I decided on exploring more about the "Trial and Error" phase, and how I can express the improvement of new design with the Polder Electronic Clock what I've used. I made a paper prototype shown below, and tested it with two of my friends.
I just put one new button for "Time Set" near a battery cover since we usually adjust the time when we change a battery, and labeled "AM/PM" on "12hr <-> 24hr" button.
 
I drew both front and back side of clock's new interface. When tester press a button, I manually changed the display with a piece of paper such as a blinking cursor or an one-digit number.
1. I tested them with a paper prototype.
2. I gave them a real timer.
I'm not sure it was a proper order, but I just wanted to know my new interface works well. Because I thought they couldn't find out how the clock works even after they tested with the paper prototype.
1. new interface test for the paper prototype
After some instruction how to test it, the tester and I communicated each other through the paper prototype. The "Trial and Error" phase was dramatically shorten.
2. asking a tester set time without any instruction and help
Over 1 munites, this tester gave up and said bad words while he was trying to find out how to set the time. I should take this video to contain both the tester and the prototype because emotional changes are important observation elements in this test.
3. asking same tester set AM to PM after giving how to switch to "Set Time" mode
He also failed to find out how to switch AM to PM.
Interim conclusion
We usually either don't have a manual have forgotten the instruction of many electronic devices especially the tasks are rarely used. Even for simple tasks, we sometimes waste time as well as mental energy. Therefore, we need to improve interface design to shorten "Trial and Error" phase.
The Plan
Using an I-PAC interface and a simple processing program, I will build an operational prototype to check the time and other difference between the original and new design. However, I should think about the order of testing because, I guess, each test may affect other test.
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