Design Critiques

What makes some designs good and others bad? Why do some designs work while others don’t? Posts in this category offer thoughtful design critiques of modern digital interfaces, with commentary inspired by Don Norman’s “The Design of Everyday Things.”

Assistive Technology: VoiceOver (iOS app)

Apple’s VoiceOver is a screen reader that enables individuals with visual impairments to navigate their devices through auditory feedback and gesture-based controls. In this blog post, I will be doing a brief analysis of its accessibility features, particularly through the lenses of the functional and social models of disability. Gesture-Based Control: Usability Meets Accessibility One […]

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Design Critique: Nintendo eShop (Nintendo Switch App)

The Nintendo Switch is a video game console developed by Nintendo that allows users to dock the device for home-console play or to be played as a handheld device. Users can buy and download games for their Nintendo Switch through the in-device application, “Nintendo eShop”. The eShop acts as a storefront that helps users browse,

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Design Critique: Procreate App

Procreate’s UI stands out for its simplicity and aesthetic appeal. It doesn’t overwhelm users, avoids screen clutter, and gives the feeling of working on a real canvas. However, this “clean” and “minimalist” interface design can present a steeper learning curve for newer users, especially those unfamiliar with Procreate’s layout.

The critique focuses on the user experience for newer Procreate users, including seasoned artists unfamiliar with the app and novice artists testing it for the first time.

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Assistive Technology: Phonak Infinio Sphere (hearing aids)

One of the major hearing aid manufacturers, Phonak, recently launched the Infinio Sphere hearing aid, which includes several new features intended to enhance accessibility for people who are hard of hearing. Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) have come a long way since the early models developed by Miller Rees Hutchinson in 1898, which were large

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Assistive Technology: Otter.ai

Otter.ai provides real-time transcription and AI meeting note-taking services that help many working professionals and students get the most out of their virtual/live meetings without having to worry about note completion and accuracy. Though it was not originally developed for the disability community, it has gained great recognition from people with disabilities, specifically those who

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Screenshot of Macbook Pro Settings Tab showing main Voice Control Settings

Assistive Technology: Voice Control (macOS)

Introduction Voice Control is an assistive tool that was first introduced to Apple laptops and computers in 2019 through the macOS Catalina software update. It allows users with physical disabilities to fully use their device, boasting the ability to navigate a desktop and its applications and interact with on-screen activity using voice commands. Stand Out

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Assistive Technology: The PS Access Controller

Introduction The PS Access Controller by Sony, is a PlayStation 5 controller designed to enhance gaming accessibility. This controller aims to provide a more convenient gaming experience for players with special needs, helping them overcome the challenges of traditional controllers. Key Features of PS Access Controller Feature1: Modular Design The modular design of the PS

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