is not fully functional but is functional enough to demonstrate the design and implementation. The following instructions will help you go through the interface to understand its functionalities.

1. Sign into Adobe, if you do not have an account you must make one. You may also sign in with Google or Facebook. This is necessary to hear the audio feedback.
2. Press the third floor button. This demonstrates the interface as the elevator moves upwards.
3. Press the second floor button. This demonstrates the interface as the elevator moves downwards.
4. At this point five different buttons work, lock, 911, open door, close door, and wheelchair accessibility.
   • Press the lock button to access a new menu meant for maintenance workers or firemen. Pressing any of the four main menu buttons will display a keypad meant for passwords that only the restricted access people will know. Those buttons do not work at the moment. The back arrow in the top right will take you back to the screen prior.
   • Press the 911 button to call for emergency help. Pressing it once will turn the text color to red which means the call is active. A hangup button will also appear to stop the call if the button was pressed accidentally. After a few seconds, the box will turn red simulating the call is over and help is on the way. The hangup button will take you back to the main elevator screen.
   • Press the open and close door button to see that there is visual feedback when they are pressed.
   • Press the wheelchair button to change the layout of the main elevator interface. This interface will allow people in wheelchairs to press the button that might have been too high to press prior to changing to the wheelchair accessibility mode. The left and right arrows will scroll through the floors that aren’t currently visible. If the arrow does not change color that means there aren’t any more floors in that direction.
     1. Press the third floor button. This demonstrates the interface as the elevator moves upwards in this new interface.
     2. Press the back arrow in the bottom right corner to return to the normal elevator interface.
     3. End of prototype.

Gif of interface in action