Pictures Of BSU's Cyberware M15 Laser Scanner

Examples Of M15 Laser Scanned Objects Please Visit

Manual Tested: Instruction For Using The Cyberware M15 Laser Scanner

Contents

• Introduction
• Testing objectives
• Context
• Testing Procedure
• Findings and Changes
• Debriefing
• Usability Testing: Findings and Recommendations

Usability tests were conducted with two people of different backgrounds. The subjects were chosen because they fit two or more of the following criteria:

• Experience with laser scanning: little or none
• Computer skills: 5+ on a scale of 1-10
• Possessed interest in laser scanning
• Ball State student

Subject #2 Female, BSU student, Psychology Graduate Program, never has used a laser scanner, not much experience with flatbed scanners

The test was developed for users who have never used a 3D laser scanner before. The testing objectives were:

• Determine which directions are unclear and vague.
• Determine what changes/additions can be made to make this manual easier to use for the first time user.

The usability test was administered to Subject #1 on September 28, 2000. The test lasted 80 minutes and took place in the computer room of the Production, Materials and Construction Lab in the Industry and Technology building on Ball State's Campus.

Subject #2 took the test on September 27, 2000. The test lasted 90 minutes and took place in the computer room of the Production, Materials and Construction Lab in the Industry and Technology building on Ball State's Campus.

The subjects were greeted with a smile and were asked if they were ready to take the test. The participants were given a copy of the manual and asked to take a seat at the testing station. The following script was then read to the each participant:
    Hello and thank you for taking this usability test of the Instruction For Using The Cyberware M15 3D Laser Scanner. The 3D laser scanner emits a low power laser and captures surface geometry of 3D objects. We are not able to scan all objects due to the limitations of the laser. Keep in mind; this instruction manual was initially designed for students who are given an in-class demonstration of the 3D laser scanning process. This test will examine the effectiveness of the manual for first time users and you will offer suggestion how the manual can be rewritten. Remember that you are not being tested, the manual is. This manual does has a few dead ends. I will point out the dead ends and provide help when they arrive. You are encouraged to think out loud. If something is difficult to understand, say it. This will help me to understand where improvements should be made. Also, note that the software is not too user friendly. Remember, the manual is being tested and not the software package.

Important: The M15 3D Laser Scanner is a very expensive piece of technology. Before you begin, remove the protective brown cover by the handle. There are several mirrors inside the scanner. DO NOT TOUCH THEM. They can be scratched with a fingernail. If this happens, they will need to be replaced. In reality, we do not have the money to replace the mirrors and our new technology will become unusable.

Next, I showed the participants examples of scanned objects and what can be generated with the results of the scanning process.

After the examples, I asked a the following questions:

•  On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best and 0 the worst, how do you rate your computer skills?
•  Have you ever used a piece of equipment like this before?
•  If so, how much experience do you have?
•  What is your major?

Observations, comments and problem areas were recorded in my notes as the subjects completed the steps in the user manual. After the subjects finished the test a debriefing session took place. Each subject was asked the following questions:

• Where are the directions hard to read?
• Were the questions worded correctly and free of jargon?
• How did you feel about using this technology?
• Would you use the manual again?

• Both participants had trouble finding the power switch on the laser scanner. Add an illustration to show where the switch is or clarify the instruction to tell where the switch is.
• Subject #1 didn't know where Cydir was located? "On the desktop?" he asked. Add a note in this step.
• Both participants had trouble in the Dir window. Since they were not in any of the classes, they both didn't know which directory to open. Subject #2 commented that there should be clearer instructions on how to create a new directory.
• Select/create seem to be in the wrong order subject #1 acknowledged.
• Participant #2 missed pushing the enter key in step 13. Add a picture.
• Participant #2 asked, "When do I take the cover off the laser?" step 15
• Both participants had a problem measuring the object they were attempting to scan. Both commented that a picture would help and a note about what instrument to  measure with.
• Subject #2 asked how many scans are needed. Clarify step 17. Both used 16 scans because it was the default.
• Both subjects didn't know what to void. They asked and I told them. Both said that there should be a statement covering what to void.
• Step 22. Closed area trick. Both asked what it was. Explain and clarify with a picture.
• Subject #1 wanted to skip steps 24-25.
• Subject #1 didn't know how to close any of the windows. He figured it out after trying a few things. Clarify how to close these windows.
• Subject #2 clicked off the void window and lost the red dot. She was lost then asked for help. A note in step 21 would have helped. She said, "I think a help section in the directions would be useful."
• Step 26 offered problems to both users. How to reposition the the part? Do I use clay? A picture would clarify these problems.
• Step 26 (actually step 13, because of the second scan set) also added another problem for both users. Both were not sure what to name the second scan set. The directions call for replacing the ??? with a 1. Change the directions to accommodate the second and third scan sets.
• Subjects #1 and #2 had questions of saving their work. A note that tells students that the software auto saves their work.
• Subject #2 had a problem with step 35. A picture showing how to close the various windows would help.
• User #2 suggested that directional arrows could help explain the controls for viewing the mesh.
• User #1 suggested rewording step 37 and step 40. "Do I type H then F or HF?"
• Both users questioned what a hole was in  step 42. Explain what  holes and voids are.
• Step 44 offered problems for both users. "What do I convert a file to?" List what type of document they should save as.
• Subject #1 asked, "What is decimate?" in step 47. Explain in the directions that this means shrinking the file size.

After the test, a Post-Test Debriefing session took place

Question 1

• no pictures
• the software

• pictures would help show where things are located on the screen
• weird names and I had trouble closing the windows

• a chart with all the editing commands
• pictures would help

• scanning itself
• it was pretty easy to follow / read

• step 1, step 7, step 8, step 13, step 17,  step 18, step 22, step 27, step 36
• step 1, step 4, step 8, step 20, step 27, step 44

• not really
• some were confusing like step 5 and 41

• some of the terms like void and pitch confused me, explain them
• yes

• it was great
• kind of intimidating at first, but it diminished as the time went by

• yes
• yes, I would have to

• Add illustrations to the instructions. Most, if not all, of the steps would be more understandable with pictures showing the monitor and what to do.
• Add instructions for how to create a new directory in step 8.
• Explain how to measure the objects being scanned. "Using a metric ruler, ..."
• Define terms pitch, void and hole.
• Explain how the number of scans relates to detail in step 18. More scans equal greater detail.
• Include and an illustration showing what to void in step 22. An explanation would also help.
• The closed area trick should also be explained in step 22.
• Show how to position and reposition the piece being scanned. Use an illustration in step 26.
• Accommodate the instructions in step 13 for the second and third scan sets. Replace ??? with "2" if this is the second scan set.
• Add a chart that visually shows how to view the mesh (step 36). Include arrows and a mouse.
• Add a chart in step 37 that includes the editing commands.
• An explanation of what type of file to save work as would be useful (step 44). A list of the file types and their purposes would help.
• A note explaining that the program Cydir automatically saves work would also help users.