Inconsistencies among testing methods and results in previous research prompted this study that builds upon a systematic usability testing research framework to better understand how interface medium influences users’ abilities to detect usability flaws in applications. Medium was tested to identify its effects on users’ perceptions of usability and abilities to detect usability problems and severe usability problems. Also explored was the relationship between users’ perceptions of usability and abilities to detect usability problems. Results indicated that medium has no effect on users’ abilities to detect usability problems or perceptions of usability. However, results did indicate an interaction between medium and the tested application in which users were able to identify significantly more usability problems on a higher fidelity medium using a particular application. Results also indicated that as users’ perceptions of an application’s usability increases, the users are less able to detect usability problems in that application.

Among researchers within the design area, role play is often spoken about in a positive manner. This study aims to discover the limitations with role play as a tool for experiential learning. This is done by evaluating a prototype of an early-stage concept of a role play-tool. The tool is aimed for Swedish SMEs to raise awareness and create curiosity of guanxi, which is a vital part of Chinese business culture. The tool is compared to another experiential-based tool, Experience Map, with the same purpose but based on real scenarios rather than simulated scenarios. Prototype testing with intended users identified the difficulty of giving instructions on cultural behaviour as one limitation. This limitation is especially difficult in settings where the participants have no previous knowledge within the area, which is the case for this study. Another limitation is the challenge of giving enough instructions for the players to act on, without interrupting the exploration aspect of the tool. Besides, the target group seem to prefer more hands-on tools that are more relevant for their specific business and less time-consuming. The main difference between the tools is that the experience map which is based on real scenarios, creates a greater interest among participants and a higher level of the participants’ willingness to use it.

Test management tools are used to structure and manage test processes in software and hardware development. The purpose of this project was to design a test report template editor for a test management tool with a focus on usability. Requirements analysis was made using domain analysis and stakeholder interviews. In the design phase, usage scenarios were developed as well as two paper prototypes. A final paper prototype was created based on feedback from the stakeholders. TDR reports is a WYSIWYG editor that provides a set of features that allow users to choose which information to include in their test reports. A basic usability evaluation was performed at the end of the study that indicated that the initial requirements were fulfilled.

This thesis deals with mechanical design of FDM 3D printer with a built-in material feeder with monitoring of remaining material. The aim of this thesis is designing the FDM 3D printer with minimum print volume of 200x200x200 mm and with usage of measured data for optimising the 3D printing process. This 3D printer is targeted to the non-experienced users, so the emphasis was on ease of use and reliability of the printer. Despite the fact that it is an innovative design solution, the suitability of the design was verified experimentally as part of this thesis. The choice of the material feeder design, which is essential for the presented thesis, was justified by the realization of prototypes of two suitable designs, from which the optimal solution was chosen. The knowledge obtained from testing the prototypes was then used for the final design of 3D printer. The usage of data for optimization of the printing process is realized by a C++ compatible source code that is a part of this thesis.

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the potential of replacing the material 1.4418 (R87), currently used in ABB's PFCL201 load cells, with the material 1.402 (R03). Both materials possess desirable properties, including high strength, toughness and magnetoelastic characteristics, making them suitable for force transducer applications in strip tension systems. However, the scarcity and high cost of R87 necessitate exploring the feasibility of utilizing the more affordable and easily obtainable R03. The research methodology involved a combination of mechanical and thermal simulations, as well as the evaluation of prototype measurements made from R03. Mechanical simulations were conducted to identify a new load cell geometry that would facilitate the use of R03, while thermal simulations focused on comparing the thermal properties of R03 with real-life measurements. Furthermore, prototypes made from R03 were tested to investigate the transducer characteristics of the material. Lastly, a cost analysis was performed, comparing the manufacturing costs associated with R87 and R03. The study yielded promising results. R03 improves the manufacturing process and significantly reduces the costs related to it. A new load cell geometry was identified, which could be manufactured using existing resources at the factory. Thermal simulations demonstrated improvements in the thermal properties when employing R03. However, measurements of the PFCL201-20 kN load cell made from R03, indicated that to maintain the same accuracy class and commutation angle as the current R87 load cells, the nominal load would need to be adjusted to 12 kN instead of 20 kN. Nonetheless, with the identified geometric modifications, R03 load cells could still be utilized as 20 kN load cells. Alternatively, by changing either the accuracy class or commutation angle. This research provides valuable insights into the possibility of replacing the expensive and scarce R87 material with the more cost-effective and readily available R03 in ABB's PFCL201 load cells. The findings offer a foundation for future studies and potential business decisions regarding material selection and load cell design optimization.

In this master thesis are presented design and testing processes of communication between elderly and single-purpose robot. At the beginning design and architecture of the system for testing are described. Communication understandability was checked in interviews with nineteen people. Other opinions on usability or affordability of automatic device, which is used for picking and lifting objects from the ground, are presented in this thesis. Results from questionnaires and measurements showed that working with the robot is pleasant and understandable. Even senior is able to learn effective communication with this device. The main finding is that even robot communicates through nonverbal sounds, is easy to understand it. Choosing of sound set has no influence on communication understandability.