When I began to look for instructional universal design, I can a cross several images that are used each and everyday, however many of these images presented limitations to the end user. The visual that I chose to use is that of a “redbox” machine. These machines are typically found all around town conveniently located outside of stores such as Wal-Mart and Target. The reason that I chose this image was due to the simple visual cues that it presents. As we can see, the DVD is marked with a large arrow pointing in the left direction. On the machine itself is also marked a corresponding arrow and image of the DVD being returned. Many performance instructional visuals require the user to recognize the symbol or sign used. Even if the user cannot read English, emulating the presented visual will allow the user to complete the task. This sort of visual crosses language barriers and required no prior knowledge. Even if all the words were removed from the visual, a user should still be able to effectively complete the task.
Nice! I've never used a Red Box machine... I have Netflix... although it looks easy to use. I can't tell from the photos - do you have to return the DVD to the same machine from whence it was borrowed? That would seem to be inconvenient. Also, how much does it cost? Do you pay when you return it or when you get it? Do you pay for each day you have it? I know these questions have nothing to do with visual literacy... I'm just curious!
ReplyDeleteHey Renee, Actually you don't have to return the DVD to the same machine, you can return them to any Red Box machine (they are practically everywhere). Red Box only cost a dollar a day and I usually get one that afternoon, watch it that night, and drop it off the next day. The cool thing is if you decide to keep it another night for a friend to borrow, it just charges you another dollar since you have already paid for it up front.
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