Helpful curb cut?

Occasionally, unintended benefits are really the result of failures of usability or accessibility.  I recently came across an article where a laptop was recovered because the thief didn’t realize that it had a built-in Internet data backup service.  I can imagine this being tauted as a ‘feature’ of the product in subsequent releases.  While the outcome in this case was positive, it seems clear that the end result was due to a failure of design.  Specifically, because a new user of the product was unaware of what was happening to his personal information, the application clearly failed to follow the ‘visibility of system status’ usability heuristic.

While some would say that data backup should be a ‘behind the scenes’ action that users don’t need to see, in an age of increasing concerns about identity theft and privacy, it’s imperative that users understand where their information goes and are able to control who can access it. 

Kelly McGillis as 'Charlie'

As Charlie scolded the Top Gun class: “The encounter was a victory, but we show it as an example of what not to do.”

Marimekko Camping by Numbers changes all of that. An innovation and complete reinvention in camping, the experience begins with choosing from a wide array of beautiful tents constructed from Marimekko fabric. Available in a variety of colors, patterns and seasonal themes, each of these comfort-designed tents comes complete with a soft, self-in-
flating floor. Then, it’s off to a Scandinavian-inspired campground of the future that offers services and amenities worthy of a world-class boutique hotel. No more overwhelming lists of gear to buy, food to prepare and supplies to pack – all you have to do at Marimekko Camping by Numbers is check in with your clothes and toothbrush. Not sure where to start?

Every task, every headache, every challenge can be easily solved by following the campground’s clear signs and simple guides. Need extra help? Just look for the friendly Merrimeko staff in their Ritsuko Shirahama uniforms. On site to assist and educate, they’ll reveal all of the tips and tricks that make camping easy!

Case Study: Camping for the gear-less
Although its often viewed as an inexpensive way to vacation in the wilderness, accumulating the required supplies can be expensive. Just think, coolers, cutlery, tents, sleeping bags, and food can all add up to a good chunk of change. Not to mention, if you are an urban apartment or condo dweller, where exactly would you store everything? With Marimekko Camping by Numbers, its all there for you. For the casual camper (say once annually), this is the perfect solution. Not to mention you can simply pick up and head out into mother nature on a whim. Bonus, its much less intimidating for the first time camper. The comfort of knowing that everything is there for you will help you relax and enjoy the drive to your own little slice of the great outdoors.

“Sorry, but the models you have chosen have different attributes and cannot be compared.  Please change your selection and try again.”

My first thought was, “Seriously?  Of course they have different attributes… That’s why I wanted to compare them!”  Don’t get me wrong, I understand the challenge—the comparison table doesn’t really work if the products don’t have any similar attributes to compare, but come on!  It’s not like I’m trying to compare a DVD player to a washing machine.  These were all products listed under the same category and it would be perfectly reasonable for a consumer to be deciding between these options.

My second thought was, “OK, the error message provides no help whatsoever in helping me fix the issue.”  Ideally, the message would tell me which of the products are comparable with each other.  If you’re not going to let me compare all of my options, would it be too hard to tell me which products you’re going to allow me to compare?

All that said, the biggest missed opportunity here is a feature that guides prospective purchasers to a product that’s best for them.  One quote I hear all the time in usability tests: “Why doesn’t it just tell me what to do!?”  With a little bit of consumer research, we could identify the key factors influencing their audience’s buying decision and build a tool that helps guide users to one (or a few) option(s) that would best meet their needs.  The tool wouldn’t be used by everyone, but it would certainly be appreciated by folks who are looking for a recommendation that’s relevant to them.

There is no value in overwhelming users with choices, and then not providing help to narrow the list.

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