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:
Create a new Microsoft Word or text document named YourUserName-A9.
In your Word document, you will answer the following questions. We recommend that you read the questions before playing so you know what to look for while you're playing the game. Be sure to answer each question fully in complete sentences.
- 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. 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.