egr-314-team-203.github.io

User Needs, Benchmarking, and Requirements

EGR 314 - 12:00 pm Section

Team 203

Zachary Felty, Madison Hedges, Hasan Kaysan, Morgan Strube

Product Result #1

Sainlogic Wireless Weather Station

 
Keywords Used Link to Result
Weather controlled kit Amazon Link
Price: $139  
Positive Statements Rephrased Positive Statement into User Need Negative Statements Rephrased Negative Statement into User Need
“The weather station seems to be of good quality materials that should last a long time.Tons of features. I love that it shows the wind speed and direction on the display.” Has desired features on the device. (Explicit) Station is durable and consistent. (Explicit) Clear, detailed and accurate data is shown. (Latent) “This weather station has pretty severe mounting limitations if you are mounting it on a “vertical” service” Ease of accessibility to everyone and everywhere. (Explicit) Have add ons for different ways to mount (Latent)
“This product is simple to set up and install and requires almost no maintenance, except for occasionally removing the rain gauge to clean out debris. It worked non stop in perfect condition 24/7” The device is user friendly. (Explicit) Able to withstand extreme weather. (Explicit) Easy access to be able to clean. (Explicit) “The outside reader quit working altogether in just 2 months or so. I took it apart to see if it could be fixed. The unit was full of ants and the circuit board was already turning green from corrosion in spots.” Device needs to work for the long run (Explicit) Withstand the environment and its friends. (Latent) Weather coating on the circuitry or more protection. (Explicit)
“It works wirelessly, uses battery backup, as a bright screen that’s not too large and easy to see.” Wireless control from anywhere.(Explicit) The screen is bright enough to see outside under the sun.(Latent) The device has a reliable battery. (Explicit) “Went up quick, bright display, easy to set the time, etc. Would have given 5 stars except the batteries in the outdoor unit will be very difficult to replace while on the roof. “ Device needs to be inclusive to all for upkeep. (Latent) User friendly setup and installation. (Explicit) Device works on real time. (Explicit)

Product Result #2

Zynect Thermote Wireless Remote Temperature Sensor

 
Keywords Used Link to Result
Plant monitoring systems Amazon Link; $138.00
Positive Statements Rephrased Positive Statement into User Need Negative Statements Rephrased Negative Statement into User Need
“I have two of these devices at our brewery. One monitors the temp on our glycol chiller and the other monitors our walk-in cooler. I love the ability to check temps and receive alerts anywhere. I did have a problem with the unit on the glycol chiller, but Vic at Zynect was quick to get me back up and running.” [Explicit] Device can be accessed remotely (via mobile device) [Latent] Device producers are able to provide customer support. “Tried connecting to AT&T wifi, no luck.Tried a T-Mobile hot spot, again no luck.Brought it to our boat and tried to connect to marina wifi and it did not connect to that wifi either.After an hour of using the magnet to reset and start over, uninstalling app and installing again and again, we gave up.”
[Explicit] Device is able to easily connect to internet/wifi signals. “This device works perfectly for giving me the pool temperature remotely on my phone regardless of where I’m at, even when I’m not home. It’s exactly what I was looking for so I didn’t have the trek outside every time I wanted to know if the pool temp was favorable for a dip. The battery life has been terrific as well.” [Explicit] Device can be accessed remotely via a mobile device. [Explicit] The battery has a long lifespan.
“Purchased this to hardwire the probe into my hot tub for wireless monitoring. It doesn’t give live updates and when the time is set to retrieve its update the device never actually does it until you use the magnet to reset it. Absolute waste of time. I returned it.” [Explicit] Device is able to give up-to-date information to user. [Latent] Device can give live updates automatically. “The Thermote is very durable. I leave it outside to monitor the temperature of my garden. It has been rained on and covered in dirt and it still works great. Would recommend it for those who need it for outdoor use.”
[Explicit] Device is durable, especially in outdoor conditions. “used to monitor my outdoor boiler. Worked great for about half a season. Went to change batteries this year, and it wont come back on. Even following the instructions, as well as one can when they’ve been translated a few times, and troubleshooting guide, its an expensive goner.” [Latent] Device is able to last for an extended duration and/or be maintained for long periods of time. [Explicit] Device is able to work with a battery change.

