Outline one advantage of testing the exoskeleton in a usability lab.

Outline one reason why learnability is an important usability objective.

Outline one reason why registered designs are used to protect intellectual property (IP).

The exoskeleton is a very complex design and required the development of mechanical and electronic systems for it to function successfully.

Suggest how the exoskeleton may be developed into a product family.

Explain why Clinatec have used multidisciplinary teams, observation and personae as part of the development of the exoskeleton.

Testing happens in a controlled environment;

that is easier to monitor/observe/record;

Award [1] for identifying an advantage of testing the exoskeleton in a usability lab and [1] for a brief explanation up to [2 max].

Learnability refers to how easy it is to learn how to use a product / how intuitive a product is;

this reduces support and training / reduces error rates / enhances user experience / enhances product acceptance / lowers memory burden;

Award [1] for identifying why learnability is an important usability objective and [1] for a brief explanation up to [2 max].

A registered design protects a product's (new/distinctive) appearance (shape/form/colors/patterns/ornamentation);

to distinguish it from competitors in the market / stop competitors from copying it;

Award [1] for identifying why registered design is used to protect intellectual property and [1] for a brief explanation up to [2 max].

A product family may be developed by using a product development corporate strategy (new/modified products in an existing market);

through user research/market research/user feedback/identified needs;

then developing a range of exoskeletons that share common features/parts/assemblies/technologies/codes;

for example in various sizes/weights/prices/cost;

adapted for a wider range of disabilities/amputees/paraplegic;

and able-bodied people to support them in lifting heavy weights / repetitive load carrying;

Award [1] for each distinct point of how the exo-skeleton may be developed into a product family up to [5 max].

Multi-disciplinary teams:
The mind-controlled exoskeleton is a complex product;
which requires specialist skills / expertise from different disciplines;
for more creative problem-solving / as team members brainstorm/exchange/build on each other's ideas;

Observation:
Thibault trained for months in a usability lab;
which provided primary data/feedback;
to evaluate whether the exoskeleton meets users' wants and needs/is usable / to improve the design;

Personae:
Personae are fictional characters that represent the characteristics and lifestyle of the target audience;
they focus the team's understanding of the required needs/challenges/tasks;
to show empathy during design development;

Award [1] for why Clinatec have used multi-disciplinary teams, as part of the development of the exo-skeleton up to [3 max].

Award [1] for why Clinatec have used observation as part of the development of the exo-skeleton up to [3 max].

Award [1] for why Clinatec have used personae as part of the development of the exo-skeleton up to [3 max].

Mark as [3] + [3] + [3].

Most candidates included advantages that are too generic (refer to an example at the end of this report under the average/below average candidate responses). Only well-prepared candidates correctly identified that the testing happens in a controlled environment which is easier to observe. 100% of the candidates attempted this question.

The concept of learnability was one of the most accessible questions in this paper. Surprisingly, 1.3% of candidates did not attempt it.

It was obvious that a high percentage of candidates were not familiar with the concept of ‘registered design’. The majority of them picked up 1 mark for demonstrating an understanding that intellectual property (IP) will stop competitors from copying work. However, only well-prepared candidates knew what a registered design actually protects. The concept of registered design is part of Branding in topic 9, page 79 of the IBO DT Guide. 1.3% of candidates did not attempt this question.

This question required candidates to suggest how the exoskeleton may be developed into a product family. In general, and even though a very similar question appeared in a previous exam, this was perceived as the most difficult of the long-response questions.100% of the candidates attempted this question but the majority only focused on one or two points rather than including five distinct points, therefore none attained a full mark.

In comparison to previous 9-mark questions, this was one of the most accessible. The best responses were structured into three distinct paragraphs and made use of the information provided in the stem. 100% of the candidates attempted this question.