Interaction Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGkDiBAhaXs

So Easy

Ok, so most of my posts have been critical of designs. So, I figured I would write one about a product that I actually think has a good design and I enjoy using (kind of). That would be my trimmer, the Norelco Acu-Control. I've been using it since high school and have never had a bad trim. The reason I like it so much is because it is so simple to use. There is only one button, the on/off button, so there is absolutely no confusion as to it's function. Besides that, there is a click-wheel that adjusts the height of the shave you will get. I don't know why, but I find it really satisfying to spin the wheel to the right, hear it click, and see the guard move up. I could do it all day. Also, the numbers corresponding to the different heights fit my mental model. There are 9 different settings, 1 corresponding to the lowest setting and 9 to the highest setting. How easy is that? It has no frills, no extra unnecessary features and that's what I like about it. It lets you get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Wasting Money at the Laundromat

So I was doing laundry yesterday at the laundromat near my apartment. After throwing my clothes into the dryer, it came time to insert the quarters into the machine. I was thinking I'd only run the dryer for about 30 min. Looking at the label (pictured), I assumed it cost 25 cents for five minutes. I mean, the picture of the clock is clearly at the 5 minute mark and the price is right next to it. So I dropped 6 quarters, aka $1.50, into the machine. Wow, $1.50 for 30 min, that's expensive. After putting in the coins, I selected the middle temperature. And what happens? The machine is set to run for 1 hour. I overpaid, dammit. I wasted 75 cents. I could have bought a Twix with that. Not to mention all the wasted energy. All because of that label. I have an easy solution though, a sign that says $.25 for 10 min. Problem solved.