Product Result #3

 
Keywords Used Link to Result
Weather Report System Amazon Link
Price: $329.00  
Positive Statements Rephrased Positive Statement into User Need Negative Statements Rephrased Negative Statement into User Need
“This has been so much fun. I have my own weather station that was easy to set up, is accurate and provides lots of information. It has an understated profile and is well made. I was able to attach it to my roof. The app for my android works extremely well. The widget is incredible.This has taken the place of my main weather app. I look at it frequently throughout the day.I found it on sale, however, after using it for 2 months, I would have paid full price if I knew how great it would perform.” [Explicit] The device is accurate and gives correct information. [Explicit] Included software is easy to us “Main goal measure rain and contribute data. Hurricane Ian dispersed over us and we had 0.06 inches of rain according to the meter. Our old fashion rain gauge says 2.25 inches. We are farmers. I have setup four (4) other stations in the northeast and they also have same issue! How could this have a four/five star rating by Amazon customers? The stations are on a 4x4 post in the middle of a field, no obstruction for 60 feet. Not an install issue. Have filled out calibration form with tempest and do know my station IDs. Still this is not a reasonable expectation for owners-was not simple entry from the app. Had to go to website and fill out a form.”
[Explicit] Device has clear instructions on how to install. User friendly setup and installation. (Explicit) “It took longer to climb up the ladder and install the unit than it did to set it up, very simple, very easy to do and it went right to work, well thought out, well built, easy setup and install” [Latent] The device is user-friendly.
[Explicit] Easy setup [Explicit] Simple user interface “As a scientist i love data, i have had an accurite for over 10 years. This was a replacement for old reliable… It is not ready for prime time: It will not charge despite 4-6 hours of direct sunBattery was dead in 2 weeks. Ordered external power supply which kept battery charged but it would lose connection with base station after an hour when on external battery despite being 20 feet from hub and router. I just can not get more than 10 min of data when on battery power, disconnect power and it works but battery dies… Just ordered a new accurite… sigh…” [Latent] The device has a longer lifetime.
The device has a reliable battery. (Explicit) [Latent] Device is able to last for an extended duration and/or be maintained for long periods of time. “It’s everything Tempest advertises. Truly 5 mins to set up. App is superb. Connection to Alexa is easy (most important feature for me). Durable. The solar power feature is excellent. Low profile with no extraneous parts, like vanes. I replaced my SainLogic with this one. I’m buying another for my vacation home. This is the real deal!” [Explicit] Device has clear instructions on how to install.
[Explicit] The device has multiple functions and is very accessible. “Lasted about a year then quit powering up. Solar power is a joke. The wind is a joke and the rain is a joke. Don’t waste your money. Get a Acurite or Ambient Station.” [Latent] The device has a longer lifetime. N?A

Product Result #4

HOBO temperature/relative humidity data logger

 
Keywords Used Link to Result
Environmental control unit Purchase Link: $115
Positive Statements Rephrased Positive Statement into User Need Negative Statements Rephrased Negative Statement into User Need
“Excellent product - small size, inexpensive, easy to setup and download and appears to be accurate.” [Explicit] The product should be portable [Explicit] Easy setup. [Explicit] Displays accurate data.
“One of the units worked the first couple of days then something went wrong.” [Explicit] The product needs to be robust. [Latent] Device needs to be free of manufacturing defects. “The software makes it easy to dump the device to a PC via USB.”
[Explicit] Included software is easy to use. [Latent] Bug-free software. “I had a hard time getting this company to replace the unit.” [Explicit] Good customer service is needed for potential product defects.
“This logger is very easy to use and read” [Explicit] Simple user interface. “There is no open source software that will work with it as far as I am aware.” [Latent] Device needs cross-compatibility for third party software.

Product Result #5

Logia 7-in-1 Wi-Fi Weather Station

 
Keywords Used Link to Result
weather stations wireless indoor outdoor Amazon Link; $159.99
Positive Statements Rephrased Positive Statement into User Need Negative Statements Rephrased Negative Statement into User Need
“The temperature and barometric pressure stay right in sync with the NWS stations near me. Very accurate. Great display and features.” [Latent] The device is user-friendly.    
[Explicit] The device is accurate and gives correct information. “In short, not all of the weather stations functions worked (rain gauge and ability to connect to the internet for cell phone notification) and the functions that did work (temp) were inaccurate by approximately 5 degrees. The product looks good and was easy enough to set up (except for its ability to connect to the internet which never worked), but after getting it set up and accepting it not being able to connect to the internet (not important for me) I recognized the temp was horribly inaccurate. I double checked the temp with multiple thermometers which confirmed the Logia was not working properly. Not a good product. Returned. Looking for a new weather station.” [Explicit] The device’s parts should take accurate weather readings.  
[Explicit] Device should be able to connect to internet.      
“This was a perfect weather station. Set up was a breeze (pun intended!). Has so many functions. Remember that you need a mounting pole. It clearly says it is not included, but I missed that important part.” [Explicit] Device has clear instructions on how to install.    
[Latent] Final product comes with all necessary components. “Bought this the end of August. It is now the end of November and the bearings in the anemometer are already shot. I realize Wyoming has serious wind but come on, the bearings should last longer than three months. The thing barely rotates at 1.5 mph when the wind is gusting at 35 mph. Great when it was working but a waste of money in the end.” [Latent] The device has a longer lifetime.  
[Explicit] The device’s parts are durable and can hold up in weather conditions.      
“Very impressed with the operation and apparent accuracy. The display can easily be seen across the room. Connection to wifi and Wunderground Weather was not too difficult and is a great asset for accumulating past data.” [Latent] The device has a guided installation process that the user can follow.    
[Explicit] The device has multiple functions and is very accessible. “This device uses too many different batteries and the moving parts stick so you don’t get accurate readings.Will not purchase this again not recommended to anyone” [Explicit] Device can rely on one (or just a few) power sources.  

