flexibility & usability tradeoff
These two principles are related to each other. Flexibility of a design may influence its usability. When the flexibility of an object or design increases, its usability decreases. Although a design with great flexibility is complex, flexible designs are better off in carrying out their functions. However, a flexible design has a low usability since it is more complex and users might need additional knowledge in order to use it.
When we try to improve the designs of a product, its usability will decrease because it is more flexible, or in other words, has more functions. Designers need to make specializations by taking users’ needs and requirements into consideration when designing a more flexible design. Through specialization of the product, users will understand better. This will help to increase the usability of the products or system.
Example: Printer & a photostat machine
Source: The printer on the left is from own source, the photostat machine on the right is taken from Heritage Bookstore.
Explanation:
From a printer to a photostat machine, the flexibility increases as in more functions can be performed. However, usability decreases as the flexibility increases because more knowledge is needed in order to operate a more complex photostat machine compared to a printer.
When we try to improve the designs of a product, its usability will decrease because it is more flexible, or in other words, has more functions. Designers need to make specializations by taking users’ needs and requirements into consideration when designing a more flexible design. Through specialization of the product, users will understand better. This will help to increase the usability of the products or system.
Example: Printer & a photostat machine
Source: The printer on the left is from own source, the photostat machine on the right is taken from Heritage Bookstore.
Explanation:
From a printer to a photostat machine, the flexibility increases as in more functions can be performed. However, usability decreases as the flexibility increases because more knowledge is needed in order to operate a more complex photostat machine compared to a printer.