Critique 2 - "Bop It Extreme" (12/10/2010)

Affordances

• Curved/circular shape - affords users to rotate quickly in order to bop/flick/spin/twist/pull it
• "Spin it" is a wheel - affords users the ability to quickly "spin it"
• "Pull it" has a divot and bubble - affords users to grip the interface between their fingers and "pull it"
• "Twist it" looks like a corkscrew/drill - affords user an easy grip for twisting
• "Flick it" is a protruding stick - affords user the ease of flicking it
• "Bop it" is a central button - affords user to press the button from any angle reached while rotating the toy
• Grip dots line the outer portion - affords grip to user

Constraints

• "Pull it", "Flick it", and "Twist it" can only be pulled, flicked, or twisted (respectively) to a certain degree

Visibility

• The central "Bop it" button is the first point of focus. The button is central and has a blue circle outlining the button itself
• Each interface has its own color and shape, drawing the eyes to it

Mapping

• Each interface is labeled

Feedback

• Audio - machine talks and gives user instructions
• Audio - machine announces which interface to hit next when playing
• Audio - a shout is heard when player loses the game

Coloring

• Most of toy is colored black but interface pieces are brightly colored
• "Bop it" is purple with a blue outline
• "Twist it" is yellow
• "Pull it" is blue
• "Spin it" is red
• "Flick it" is green

User's conceptual model

1. See central button and then attention shifts to other interfaces.
2. Attention draws back to "Bop it" button. Press button.
3. Toy activates and announces game type.
4. Experimentation with other interfaces cycles through other game types.
5. Hitting "Bop it" will select game type and start it.
6. Tempo plays in background and machine announces which interface to use.
7. #6 repeats on a progressively faster tempo until a user messes up, at which point the game is lost.
8. Game type can be changed or restarted.

Design critique

The Bop It's design is very friendly and simple. Its circular design allows for easy rotation and passing to other players while the grips ensure the toy won't be dropped easily.

Upon activation and the start of the game, the mapping and shape of interfaces make this a very simple game to pick up. The game can be played with no instruction manual due to the toy's mapping and intuitive design. The Bop It's design and functionality make it a pleasure to use.