User evaluation
To test our low-fidelity prototype with real users, we went back to the Valkenberg park and tried different combinations of signals to see which were the most effective ones. We did this on our own time and tested two different periods of the day - morning and evening. We noted people’s reactions to our tests and drew some valuable inputs from them.
Prototype test 1 (Sound + Light)
Date: 08.11.2018 Location: Valkenberg Park, Breda
Sound signal type: None ( only speed sign :) / :( Â )
Tester name: Polly and Dimitar
Morning test (09:00 – 11:00) Actual time of test: 10:45
18# total cyclists that enter the park
12# that payed attention to the signals
6# that ignored the signals completely
Findings:Â
In the morning when we set up the location, the total number of the cyclists that entered the park was 18. As it is written above, only 12 of them actually paid attention to our interactive implementation. The other 6 saw the signals, but decided to take the usual path as they completely ignored our interactive element. However, the people that saw the so called invention had many different reactions ranging from being surprised through being confused and up to actually being entertained and finding the interactive element funny and helpful.
Team members at the location: Polly and Dimitar
Afternoon test (14:00 – 16:00) Actual time of test: 14:30
24# total cyclists that enter the park
20# that payed attention to the signals
4# that ignored the signals completely
Findings:Â
In the afternoon in total there were more cyclists that entered the park. In total there were 24. 20 of them noticed our interactive element and the other 4 did not really paid attention to our set up. Same as the morning session, some people were surprised about what they had seen. We found that some people did not really get what was happening as again they found it confusing. Other said that it is interesting and that they are finding it useful in order to divide cyclists from pedestrians. The people who paid attention said that they really liked the cheering sound element and that they find it entertaining. In general, our findings are that the interactive element is useful and it helps with traffic.
Team members at the location: Polly and Dimitar
Interviews conducted by Jim and Hristo:
Interview random cyclist #1
- Have you ever had problems getting past pedestrians while cycling through the park?
All the time, especially during rush hour it’s very crowded here. Especially groups walking next to each other blocking the path. - What are you currently doing in these situations?
I usually ring my bell a lot till there is room to get past, but whenever they have earpods in for example I really have to go around the grass.
- (After showing prototype) What do you think of our solution? I think this is really useful as it is fun and it handles a real problem here. I would definitely benefit from it and use it. - Do you have any further comments?
Not really no.
Interview random pedestrian #1
- Have you ever had problems getting past cyclists while cycling through the park?
We  bump in to each other once in while, but we both usually divert ways before it gets to contact. It’s mostly the speeding one’s that you have to look out for. - What are you currently doing in these situations?
When I see a cyclist approaching I make room to let get them past, but sometimes there isn’t much room to make so it gets awkward as the cyclists has to really slow down and get to a stop to get past.
- (After showing prototype) What do you think of our solution? This will probably work directing the cyclists to that fun road. Making both the cyclists and pedestrians benefit. - Do you have any further comments?
The idea is interesting.
