Everyday Technology Use
Filing out my everyday use of technology chart, I was a bit surprised at he small number of technological devices I use, because I feel like I am always using some form of technology. It turns out that now that I am living as a student in a small apartment, away from home, most of the applications of technology I normally use have been transferred to my computer.
I don't own a tv, a landline, or a stereo (except for my alarm clock, which plays cds, but I have no cds here so I only listen to the radio). I watch tv shows online, talk to my family back home using Skype, and listen to music that is on my iTunes.
I had never really thought much about usability issues before. I can't imagine how someone would use many of the devices that I use if they weren't able to use their hands. For the redesigning of a device, I chose the alarm clock, because in 3 out of 4 cases I gave it a 5 (impossible to use without the ability to hear, see, or use your hands), and it is a rather important device, so I tried to use my imagination. I don't know if my redesigned device should be able to cover all of these disabilities at once, or one at a time. (If someone can't see or hear, and they also can't use their hands, I don't think there can be a way to set the alarm on their own!)