Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 1 The Math Notebook Redefining Class Notes Laurin Beckhusen ● Christopher Chow ● Sean Gabriel Michael Jurka ● Erik Lewis ● David Wong User Interface Design Project

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 2 Intended Use of Interface Introduction Use of Interface Note-taking software technology that bridges the gap between evolving hardware and traditional note-taking methods System designed for taking notes in the classroom, imitating the conventional notebook but utilizing the power of digital ink Addresses a common problem: how to share answers online? Typing out f(x) = (2x^2+3x) / 5 just isn’t cutting it anymore

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 3 Intended User Population User Population High school students or college students, with some level of computer experience Users are familiar with the Windows operating system and can perform common tasks for people their age (ex. use AOL Instant Messenger) Early adopters of technology (ex. tablet PCs) Introduction

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 4 Task Chosen Work on homework with a friend online Walkthrough

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 5 First Screen (1) Walkthrough

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 6 Inline Help (2) Walkthrough

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 7 Column View (3) Walkthrough

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 8 Individual Homework (4) Walkthrough

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 9 Active File (5) Walkthrough

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 10 Switch-To-Edit View (6) Walkthrough

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 11 Hide The Iconic Menu (7) Walkthrough

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 12 White Board Activated (8) Walkthrough

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 13 Status Visible (9) Walkthrough

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 14 Read Instructions (10) Walkthrough

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 15 Share Notes Task (11) Walkthrough

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 16 Need For A Help Menu User complained that support documentation was insufficient 1.In-line instructions with UI rather than dumping user to an external document 2.Tool tips to aid struggling user Goal: Design intuitive system that didn’t need extra documentation Improvements Help and Documentation

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 17 Fully Tabbed System In user testing, found it not fast enough and not intuitive 1.Split Screen with no switching 2.Use common tabs for multiple documents Improvements Cater To Universal Usability Goal: Support fast switching by having 2 tabs, My Notes & Online Collaboration

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 18 Common Symbols Palette Cognitive walkthrough and user feedback wanted more tools Goal: Minimize palette clutter with only common tools (selector, pens, highlighter) Improvements Flexibility And Efficiency Of Use Add ability for user to insert other math related symbols

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 19 Zoom Feature Need To Reach Menu User testing showed this was not intuitive Added a “MathNotes Home” button in top left corner Goal: Allow users to return to menu page quickly, used a zoom out feature Recognition Rather Than Recall Improvements

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 20 Support For Whiteboard User testing showed us that this feature is not easy to find or use 1.Split Screen View if user wants it 2.In-line instructions for how to use it Goal: Create a space where users can draw freely and share with other users Recognition Rather Than Recall

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 21 More Shortcuts More Shortcuts For Expert Users User complained that there were not enough shortcuts supported Added more keyboard shortcuts for switching between tabs Goal: Design simple interface that could be used very quickly and efficiently Cater To Universal Usability

Non-ChangesImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 22 Alternative Improvements Suggestions Not Added Search functionality: originally considered character recognition but found scope of the problem too big – searching through digital ink poses a similar problem Full help menu: prefer iconic “menus” in interface to make system as intuitive as possible – true help menu breaks the consistency of this system Reorganization of notes: found optimal breakdown for notes based on user testing – adding more reorganization possibilities puts additional burden on user to categorize things differently and detracts from initial goal of having a seamless interface List of IP’s: allow for easier connectivity in collaborative modes – agree with this fundamentally, but it is impractical to implement and may raise privacy concerns Non-Changes

ImprovementsWalkthroughIntroduction 23 Q & A * Images Provided by GettyImages.com