User+Study

**__USER STUDY : RESEARCH & DATA ANALYSIS__**
__ **//Statement of user study goals//** __

We hope to develop a thorough understanding of human escalator interaction.

__**// What are the major questions you want answered regarding how users use the technology in question? //**__

-How does a person maintain balance while riding an escalator? -Does the speed of the escalators affect a user's experience? -Is multitasking a common activity initiated when on the escalator? -How do you coordinate with your feet at points of entry/exit? -In terms of children, how do parents ensure a safe ride for toddlers? __**// What they may want to see as an alternative? //**__

//Some alternatives to escalator use are:// -Elevators -Stairs -Rope Climbing -Ramps -Teleportation

__**Research Methods:**__

//The different research methods that will be implemented to analyze human escalator interaction are through:// -Body Storming -Observation -Interviews Each of the specified research methods are necessary to gain a clear understanding of the necessary redesigns of escalators, whether its regarding safety, accessibility or environmentally friendly issues. The research method; **Bodystorming** is important to the evaluation of escalators and their appropriate design because it is a direct evaluation of the technology. This method will be implemented to personally understand the experience of a user who may be visually impaired or lacks limbs. Through this method the bodystormer will be able to identify constraints and difficulties in user experience in order to help assess what redesigns are necessary to improve the handicap escalator experience.

The second research method that will be implemented is **observation**. This method will consist of observing people’s behavior and interaction with the technology. One of our main goals when observing the escalator users is to watch their actions and to evaluate them. In the evaluation process, we will observe any problems the users encounter and then attempt to redesign the technology to their needs.

The third method considered is **interviewing**. Interviewing was one of the methods used in our research because they were held within context and “just-in-time”. The location of the interview close to an escalator ensures genuine data based on experience. Also interviews allow for data collection that is based on different perspectives of users not assumptions already developed about escalator use.

__**Why these methods?**__ **Bodystorming** is incorporated as a method because it allows for firsthand information gathering about the product. The cases that could are taken into consideration as accessibility limitations of an escalator would be tested out by one of our team members. As a result, we would receive and observe the behavior of people with accessibility limitations such as visual impairment, knee problems, joint, etc.

The second method of **observation** allows us to develop a visual sketch of how different people use escalators based on age group, sex, body weight, etc. Also, we are able to sense the environment where an escalator is being used by various individuals and the mannerisms of users. Observation allows us to analyze the behavior of people while riding escalators without any knowledge of being observed. As a result, the behavior of individuals is not distorted to match our own preconceptions. In addition, it will give us a clear understanding of the actions taken when a person rides the escalator, such as their stance, balance, coordination when entering and exiting and their ability to multi-task.

As mentioned earlier, **interviews** allow for quick response without distortion. Also, by conducting interviews we are able to receive data only from people who frequent escalators or at least ones who have tried it. As a result, we would be able to deduce if different perspectives are caused by individual experience or generalities. For example, if the experience of an elder differs from the experience of a teenager and why.

__**Why not others?**__

The research methods chosen are more appropriate in contrast to others. The other methods require less human interaction, which is moving away from the main element of a user study. The goal of a user study is to focus on the interaction of the human with the technology and analyzing that contact. The user study focuses primarily on the user while the other methods do not provide enough reliable and accurate information of their interaction such as surveys.

__** Ethical Issues **__ While evaluating the groups of people(users) frequently engaged in Escalator-use we stumbled upon fairness constraints we couldn't ignore: Escalators discriminate against the physically disabled, we could not evaluate these particular groups in our user study because they are simply not users. Escalator use depends heavily on the functionality of ones senses or else it will be incredibly dangerous to use or in simple terms __**inaccessible**__. Due to the mere speed and hard metal staircase, an accident will be fatal thus forcing people with disabilities to seek alternatives which are usually inconveniently rare or distanced in public places. Although not initially considered in our user study, this disenfranchised group will be factored in to our re-design. Public transit/transport cannot discriminate; accessibility cannot be sacrificed for comfort therefore we will eliminate any ethical issues in regards to this marginalized group or the current user group to make sure our escalator re-design incorporates disenfranchised groups were feasible.
 * Inaccessibility issues **
 * //Solution//**

media type="youtube" key="bXlWc3ZtDH0" height="344" width="425" Escalator rules ** Escalators like highways are meant to reduce downtime at high traffic areas. They could only provide such relief if they were certain rules in place that were enforced. Pedestrians have different time constraints at different points in time, most pedestrians are aware of the courtesy rule to keep right when stationary in order to enable hasty passengers to get through. This, when followed allows traffic to flow better while simultaneously serving everyone's need. Due to no enforcement, it is quite common to have jammed escalators. //**Solution**// This fairness principle is also going to be factored into our re-design strategy. Since an indictment for breaking rules will be simply silly. An innovative design that will constraint or make impossible to break such a rule will be more ethical.

Escalators are notorious for embarrassing visitors from less economically developed nations and in some cases can be simply dangerous for those who don't understand how to use it. Since these users are non-existent until their first visit Canada, they could not be incorporated into our user study. Prevention of harm to this temporary users is going to be a factor in our re-design efforts. Automotive communication designs or symbols to educate on escalator use will help in ethical issues involving such a vulnerable group.
 * Culturally Incompetent people **
 * //Solution//**