A user-centered approach to designing home network interfaces

ABSTRACT

This case study describes our approach to enhancing the way family members may interact with each other - and their homes - in the near future. Samsung Electronics and American Institutes for Research worked together to show how the user-centered design of network technology in the home could best enhance a family's ability to com-municate, play, and live harmoniously. We conducted user research in South Korea and in the U.S., held fast-paced collaborative design sessions, and created interaction design guidelines to inform the development of an innovative line of home networked products. The final user interface was prototyped on Samsung's Home Network Control PDA and showcased at the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.7 COMPUTERS IN OTHER SYSTEMS
      Subjects: Consumer products

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.3 SPECIAL-PURPOSE AND APPLICATION-BASED SYSTEMS
      Subjects: Microprocessor/microcomputer applications

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
auditory user interface, consumer products, graphical user interface, home networked appliances, international design, smart homes, user research, web