Heuristic Evaluation of Layout MR app

User Pain Points:

1. Some MR/VR applications may have limited interaction capabilities, making it difficult to manipulate objects as desired. 

2. Unrealistic interactions with virtual objects can lead to frustration and hinder design efforts. 

3. Clients may not be familiar with MR/VR technology, leading to misunderstandings or difficulties in navigating the design. 

4. Extended use of VR can cause discomfort or nausea for some users, limiting the time they can spend in the environment. 

5. Challenges in visualizing large-scale projects or environments can limit the effectiveness of MR/VR tools. 

6. Translating designs across various spaces or conditions can be cumbersome and time-consuming. 

Visibility of System Status

World Locked-UI attached on the controller does not clearly state which button corresponds to which function

Recommendation : Controller Mapping by highlighting buttons & functions with same colours and proximity.

Match between System & Real world

Measure Tool corresponds to real-life measuring tape gesture wherein you use two hands to measure some distance.

Recommendation : End points of the measure tool don't allow for accurate measurement since they are large in scale and obstruct view, so the application include smaller end points.

Consistency & Standards

Move tool is consistent with the users' mental model of Move tool with 3 axis in general 3D softwares.

Recommendation : For users who haven't used any 3d softwares before, move tool should textually describe the direction or axis of the arrows.

Error Prevention

Level tool allows user to place objects at a certain depth, width or height

Recommendation : Snapping function with haptic feedback can allow for more precision and error prevention.

Recognition rather than Recall

Instruction regarding how to place markers allows for lesser cognitive load from users' side on how to use the tool.

Recommendation : Assistance on where the trigger button lies with the addition of visuals and animation can further help with the tool function.

Flexibility and Efficiency of use

Measure Tool allowed for efficient use of the tool with the joystick interaction of adjusting the start or end point even while staying in one position, which allows for efficient and quick use.

Recommendation : Identification of sharp corners can allow for more accurate measures.

Aesthetic & Minimalist Design

Layout's uncluttered and simple UI lets the user seamlessly experience the application and quickly navigate the application

Recommendation : Application can include 'User Guide' as one of the main options, so the user doesn't have to look for it.

Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover
from Errors

In this particular scenario, user is left stuck at a point wherein he cannot move any further in the application, and Layout fails to provide constructive error messages or options to recover from such error

Recommendation : The displayed button can lead to the Main Menu UI screen instead of having the user do it from the controller menu button.

Help and Documentation

Layout application provides decent amount of documentation but lacks a variety of channels for support, including video tutorials, ghost animations, FAQs, and live support. 

Recommendation : Including FAQs and ghost animations for every tool demo.

Onboarding

Layout application can be better experienced with demos, especially with ghost animations

Recommendation : At the beginning of the application, the user can be asked about their dominant hand preference.

Ergonomics & Comfort

Dependency of the application on dual controllers can be challenging for users who are unfamiliar with VR systems, making the learning curve steeper. 

Recommendation : Enable single-controller support for basic interactions, allowing users to navigate and interact with the virtual objects using just one controller.

User Interaction

Objects clearly indicated how they can be interacted with, using visual or text cues which reduced the cognitive load

Recommendation : Inclusion of haptic feedback for snapping functions

Collaboration

The absence of collaborative features in Layout  limits the ability for designers to work together in real time, making it difficult for teams or clients to provide immediate feedback, discuss changes, or co-create within the same virtual environment 

Recommendation : Ability of creating Virtual sessions/rooms and annotation features can further expand scope of the application

Privacy

Layout application gathers sensitive data such as spatial data or microphone data, but doesn't give any such warning during the onboarding.

Recommendation : Users should be clearly informed about what data is being collected, why it’s being collected, and how it will be used.