User Experience
As with any trip to the laundry, the user starts off by looking for an available machine to load their batch of clothes. This task is typically simple and straight-forward since it can be quickly validated by visual inspection of the machine. Once the clothes are loaded in the machine, the user can either insert coins directly to the machine or utilize the Tech-Cash system in the entrance of the laundry room to pay for the machine-use. Since each machine has a unique number assigned to it, the user can pay for any machine available through this integrated Tech-Cash system.
Once the user is at the Tech-Cash set-up, he/she is guided through a series of instructions in the screen display.These include:
- Swiping their MIT ID card through the card reader
- Dialing the machine number to be used
- The machine-use fee is informed to the user
- The system informs the user of their current Tech-Cash balance
- The user accepts the charge and goes back to the machine and starts the cycle
After the user starts the washing or drying cycle, he/she needs to either set a timer or check the LaundryView website to verify when the cycle is over and come back for the following cycle or to pick their crisp and clean supply clothes.
For the purposes of this human-use analysis, I took into account not only my own experience using this system, but I also asked other Ashdown residents about the benefits and disadvantages of this set-up, as well as observed the use other unsuspecting residents.