Human Use Analysis

Setup

By far the most difficult part of the user experience in setup was logging into the account for each individual app. Currently, Roku does not have a convenient solution to allow the mass transfer of credentials from a computer to the streaming device. Instead, the user must press “log in” to each app individually on the Roku. Each time, the device generates an alpha-numeric code. The user can then log into their account on the app using a computer or mobile phone and enter the code to authorize the Roku. After this, the device retains the log-in information until it is reset.

This login system is quite tedious when you are using more than four or five apps (like most). It is, however, a significant improvement over typing your password into the Roku using only the arrows on your remote!

Another setup critique is that the device did not come with the HDMI extension. This resulted in buffering video and a generally poor viewer experience until I realized that the company would mail me a free cord. The cord itself is tiny, and likely very inexpensive for the company so it would have been much better for my overall experience if they had simply shipped the unit with ALL of the necessary equipment for use in my apartment.

Everyday Use

The main critique that I have with the Roku regards the buttons on the remote. Simply put, I don't use two of the apps that have default shortcut buttons. If these buttons lacked graphics and allowed for reprogramming it would significantly enhance the user experience. The ability to seamlessly switch between apps is a nice time saving feature and very useful. Reprogramming the buttons to represent apps with greater usage would be extremely convenient.

Another remote control-focused critique: It would be phenomenal if the Roku remote could also be programmed to include a power on/off for the television. Currently when we use our television, we exclusively stream shows and movies using the Roku. Unfortunately, since the Roku can't control the TV, we are forced to have 2 remotes on hand at all times: A TV remote for on/off and volume, and the Roku remote for show selection.

This may not seem like a major concern but when your family includes 2 toddlers, remotes tend to 'walk away' and find themselves in very inconvenient locations!