Overview In this assignment, you will tackle a design challenge introduced in class. You will apply the concepts you are learning in the course to the design and analysis of a programmable thermostat. The specific learning objectives for this assignment are as follows: To practice designing user interfaces and artifacts using the design concepts and principles you are learning in this course. To practice analyzing user interfaces and artifacts using the design concepts and principles you are learning in this course. To practice discussing design by (a) providing justification for design choices and (b) providing constructive criticism on a design, with an emphasis on how, specifically, the design could be improved.

Instructions

This assignment has two tasks:

1. Design Task. Design a simple programmable thermostat to be mounted on the interior wall of a home. Users of the thermostat must be able to accomplish the following three tasks:

a. Set the temperature. Users of the thermostat must be able to set the thermostat to maintain a given temperatures during four different periods throughout the day: morning (7 am - 11:59 am), afternoon (12 noon - 4:59 pm), evening (5 pm - 9:59 pm), and night (10 pm 6:59 am). Users should be able to set temperatures ranging from 50 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

b. Override the temperature. Users must be able to override the preset temperature at any time.

c. Hold the temperature. Users must be able to hold a given temperature indefinitely.

2. Analysis Task. Using Normans concepts discussed in class (affordance, signifier, feedback, natural mapping, constraint, conceptual model, visibility), analyze your design. In a separate paragraph for each concept, reflect on how your design succeeds (or does not succeed) at applying the concept. In addition, as appropriate, consider design changes you could make in order to better apply the concept. In your analysis statements, be sure to put each concept or principle you use in bold type.