A Critical Usability Problem-Solving Case of MazeCube Through Design Exploration Based on Scientific Experiments

Abstract

This study presents a design development case in which a critical design problem raised in a commercialization process was solved through design exploration based on scientific experiments. A critical usability problem-solving case of MazeCube is described. MazeCube is a toy designed for commercialization via testing and experiment without compromising the functionality and aesthetics of the design. During the usability test with working prototypes, a critical usability problem was found. As such, several working principles were considered to solve the problem. The purpose was to select the appropriate one to adopt and conducted a series of experiments to verify and to determine the design specification of the implementation. This study demonstrates how usability testing and design exploration can be incorporated into a design process to improve the finished design more user-friendly. This study concludes that the case can be considered as an example of research-driven design.