Observation

1. Observation • VW controls

2. Bike Tool Evaluation HUMF 3505/5505, Fall 2011 Team Members: Amy Langenfeld Stephen Whitlow Alan Wyman

3. Agenda • Use and features of the bike tool • Heuristic review • Focus group opinions • Survey perceptions • Analysis • Recommendations

4. Multi Hex (Allen) Wrench Set • Multi Hex (Allen) Wrench Set used for working with multiple sizes of hex bolts • Compact tool that is stowed in seat-bag or jersey pocket

5. Multi Hex (Allen) Wrench Set • Most common use cases: • Component adjustment such as seat post and clipless pedals • Road side repairs • Installing accessories such as water bottle carriers and rear racks • Not likely to be used by professional bike mechanics

6. Multi Hex Tool Use • Rotate selected wrench out for use • Grasp body of the tool • Rotate clockwise to tighten or counter-clockwise to loosen. All hex wrenches With screwdrivers

7. Multi Hex (Allen) Wrench Set • Wrenches aligned in two layers, one on top of the other. • Layers are mounted to different ends of the tool body • Can be rotated out 90 or 180 degrees • Higher torque or rapid low torque application, respectively • Two largest wrenches are on the top level • (6 mm, 5 mm) • Smallest five sizes are on the bottom • (4 mm, 3 mm, 2.5 mm, 2 mm, 1.5 mm)

8. Heuristics– Visual • Compact size for storage and transport • Rounded ends • It’s black and silver. • Individual wrenches are visible from the top of the tool • Allows user to identify the fairly unique hexagonal shape from the hex bolts to manipulate. • Wrench sizes are etched into back of tool • Difficult to discern in many lighting conditions due to poor contrast • Individual wrenches include etched labels • Difficult to read due to low contrast

9. Heuristics– Feedback • Visually can see that tool is in the matching opening • Tactile response that the tool is fully seated in the screw or bolt • Visual feedback that you can tell if it’s moving • Kinesthetic feedback whether it’s inserted properly • Difficult to map bolt size to wrench size • Trial and error approach with multiple steps on each trial

10. Heuristics– Conceptual Model • Suggests a similarity to a common tool, the Swiss Army knife, which leads user to expect to rotate out different tools • This is a tool. It will handle a variety of sizes of screws with hex heads • The tips unfold to form a familiar shape like a normal screwdriver • You can figure out how to pull the individual tools out because they are visible. • The number of possible actions is limited.

11. Heuristics – Behavioral Mapping • Sizes of wrench/screwdriver tips afford visual map to the screws. • The rounded ends afford turning out to the familiar shape. • It looks like a tool and it functions as a tool. • Large flat-head screws suggest wrenches can be detached

12. Heuristics – Economically Affordable • Compared to a set of matching tools, it seems to be economical. • This design trades-off economy and stowability for usability • Very inexpensive and an easy way to fix your bike.

13. Heuristics • Safety: • No locking mechanism, could fold on the user’s knuckles • Tool shape could most appropriately be described as a rectangular solid with relatively sharp edges • Durable: • All metal construction • Very heavy and difficult to break • Stainless steel body and screws resist rusting • Heavy gauge and do not flex when applying force

14. Heuristics • Comfortable: • Handle is good size for most hands • No padding/insulation • Irregular surface makes a tight grip uncomfortable • Functional: • Three tips are readily available. The others need to be unfolded after moving the first three out of the way. • Relatively short lever arm makes high torque difficult • It works to adjust your bike, in an emergency situation

15. Focus Group Likes • All wrench sizes are present and won’t fall out and get lost • It is a simple tool • Solidly built and durable • Positive contact-- not likely to round out bolt

16. Focus Group Dislikes • The wrench length is fixed-- if you have limited clearance you are out of luck • Wrenches do not lock in place • Too heavy • Single point of failure-- if screws fall out • No margin for error for insertion into hex bolts-- has to be straight in

17. Focus Group Changes • Have wrenches lock in place • Make it more like a pocket knife • Add a light to illuminate hex bolt • Make it easier to remove them-- without  another tool -- flip something and take it out • Add a cable puller/tire levers-- more functional bike tool • Modified end to increase margin of error for insertion-- like a Craftsman ball-end hex key

18. Perceptual Survey

19. Summary of Analysis • Pro • Compact design for safe stowing in seat bag. • Highly visible design that is generally simple to understand • Includes most commonly user wrenches for bike applications

20. Summary of Analysis • Con • The smallest two sizes are rarely, if ever, used in common applications • One of the most commonly used wrench sizes (4mm) is in the second layer • Given the nature of the mounting mechanism, the whole layer or wrench will frequently rotate out together requiring the user to rotate back all but the desired wrench size. • The ends of the wrenches are somewhat sharp and pose a tearing hazard to the inner-tubes that frequently stowed in a seat bag

21. Summary of Analysis • Y-tool is far more usable due to inclusion of 3 most frequent sizes and better hand grip • But it is not appropriate for stowing. • Best hex wrench usability achieved by individual shop tools • This model was designed for economy and stowability, but not usability.