Table 6.
Action/feature | Description of challenge |
A “+” to add a new item |
Though typically used to add a new item, the symbol had little meaning for first time users. Also, because it is often found in the top corners it is easily missed. |
Go back |
The back arrow is used to return the user to the previous screen but instead of testing the button, the research team was often asked, “How do I go back without losing my information?” |
Cancel | The word “cancel” typically means “undo” but many participants felt it implied finality and described how they “cancel” social or service contracts such as memberships, subscriptions, and appointments. |
Scrolling | Without a scrollbar, participants rarely looked for additional information. |
Audio reminders | The audio alarms were inaudible to many participants, especially males. |
Autocorrect | When typing, many participants focused on the keyboard and missed the autocorrect feature that would change drug names or dosage units (eg, “mcg” to “mg”). |
Inconsistent terminology | Inconsistent terminology led participants miss features. For example, reminder features were called “schedule,” “dose reminder,” or “first dose” in each application. |
Sample text | Greyed text was used to provide examples of data that could be entered into a field, but participants typically misinterpreted the grey text to be the information of another user. |
Peripheral buttons | Participants associated a black frame as being outside of the application and noninteractive, thus overlooking peripheral buttons completely. |