Introduction to Robotics
Robot Components and Software Design
Objectives
- Reflect on robotic components
- Reflect on the software design process
Before next time, do the following:
- Read the fourth installment in the Case of the Killer Robot: http://faculty.berea.edu/pearcej/CSC126/bottasks/KillerRobot-4.pdf
- Also read http://mindofmyown.org.uk/what-is-paper-prototyping/
Create a new Microsoft Word or text document named YourUserName-A5.
In your Word document, you will answer the following questions. I recommend that you read the questions before reading so you know what to look for. Be sure to answer each question fully in complete sentences.
- In a paragraph, briefly summarize what happened in this
installment in the Case of the
Killer Robot.
- One current approach to software development, called user-centered
design, incorporates user concerns and user testing from the
beginning of the design process. Paper prototyping is one example
of user-centered design. This approach dictates that the needs of
the user should be foremost in all design decisions. Identify one
piece of software which you have found confusing or difficult to
use. In 2-3 paragraphs, reflect on what you find confusing or
difficult and how the "usability" of this software might have been
different if a user-centered approach had been employed.
- In this installment of the Case of the Killer Robot, we learned about the "waterfall model" vs the "prototyping model" controversy in the Robbie CX30 design process. If the software developer had been working closely with the robot operator from the beginning (i.e. working in a "user-centered" approach,) how do you think the story might have turned out differently? Or, perhaps you think it would not have mattered? In your own words of a paragraph or more, explore this "what if," being sure to defend your answer.