1. Observation VW controls

2. Bike Tool Evaluation HUMF 3505/5505, Fall 2011 Team Members: Amy Langenfeld Stephen Whitlow Alan Wyman

3. Agenda Use and features of the bike tool Heuristic review Focus group opinions Survey perceptions Analysis Recommendations

4. Multi Hex (Allen) Wrench Set Multi Hex (Allen) Wrench Set used for working with multiple sizes of hex bolts Compact tool that is stowed in seat-bag or jersey pocket

5. Multi Hex (Allen) Wrench Set Most common use cases: Component adjustment such as seat post and clipless pedals Road side repairs Installing accessories such as water bottle carriers and rear racks Not likely to be used by professional bike mechanics

6. Multi Hex Tool Use Rotate selected wrench out for use Grasp body of the tool Rotate clockwise to tighten or counter-clockwise to loosen. With screwdrivers All hex wrenches

7. Multi Hex (Allen) Wrench Set Wrenches aligned in two layers, one on top of the other. Layers are mounted to different ends of the tool body Can be rotated out 90 or 180 degrees Higher torque or rapid low torque application, respectively Two largest wrenches are on the top level (6 mm, 5 mm) Smallest five sizes are on the bottom (4 mm, 3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2 mm, 1.5 mm)

8. Heuristics – Visual Compact size for storage and transport Rounded ends It’s black and silver. Individual wrenches are visible from the top of the tool Allows user to identify the fairly unique hexagonal shape from the hex bolts to manipulate. Wrench sizes are etched into back of tool Difficult to discern in many lighting conditions due to poor contrast Individual wrenches include etched labels Difficult to read due to low contrast

9. Heuristics – Feedback Visually can see that tool is in the matching opening Tactile response that the tool is fully seated in the screw or bolt Visual feedback that you can tell if it’s moving Kinesthetic feedback whether it’s inserted properly Difficult to map bolt size to wrench size Trial and error approach with multiple steps on each trial

10. Heuristics – Conceptual Model Suggests a similarity to a common tool, the Swiss Army knife, which leads user to expect to rotate out different tools This is a tool. It will handle a variety of sizes of screws with hex heads The tips unfold to form a familiar shape like a normal screwdriver You can figure out how to pull the individual tools out because they are visible. The number of possible actions is limited.

11. Heuristics – Behavioral Mapping Sizes of wrench/screwdriver tips afford visual map to the screws. The rounded ends afford turning out to the familiar shape. It looks like a tool and it functions as a tool. Large flat-head screws suggest wrenches can be detached

12. Heuristics – Economically Affordable Compared to a set of matching tools, it seems to be economical. This design trades-off economy and stowability for usability Very inexpensive and an easy way to fix your bike. Evaluated version$6 Park Tool$8 Craftsman$12 Individual wrenches$20-40

13. Heuristics Safety: No locking mechanism, could fold on the user’s knuckles Tool shape could most appropriately be described as a rectangular solid with relatively sharp edges Durable: All metal construction Very heavy and difficult to break Stainless steel body and screws resist rusting Heavy gauge and do not flex when applying force

14. Heuristics Comfortable: Handle is good size for most hands No padding/insulation Irregular surface makes a tight grip uncomfortable Functional: Three tips are readily available. The others need to be unfolded after moving the first three out of the way. Relatively short lever arm makes high torque difficult It works to adjust your bike, in an emergency situation

15. Focus Group Likes All wrench sizes are present and won’t fall out and get lost It is a simple tool Solidly built and durable Positive contact-- not likely to round out bolt

16. Focus Group Dislikes The wrench length is fixed-- if you have limited clearance you are out of luck Wrenches do not lock in place Too heavy Single point of failure-- if screws fall out No margin for error for insertion into hex bolts-- has to be straight in

17. Focus Group Changes Have wrenches lock in place Make it more like a pocket knife Add a light to illuminate hex bolt Make it easier to remove them-- without another tool -- flip something and take it out Add a cable puller/tire levers-- more functional bike tool Modified end to increase margin of error for insertion-- like a Craftsman ball-end hex key

18. Perceptual Survey Use frequently23 Unnecessarily complex14 Easy to use25 Need the technical support11 Well integrated functions35 Too much inconsistency12 Quickly learned45 Cumbersome to use.14 Confident use45 Preparatory learning15

19. Perceptual Survey Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree 12345 Confident use Easy to use Quickly learned Use frequently Well integrated functions Cumbersome to use Need the technical support Learn quickly Too much inconsistency Unnecessarily complex n=3 123

20. Summary of Analysis Pro Compact design for safe stowing in seat bag. Highly visible design that is generally simple to understand Includes most commonly user wrenches for bike applications

21. Summary of Analysis Con The smallest two sizes are rarely, if ever, used in common applications One of the most commonly used wrench sizes (4mm) is in the second layer Given the nature of the mounting mechanism, the whole layer or wrench will frequently rotate out together requiring the user to rotate back all but the desired wrench size. The ends of the wrenches are somewhat sharp and pose a tearing hazard to the inner-tubes that frequently stowed in a seat bag

22. Summary of Analysis Y-tool is far more usable due to inclusion of 3 most frequent sizes and better hand grip But it is not appropriate for stowing. Best hex wrench usability achieved by individual shop tools This model was designed for economy and stowability, but not usability.