Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate understanding of the concept of pervasive computing and how this differs from, and extends, desktop-based computing.

I feel this learning outcome has been met by my blog, firstly by the different definitions of pervasive computing and its other names as this allowed me to get a clearer understanding of the pervasive concept. Also in the tutorial discussing how User Centered Design (UCD) which is mainly desktop based does not always fit in with the pervasive world, links into this outcome as it shows that design for the desktop does not always fit in with design for pervasive system

I feel in the second term I have met this by researching into smart homes. As these are all pervasive ways of controlling things in your house. These are all types of computing that are very different to the desktop-based computing. I have also discussed in more detail the potential of GPS in my freestyle blog, these were really far away from the desktop computing especially the GPS based sneakers and trolleys.

Discuss issues and challenges in designing for usability in the area of pervasive computing (i.e., designing for ‘pervasive usability’).

This learning outcome is also met in the piece of work on UCD; I think it is also shown in the last piece of work based on the different research method at the Chawton House Project. As this discusses the challenges that can arise when trying to design something unknown to the user.

In course work two I proved this learning outcome by designing interfaces for an mp3 player. Within this coursework discussed the issues and challenges people are faced when designing for pervasive systems.

Appropriately select a usability method whether this be user testing, metrics, ethnography, or other; and effectively carry out usability evaluations

This learning outcome will have been met in my usability key assignment of testing a mobile device. Also on the blog I think it shows I have a range of methods I could effectively link to pervasive computing, as I have linked Usability Goals and Design Principles to my mobile phone a piece of pervasive computing and linked Schneidermans golden rules to an iPod

I feel that this has been proven by showing again in the smart homes tutorial task where I discussed an effective method for testing the control panel.

Critically reflect on approaches and achievements

This learning outcome will have been made in the key assignments where I evaluate the methods I used and what I achieved it the test and through the design process.