Communicative Design in Heat Controllers
Many reptiles and amphibians require strict and constant heat regulation for their tanks. A heat controller allows a user to plug in their heat source, for example, a heat lamp or under tank heater. The controller powers the heat source on or off based on the temperature of the probe in the tank and the users desired set temperature.
Effective:
The Zilla Reptile Heat Controller effectively and simply communicates its purpose and design to the user. There are power and heat source LEDs that indicate whether the controller is plugged in and whether the heat source is on, respectively. A dial with a white dot allows the user to set their desired set temperature by turning the white dot to the temperature desired, which is displayed both in Celsius (bottom) and Fahrenheit (top). Each of the small sections on the temperature wheel represents 1 degree of change for both scales. The color choices of blue, green, and red do a good job to represent the cold, warm, and hot ranges for most reptiles. The overall layout of the device is straightforward and easy to understand. The elements all work together well and cohesively to communicate the purposes of every part of the device right out of the box.
Ineffective:
The Thermo Mart Temperature Controller does a poor job of communicating its purpose and way of use. The labeling of the components is abbreviated and unclear. Additionally, the Celsius label is small and in a spot that indicates it was probably added as an afterthought, as opposed to being a core part of the design. The work light assumingly means that the heat source is on, and the set key likely activates a set light. Additionally, though owners should be aware of their pets needs before setting temperatures, the controller shows no indications of the safety level of the set temperature. The up and down arrows are clearly communicative in their purpose is to set the desired temperature. It's unclear what the reset button is used for. The elements of the display work together in form, but their functions are unclear. Overall, this design communicates little indication of its purpose and cannot be safely operated without reading an instruction manual first.
