Usability

Usability
The definition of usability given by Usability.gov is a testing of a product or service by representative users. There are many different ways to test a product or a how to manual. There is the way where you give them the product and they try it out themselves. You can give the test subjects the list and walk them through the steps. Finally there is the way where you give them the list of steps and walk away so they can figure it out themselves, then come back later and ask them if they had any questions.

My Test
During the testing of servicing a chainsaw I used three main questions. The first one asked if my instructions were clear enough to follow. The second question I asked was whether I put in enough steps in the instructions. My final question I asked myself whether the test subjects would understand the terminology I used. The people I tested were people in my class and also a couple of my friends. All of the people I tested were mechanical engineers and they all had prior experience with chainsaws.  To test the people I gave them the instructions and then walked away so they could figure them out for themselves and because I won’t be there to answer questions in the real world. After administering the test I found that I needed to explain the parts of the chainsaw better and add a few more intermediate steps. In my video I used what I learned for my testing and tried to really explain everything I was doing and why I did it. I also did steps slowly so it was easier to follow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teke7x0Guak&feature=youtu.be

Innovation

New Way to Drive
In 1868 the first tractor was built and it ran on steam engine power. Then the diesel engine took over about 100 years ago and tractors haven’t fundamentally changed too much since then. One thing that has changed significantly in the past 100 years is the technology in the tractors. I am going to focus on the GPS technology.

How does the GPS work
There is a receiver on top of the cab of the tractor that sends and receives signals from satellites. As the tractor moves up and down the fields it is constantly sending signals so the satellite knows where on the field you are located. Some tractors have an auto steer where the tractor drives itself up and down the field. Other tractors just have a monitor where it shows you where “straight” is and you steer the tractor yourself.

How This Helps
The point of using a GPS (global positioning system) is to utilize the entire field to get the most yields. The GPS also helps with fuel economy because with the guidance you aren’t going over anything twice.

AGCO "GuideConnect"

Other Options
There is an option for field plotting where you map your field. You take the GPS and drive around the outside of the field and it records the boundaries. Once the edges are found the software can find the most efficient way to work and plant the field.

AGCO has developed “GuideConnect” which is a type of GPS where you operate one tractor and another tractor follows you without an operator. How this works is it uses the GPS system with added position sensors so the tractor stays a certain distance back and a defined distance off-set. With this innovation you can do twice the amount of field work with only one operator.

The Future
It is hard to believe that 620 horse power tractors will be driving down the fields with no one operating them but it could happen sooner than you think. In Japan they are working on a computerized GPS system that can drive itself and also control all the other tractors functions. If this happens it would revolutionize the farming industry.