rbsc-factorsaffectingdesign

=Industrial Arts Department= Author: Ray Payne Updated: 29032009

=Factors Affecting Design= Please comment on the following factors (function, aesthetics, ergonomics) that affect design in relation to the two computer input devices shown here.


 * Apple's USB Mighty Mouse, Optical.**




 * Microsoft's USB Basic Wheel Mouse, Optical.

**

Design Factor: Function
//Write your Function comments below this line. Don't forget to include your name. :-)// **Payne:** Both of these input devices feature an optical sensor which replaced the older mouse ball design. The optical sensor provides a more accurate pointer tracking ability which is an enhancement for anyone working with digital images, or in digital audio editing. In these jobs it is often necessary to select, via the mouse, very accurate slices of audio data or sections of the picture. Optical sensors works well without a mouse mat (which I hate using) and they work on most common surfaces. There are some limitations to optical sensors like the ability to work on highly reflective surfaces (mirrors). Another benefit of the optical sensor is it generally doesn't require cleaning. Older mouse ball technology required frequent cleaning. Anyone care to write about another functional aspect of these designs?

Design Factor: Aesthetics
//Write your Aesthetics comments below this line. Don't forget to include your name. :-)//

JAZ- Each mouse is a little bit pleasing to the eye, the colours arnt very vibrant and bright but plain white and metalic black, the shape of the each mouse is also fairly basic.
**Payne:** Does anyone remember when Apple first launched the iPod Classic. If you saw someone walking down the street with white ear buds and a white earphone cable, you would know that they were sporting a new Apple iPod. Apple's more recent product lines still include white and/or a brushed aluminium metal case. It could even be argued that these colours and finishes have almost become an Apple trademark and that if someone else were to copy those colour schemes that they could be breaking some law? These Aesthetic features are a powerful marketing tool as consumers instantly recognise the products and relate their past experiences of Apple products to the new products. //**Thats what i was going to say.**//

Design Factor: Ergonomics
//Write your Ergonomics comments below this line. Don't forget to include your name. :-)// == //Each mouse fits easily into a person's hand with the scroll wheel conveniently placed in reach of the person's finger. The shape of the mouse in convexed upward in the middle to fit with the palm and the two buttons to fit in with 2 fingers. - samm i do believe that the mouse fits in the persons hand in a relaxed fashion but the mouse is actually concaved not convexed. - sinead //==