Step 1: Pick a home appliance with significant user controls (e.g. Microwave, Stove/Range, Refrigerator, etc.). Do NOT select things like a TV remote control, computers, etc. Also do not select equipment that lack significant User Interfaces (like Toasters or Electric Can Openers).

Step 2: Examine equipment from the perspectives of form (ergonomics & looks) and function

Write a 1-page evaluation document. Limit yourself to 1 well-written page for your evaluation (points will be deducted for overly-verbose evaluations). Comment on:

Strengths and weaknesses of the hardware form & ergonomics

How easy is it to interact with? Comfortable? Awkward? Difficult to press buttons?

Strengths and weaknesses of the functions from a user perspective.

In the general case, is it easy to use or confusing? (For example, if I need to heat a cup of tea in a microwave, is it straightforward?)

In more complex uses, is it easy or confusing? (For example, if I need to heat a dinner plate in a microwave at 60% power for 4 minutes, and then 80% power for 2 minutes, is that easy?)

One item on the hardware that you would change to make the product better, and why you think your change would be an improvement.

One item in the functionality you would change/modify to make the product better (this can be some of the embedded software to improve or add functionality). Why do you think this would be an improvement?