Generated User Needs List

  1. [Explicit] Device can be accessed remotely (via mobile device).
  2. [Latent] Device producers are able to provide customer support.
  3. [Explicit] Device can be accessed remotely via a mobile device.
  4. [Explicit] The battery has a long lifespan.
  5. [Explicit] Device is durable, especially in outdoor conditions.
  6. [Explicit] Device is able to easily connect to internet/wifi signals.
  7. [Explicit] Device is able to give up-to-date information to user.
  8. [Latent] Device can give live updates automatically.
  9. [Latent] Device is able to last for an extended duration and/or be maintained for long periods of time.
  10. [Explicit] Device is able to work with a battery change.
  11. Ease of accessibility to everyone and everywhere. (Explicit)
  12. Have add ons for different ways to mount (Latent)
  13. Device needs to work for the long run (Explicit)
  14. Withstand the environment and its friends. (Latent)
  15. Weather coating on the circuitry or more protection. (Explicit)
  16. Device needs to be inclusive to all for upkeep. (Latent)
  17. User friendly setup and installation. (Explicit)
  18. Device works in real time. (Explicit)
  19. Has desired features on the device. (Explicit)
  20. Station is durable and consistent. (Explicit)
  21. Clear, detailed and accurate data is shown. (Latent)
  22. The device is user friendly. (Explicit)
  23. Able to withstand extreme weather. (Explicit)
  24. Easy access to be able to clean. (Explicit)
  25. Wireless control from anywhere.(Explicit)
  26. The screen is bright enough to see outside under the sun.(Latent)
  27. The device has a reliable battery. (Explicit)
  28. [Latent] The device is user-friendly.
  29. [Explicit] The device is accurate and gives correct information.
  30. [Explicit] Device has clear instructions on how to install.
  31. [Latent] Final product comes with all necessary components.
  32. [Latent] The device has a guided installation process that the user can follow.
  33. [Explicit] The device has multiple functions and is very accessible.
  34. [Explicit] The device’s parts should take accurate weather readings.
  35. [Explicit] Device should be able to connect to internet.
  36. [Latent] The device has a longer lifetime.
  37. [Explicit] The device’s parts are durable and can hold up in weather conditions.
  38. [Explicit] Device can rely on one (or just a few) power sources.
  39. [Explicit] The product should be portable
  40. [Explicit] Easy setup.
  41. [Explicit] Displays accurate data.
  42. [Explicit] The product needs to be robust.
  43. [Latent] Device needs to be free of manufacturing defects.
  44. [Explicit] Included software is easy to use
  45. [Latent] Bug-free software.
  46. [Explicit] Simple user interface,
  47. [Explicit] Good customer service is needed for potential product defects.
  48. [Latent] Device needs cross-compatibility for third party software.
  49. [Explicit] The device is accurate and gives correct information.
  50. [Explicit] Device has clear instructions on how to install.
  51. [Explicit] The device has multiple functions and is very accessible.
  52. [Latent] The device can cater to multiple groups, such as elderly, people with disabilities, or people with poor vision.
  53. The device is able to utilize solar power.
  54. The device can measure different weather phenomena.
  55. The device can work in a variety of environments.
  56. The device has specific instructions in case it needs repair.
  57. The device includes attatchable extensions to measure more weather phenomena.
  58. The device can help monitor and control functions, such as watering plants.
  59. The device can alert the user of extreme weather conditions.
  60. The device can connect to local weather forecasts and warn of potentially extreme/dangerous weather.

