Intro to Human Computer Int
Mohammedhajis
NeedFinding121.docxDescription Brief
The problem I observed was the confusion in regards to setting the temperature in a fridge. Many
times a fridge is either too cold, freezing the beverages or creating ice, or it is not cold enough,
which can be dangerous if raw meat or chicken is stored in the fridge. While it is true to say that
some fridges come with a simple, straight forward way to set the temperature, those fridges
usually come at a price and are not ideal for an average college student on a budget.
I spoke with four different people who use this fridge to discuss the complexities that accompany
it. Two of them live with me, and we use this fridge every single day to hold beverages and
snacks. The other two live in their own respective houses, and just so happen to have the same
fridge model, most likely due to the fact that it was on sale at the beginning of the year. Each
time they tried to change the setting, they weren’t sure what change was going to occur.
The issue with the refrigerator is the temperature control knob. There is no way of knowing of if
you’re turning the temperature up or down. There is no visible mark, click, ding, or any other
sort of feedback to let the user know that what they’re doing is what they intended to do. The
complications can be seen in the pictures below.
Brainstorm
1. A digital thermometer that says the exact temperature inside the fridge so the user can
turn it up or down.
2. A small screen on the outside of the fridge that allows the user to change the temperature.
3. The user can enter certain drinks or foods, such as chicken, and the fridge will
automatically set to the healthy temperature.
4. Different refrigeration zones that the user can set to their liking.
5. A small mark on the knob that lets the user know which setting is being used.
6. The averages degree of each setting (MIN, MED, MAX) so the user can determine which
temperature range is best.
7. A mobile app that allows the user to set their temperature settings when they’re out of the
house.
8. An alert system that lets the user know if the temperature has changed due to someone
leaving the door open
9. Another alert that warns the user if ice is starting to form, meaning the temperature is set
too high.
10. A chart inside the fridge that lists food examples and what temperature setting is best for
that food.
11. A barcode scanner where you can scan the food as its going into the fridge and it will tell
you where in the fridge to put the food item and what setting to use.
12. If the temperature drops or raises to a point where it would ruin the food inside, the
fridge can regulate itself.
13. A backup battery to ensure that the fridge is always on, however the user would have to
manually set the temperature with the knob and a signifier.
14. A number pad where the user can type in the specific temperature they want.
15. If the user has food that needs to get cold really fast, they can change a setting so that the
fridge rapidly gets cold and then gradually gets back to normal.
