Trio Bedding

Usability Improvements

Goal

Gain insight about product before launch. Improve learnability for first time users.

Methods

Heuristic review, usability study

Contributions

Conducted heuristic review
Organized usability study with 5 participants
Moderated 3 usability sessions

Overview

‍Trio bedding offers a modular bed linen system that replaces a standard bedding setup. This system consists of three layers connected by a series of snaps. Once assembled, they work as a single unit to eliminate frustrations with tangled and unkept top sheets, duvet shifting, laundering, and daily bed making.

Research offers:

Advice for improved product experience
Measure of learnability

The Process

Four Steps

The client wanted to gain additional insight about the usability of the product before launching it. The product was in the later stages of research and development when the study was conducted.

Heuristic review
Usability test
Data analysis
Presentation

1.0 Heuristic Review

Discovery

My teammates and I conducted an independent review of the product, then combined our findings. We used a 1-5 severity scale. We discovered 19 positive findings and 39 opportunities for improvement.

2.0 Usability Study

Discovery Validation

We conducted a usability test with 5 participants in 2 states.We used a zoom meeting with a camera set up at 2 angles. Observers and note takers were able to join virtually through zoom.

Can users easily assemble the product with instructions?
During which tasks do users have trouble with the assembly/disassembly of the product and what is the level of frustration that occurs?
Can any product or instructional modifications be made to enhance the usability?
Is the product an improvement ot users' current bed setup?
Does the product introduce new problems that have not yet been thought of?
How can we best convey the functionality and value of the product to the user?

"It's easier now that I know what I am doing, but it is still a lot of snaps and a lot of work and a bit of a pain"
-Participant 3

3.0 Data Analysis

Discovery Validation

We used a notes grid to compile and categorize information. Mural was used to categorize usability problems and group them to determine frequency and severity. We collected qualitative and quantitative data.

4.0 Presentation

Discovery Validation

The client prioritized problems and implemented solutions based on our findings. We offered clear suggestions for how to improve the product experience through product changes, packaging, instructions and marketing.

Limits & Challenges

Limitations

Covid-19- Instead of testing in a usability lab, we tested the product in user's homes. Bedding was sanitized between sessions.
Bed size- We originally wanted to test on a queen sized bed, but had to test on a full sized bed.

Challenges

Camera angles- It was important to have 2 camera angles. We could not use the usability lab. Instead we set up a laptop and phone to record the session from two angles. The setup hand to be taken down and re-constructed in each home.

Results &
Reflections

Results

Flexible- By remaining flexible we were able to work around difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing us to optimize our testing situation.
Timing- In this study timing was important. We used time to measure how learnable the product was.
2 Data Points- Many usability issues were found in the heuristic review and confirmed by the usability study.