UX Researcher & Designer
Cricut Explore Air 2 Usability
Background
Crafters have been using technology for functionality and enjoyment for years. From early looms, home sewing machines, to 3D printers--creative tools have made crafting easier and faster, becoming a billion dollar industry.
A relatively new craft technology is the electronic printing and cutting machine, such as Cricut and Cameo products. I am a big fan of the Cricut Explore Air 2 machine, but had some concerns about its usability. The product line has a strong online following, but questions on buttons, settings, and directions are common. I decided to introduce two new users to my machine and assess their experiences to inform some modifications.
Challenge: Assess physical usability of Cricut Explore Air 2 machine and identify potential low-cost improvements.
Project Details
Tools
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Sketch
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Miro
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Otter.io
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Illustrator
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WebAIM Contrast Checker
Notes
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Personal project
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Informal recruitment and testing process to practice physical device UX/UI
Process Details
Usability Tests
New User Task Observation (2)
Analysis
Affinity Mapping (Miro)
Heuristic Analysis
Comparative Research
Vintage Sewing Machine
Modern Sewing Machine
Computerized Embroidery Machine
Silhouette Cameo
Ideation
Sketches
Prototypes
Proposals
Decals
Next Steps
Software Usability
Planning and Research
Product Usability Testing
I invited two individuals who have expressed interest in the Cricut Explore Air 2 (A2) in the past to participate in solo 30-minute informal usability tests. I asked them each the following questions:
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Have you used an A2 before?
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Have you used similar electronic crafting machines?
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How comfortable are you with computerized machines such as this?
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What are you initial impressions of the machine and controls?
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Are you familiar with any of the controls?
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How certain are you that you understand how to operate the machine from what you see?
My users were both in their late 60’s and have worked with computers their entire adult lives, reporting high levels of comfort with similar machines. They are both crafters and enjoy learning about new techniques and gadgets. They had both heard of the machine before but had never used one. They were interested in trying a Cricut before the test and one would considering purchasing one.
My initial affinity map in Miro just assesses the users' initial impressions of the physical machine. A continuation of this project will address the machine's design software and craft execution. I found several similarities between my users' experiences:
Comparative Research
I came away with three main concerns:
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Legibility and intuitiveness of material selector dial
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Unfamiliarity of Cricut logo, the mysterious C
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Any other opportunities to provide error avoidance as the users expressed anxiety
Comparative Analysis
After seeing the main features my users interacted with on the A2 and their concerns, I researched competitor products for comparison and reference. I was especially interested in how the Silhouette Cameo 3 and Broth ScanNCut 2 machines handled material selection, system status, and controls.
Synthesized User Interview and Contextual Inquiry Findings
My interviews and comparisons gave me some ideas for low-cost solutions users could implement at home.
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Increase legibility and usefulness of material selector dial
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Customize the C logo to increase world system match and reflect software, which prompts user to press "Go".
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Provide error-avoidance and user support without the pixel space and interactivity of a touch screen.
Cricut A2 User Problem Statement
Home crafters need clearer, more supportive UI elements to increase familiarity and confidence while using the A2, which they have invested money in.
Hypothesis
We believe that by designing clear, customizable UI decals, we can support A2 users.
Ideation and Sketching
I had several ideas to explore:
Increase legibility and usefulness of material selector dial.
Considerations:
Low cost to users
Customizable
How can we make applying the customization easy?
Change colors to meet contrast needs of machine themes
Keep design simple to avoid frustration while creating
Example of Current Dial
Proposals
Customize C button to increase familiarity and reflect software
Considerations:
Small button
Don't want to take away from logo recognition
Change colors to meet contrast needs of machine themes
Keep design simple to avoid frustration while creating
Example of Current Button
Proposals
Provide error-avoidance without interactivity of a touch screen.
Considerations:
Settings reminder
Customizable
Change colors to meet contrast needs of machine themes
Keep design simple to avoid frustration while creating
Example of Current Guidance
Proposal
Feedback on Version 1: In Progress
I am currently testing my designs and will report back!
Next Steps
Iteration
Initial Screen with View Choices (v2)
Content Creation Detail (v2)