Task Analysis Michael Foss September 20, 2005

Overview Case Study Hubbub program How does this help us?

Hubbub Instant Messaging client for PDA and PC Buddies are called ‘bubs’ Incorporates sound as key for quick communication

Task List Categorize tasks based on priority Example Tasks –Core Tasks Send a text message Turn off all sounds –Important Tasks Have multiple IMs going at once, switching between them Change your name, password, Sound ID, device label –Nice to Have Tasks Invite a third person to join your conversation See who is messaging with whom

More Categorizing… Four groups of tasks –How many users will perform the task? –How often will users perform the task?

Example By ManyBy Few FrequentSend a text message See who is messaging with whom Have multiple IMs going at once, switching between them OccasionalTurn off all sounds Invite a third person to join your conversation Change your name, password, Sound ID, device label Legend Core Functionality Important Functionality Nice To Have Functionality

Clicks & Visibility Fortunately, the previous breakdown maps easily into a useful design tool Tasks done frequently should require fewer clicks Tasks done by many should be more visible

Recap Create task list Prioritize tasks Categorize tasks based on number of users and frequency of use Map to clicks vs. visibility to help influence design

Questions?