ABSTRACT
Designers are typically male, under 35 years old and unimpaired. Users can be of any age and currently over 15% will have some form of impairment. As a result a vast array of consumer products suit youthful males and in many cases exclude other demographics. Symbols and labelling used in consumer products are vital to provide the user with suitable cues to remember the sequence that controls need to be activated in order to achieve their overriding goals. The cognitive walkthrough method analyses the stages through which a user forms goals and executes actions in using product or interface. Experience of the heated rear window function and knowledge of the differences between sidelights, headlights and hi-beam was lacking and time was spent trying to link the term to the relevant symbol. Future work needs to consider an amalgamation of method used, with those discussed and others to develop categorisation system that encompasses most errors, not just from the car trials.
