The First Step Towards Success..!!

Last Wednesday, March 23rd 2011 we did our first concept test using the prototype system we build as a social networking application. For the phase 1, registration, login, friend operations, status updates, comments on status and messages are included. Limited number or features are introduced at the beginning in order to keep the application more simpler.

As mentioned in the topic our concept is "2 Dimensional Audio Environment for Visually Impaired". All the output procedures are based on audio files with sound positioning and input methods are done through the key board.

Although we had some issues with front and rear sound positioning with openAL, we could managed to solve them because of an external sound card which was given by one of our colleague.

First of all we decided to test our concept with a normal computer user, thus Vindya (one of our batch mates) was invited to use the prototype system.

Before we start the experiment, Kanishka has explained the concept and instructions were given.

For this test first we asked her to feel the system features and related sound positioning on the starting menu. Then 2 dimensional environment was drawn by her for the start menu.

Surprisingly she could have identified all the correct positions of the menu items on the very first time.

Then she has given some opinions to enhance our application, which is very useful as a feedback. Some of them are the position could be clockwise, can use tab key for go inside and come out form text fields and top to bottom reading would be more appropriate on comments.

Finally she said it is not very difficult or complex to use our application even though it doesn't have a GUI.