User Needs Jamboard

https://jamboard.google.com/d/1pPf0Uf_efi1GSkFu9nGHTbXXL9_WU1_ztjcG3wnTeOg/edit?usp=sharing

60 Unorganized User Needs

unorganized

Categorized User Needs

organized

Ranked User Needs

ranaked

Compiled User Needs List (In no particular order)

  1. Device can be accessed remotely (via mobile device).
  2. Device producers are able to provide customer support.
  3. Device can be accessed remotely via a mobile device.
  4. The battery has a long lifespan.
  5. Device is durable, especially in outdoor conditions.
  6. Device is able to easily connect to internet/wifi signals.
  7. Device is able to give up-to-date information to user.
  8. Device can give live updates automatically.
  9. Device is able to last for an extended duration and/or be maintained for long periods of time.
  10. Device is able to work with a battery change.
  11. Ease of accessibility to everyone and everywhere.
  12. Have add ons for different ways to mount
  13. Device needs to work for the long run
  14. Withstand the environment and its friends
  15. Weather coating on the circuitry or more protection.
  16. Device needs to be inclusive to all for upkeep.
  17. User friendly setup and installation
  18. Device works on real time.
  19. Has desired features on the device.
  20. Station is durable and consistent.
  21. Clear, detailed and accurate data is shown
  22. The device is user friendly.
  23. Able to withstand extreme weather.
  24. Easy access to be able to clean.
  25. Wireless control from anywhere.
  26. The screen is bright enough to see outside under the sun.
  27. The device has a reliable battery.
  28. Device blends in with environment
  29. Weather coating for extra protection on electronics
  30. Wireless way to empty rain gauge
  31. Extended period of time for device to last without being cleaned
  32. Easy access to electronics
  33. Interchangeable parts for newer pieces and upgrades
  34. Allow upgrades or extensions to device
  35. Easy settings to configure to preferences
  36. Device can measure different items at various specified times
  37. Designated “dashboards” for specified display based on user preferences
  38. The device is user-friendly.
  39. The device is accurate and gives correct information.
  40. Device has clear instructions on how to install.
  41. Final product comes with all necessary components.
  42. The device has a guided installation process that the user can follow.
  43. The device has multiple functions and is very accessible.
  44. The device’s parts should take accurate weather readings.
  45. Device should be able to connect to internet.
  46. The device has a longer lifetime.
  47. The device’s parts are durable and can hold up in weather conditions.
  48. Device can rely on one (or just a few) power sources.
  49. Accessible ways to replace parts and clean
  50. Easy way to clean device without taking apart
  51. User friendly setup
  52. Able to change settings via phone
  53. Measure something in various ways, water measure in weight or height in gauge
  54. Accessible touchscreen
  55. Multiple devices can connect to the devices at the same time
  56. Accessible view from computer in addition to phone
  57. Graph data in various ways specified by user
  58. Step by step guide on how to set up and use device
  59. Accessories that can be purchased separately to improve device
  60. Wind Meter that can be tracked on speed and turns per minute
  61. Rain gauge that can be emptied by hand or remotely
  62. Controlled air temperature for electronics or the device as a whole
  63. Interchangeable units based on location and preference
  64. Data can be sent to a site that stores the data
  65. Data can reset at a specific time, automatically or not at all
  66. Specific baselines for data if needed by user
  67. Camera attached to see real time how the device looks and the conditions
  68. Connects with the weather station to compare what is really being measured
  69. Data can easily be sent to others, like weather station, from site or app where data is stored
  70. Device can be hooked up to home/building electricity if within reach
  71. Self sustainable and does not need to be maintained for a period of time
  72. Humidity temperature can track averages in the area
  73. Data can be compared for real time based on previous days
  74. The product should be portable
  75. Easy setup.
  76. Displays accurate data.
  77. The product needs to be robust.
  78. Device needs to be free of manufacturing defects.
  79. Included software is easy to use
  80. Bug-free software.
  81. Simple user interface,
  82. Good customer service is needed for potential product defects.
  83. Device needs cross-compatibility for third party software.
  84. Not too big of a device so it does not take up a lot of space
  85. Different variations are available for purchase
  86. Specified stations/devices for one forecast, such as rain or wind only
  87. Ability to turn off one feature and have only a specified one run
  88. Easy way to move the device while it is running
  89. Software feature than can let the user set the location
  90. Quick response to sending data to device
  91. Constantly updating and measuring data
  92. Software allows way to send data and compare with others in the area
  93. Easy access points to clean device
  94. Ability to easily switch out sensors after a long period of time
  95. Sensors are secured in weather proof air tight environment
  96. Device has clear instructions on how to install.
  97. The device has multiple functions and is very accessible.
  98. Strong mount for extreme weather conditions
  99. Weather proof outer casing
  100. Electronics cooling and heating as needed