Navigation and informational architecture in smart electrical testing and diagnostic devices

Abstract: This degree project begins with a general introduction of the topic embedded systems in electrical testing and diagnostic devices in industries within the field of human-computer interaction. Then it continues with a deeper view of the problem area and the specific products which are in focus of this project. The company which the study is carried out in, produces and develops many types of test equipment (in a more generalized term called smart electrical testing and diagnostic devices) to the electrical supply industry. The importance of a usable user-interface is greater today than several years ago as the competition between companies include not only technical performance but also usability [4]. Therefore it is highly important to design a user-interface and navigation structure to combine a company’s all products and create a sense of recognition within them. A high level of recognition is in this case, a userinterface and a navigation structure that are recognizable and understandable when the end-user interacts with different products. The information architecture and user-interface design is not very often prioritized in a company as the budget is often much greater for technology than it is for information architecture. Prior the information architecture was more about technology but today it is about system information and content [8]. In this study, three methods are used to make an attempt to collect data to answer and discuss the research question “Is it possible to design a homogenous navigation structure in electrical testing and diagnostic devices for different end-user types?”  This study shows that it is very difficult to get a straight forward answer to how a sustainable and homogeneous information architecture and navigation structure for smart electrical testing and diagnostic devices should be designed. Although, the results could give a substantial input and information towards a common userinterface platform and act as guidelines for the development of products.