Pretty Hot HotShot

       This HotShot is one of the best designed objects for creating drinks quickly without having to use microwaves. HotShots allow water to be heated quicker than most microwaves. Also, unlike the microwave, the HotShot has only two simple push buttons - "heat" and "dispense." There are many reasons why this HotShot is more usable than microwaves; however, there are also constraints.
       This HotShot affords signifiers that help make heating water easy. The first signifier that I would like to point out is the lip on the top of the HotShot. The tab on the lip signifies that the top section of the HotShot can be opened. Another signifier on the HotShot is the indent where a mug can be placed. This indent, which fits a mug perfectly, signifies a mug is what should be used with this device. Two other signifiers are the words and buttons that heat and dispense the water. By providing labels, users can easily understand what each button does. The red light that lights up when water is heating also signifies that contents are getting hot.
       One may think that from what I have said above, this HotShot couldn't be any better; unfortunately, I would have to disagree. While this HotShot does seem relatively usable, there are a few constraints placed on the HotShot that diminish its use. The first constraint is that only a certain size mug can be placed under the HotShot. Another negative constraint is that the user can not choose how hot his or her drink gets. Unfortunately, when interfaces become more simple, they do not afford many features that experts would like, and when interfaces become more complex, they do not allow unexperienced users to easily use the interface.