For instance, if he is to schedule a task, say at 10PM on a particular date, how can he be sure that the system will execute that task at exactly 10PM of that date? The only way then would be to have the system's time synchronized to his own sense of time, and have it visible and available at all time for confirmation and surety. The user of the system obviously knows the date/time (from his own watch or phone or otherwise), but he also expects to be reassured that the system he's working on is following the same date/time. The desktop clock, or for that matter even the calendar, are primarily meant as a reflection of the date/time that the system is currently following. Run an observation on many different personas and you'll find the same applies. People often check the time (user need), and if in front of a computer (context), a small clock on the screen (design solution) is the quickest and most accurate way for them to do so. He goes about how it can save the need to buy, maintain (batteries), and calibrate wall clocks on all rooms which have computers in them. You propose it to Carlos and he thinks it is a genius idea. In addition, how about clicking on the clock will reveal date information (which Carlos checks less regularly)?.Not only this, but the desktop clock will also be synced to a time server (the machine is connected to the internet anyway), providing Carlos with the most accurate time.We provide Carlos with a small clock in the top bar of his screen (which he looks at most of the day anyway), so he only needs to move his eyes to see the time?.How about we save Carlos the need to reach his pocket, fetch the phone, look at the time and put the phone back in his pocket. ' It ran out of batteries 2 weeks ago and no one is asked to replace them.' A Revolutionary DesignĪnd then you have a moment of enlightenment: You ask Carlos why the clock isn't working. You further observe that behind Carlos there's a wall clock stuck on 2:40. ' Because my iPhone clock is automatically synced to a time server and thus it is more accurate than my watch.' He spent 6 hours and 42 minutes in front of his computer screen.Īs you observe Carlos, you see that in order to check the time he uses his iPhone instead of his watch. In the specific day you observed Carlos, he checked the time 21 times. How long has he been replying to emails?.How long has he got before the 11:00 meeting?.User ObservationĪs Carlos goes on about his daily tasks, every half an hour or so he checks the time. He is a very busy man who spends most of the day in front of his computer. He is an academic course-coordinator in a university.

Small digital clock for desktop