The aim of this project was to improve the usability and user experience of the KEF LS50 wireless speakers. The first phase of the project focused on identifying usability problems of users with the existing product. For this purpose the product, its features, the target group and other context factors were analysed.
A study was conducted in order to investigate why and how users use and experience the LS50 Wireless and what potential usage problems and strengths of the LS50 Wireless are. Usability problems that occurred were recorded, as well as overall qualitative insights on users and the product and quantitative data on perceived product experience. The study identified six causes of usability problems: related to the structure of the interface, the graphics of the interface, feedback given by the product, technical constraints of the product, coordination between control media and appearance of the product.
In the second phase of the project the KEF LS50 wireless speakers were redesigned to address the usability problems found during the study and improve the user experience. To reduce the product’s perceived technical complexity the focus for the redesign was on creating visual and technical coherence between different control media as well as providing the user with feedback about the usage in multiple ways. This involved integrating the remote control in the top of the speaker, combining the control functionalities of the top panel and remote control in one device. A light ring was added in the front of the speaker to provide the user with visual feedback. The light ring was incorporated in both the remote and application to provide feedback even when the speaker is not visible and to create visual coherence.
To test the redesigns impact on usability and user experience, a second user test was performed with prototypes. From this test it became clear that the changes in the redesign did benefit the user experience of the KEF LS50 wireless speakers. Small changes were made for the final redesign based on the information from the second user test.
Masters (2017 ) – 12 ECTS
Carola Breuer 