Usability Journal: TWC 544

Summer Session A: 2023

 

Julia Posz

 

Drunk Elephant Moisturizer

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The Drunk Elephant firming moisturizer container is an impeccable design. Compared to most twist cap skin care products, this moisturizer has a twist and push top that dispenses the proper amount of product needed to moisturize the face. This means every time I use the product, I use the appropriate amount rather than too much or too little. Another positive of this product is that it is refillable. When you’ve run out of product, you can purchase a refill but not an entirely new package. This saves me money from repurchasing an entirely new container and is environmentally savvy for not having to buy plastic-packed moisturizers continuously. 

Figure One: Polypeptide Cream 

 

Lionesse Hair Wand

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The Lionesse hair wand is considered a top-of-the-line hair tool for at-home styling. The black body product comes with a ceramic curling head, producing beautiful curls for the most part. 

 

However, this product needs to be improved as a user due to its limited features. Traditionally, most curling tools have a temperature indicator between 300-450 degrees. This tool only comes with one switch for heat and does not have a temperature reader. This limits my desire to use the device, knowing I would damage my hair with an overheated tool.

 

As a user, I feel conflicted about enjoying the outcome of the product – though risking damaging my hair makes me choose another tool most of the time. The limited heat settings were not indicated in the product description on Lionesse’s website. 

Product Expectations: To have an adjustable heat setting curling wand 

 

Product Outcomes: The curling wand arrived with only one heat function 

 

 

Figure Two: Lionesse Hair Wand 

 

Plastic To-Go Containers 

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Have you ever ordered from your favorite takeout spot and struggled to open and not cut your fingers on cheap plastic to-go containers? Speaking from experience and many healed cuts on my fingers – the function of plastic-to-go containers for restaurants could be more consumer friendly. 

 

Aside from the fact that plastic to-go boxes are not environmentally savvy – their overall function could be more varied. Yes, the food is safely transported from the restaurant to the customer, but trying to open the container without breaking it or cutting your fingers on the sleek plastic makes me double think about where I’ll order my takeout, simply to have a more enjoyable experience. These containers will break, crack or, in some cases, tear down the middle. There have been several experiences where I struggled to open the container and damaged the tabs, taking away the ability to conceal the food to save it as leftovers. 

 

As a customer, restaurants should be vigilant about what to-go boxes they give out to the other customers. Changing to cardboard boxes (like Chinese to-go containers) or an eco-aware container would make a difference when thinking about where to order takeout from next.

 

Product Expectation: To be able to easily access my food without risking cutting my fingers or breaking the container it comes in 

 

Product Result: The container will break, crack and leave me with paper-cut-like slices on my hands and fingers. 

 

Figure Three: Plastic To-go Container 

 

Polariod One-Step Chargable Camera 

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A “blast from the past” product that meets modern-day technology, the Polariod One Step Charging Camera is one of the most functional, fun, and durable cameras on the market. This camera comes equipped with a charging port so you can plug in and re-use the device like a phone, rather than having to always carry spare batteries. The latest model of this camera even has a Bluetooth function to transfer photos or to listen to music.

 

As an owner of this product, I have taken beautiful photos that will last me a lifetime and printed them right after taking the photo. It’s portable enough for me to carry on hand or attach a strap to wear it as a crossbody accessory. This camera is one of the best technological purchases I have made over the recent years – and mine is nearly five years old and still functions as if it was brand new. As a user, I highly recommend this product. While also supporting all of its sale points to be true.

Figure Four: One-Step Polaroid Camera