Muscle Memory Authenticator: MYO Device
For the front-end user interface, a Google Chrome extension was developed in which the user could register and login to their account (while wearing the Myo device). As long as the user wore the device, all of their passwords would be authenticated. If another user attempted to login, the system would not allow it, as long as the extension was running.
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The Google Chrome extension was developed using JavaScript, HTML, and JavaScript Object Notation. The HTML interface was created using HTML, CSS, and PHP.
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Two front-end prototypes were created based off of two evaluation techniques- user interviews and user observations.
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User Observations- Prototype #1:
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In total, there were 7 people that were observed. It was these same 7 people that were also interviewed. The purpose of the observations was to understand how the user directly interacted with the device, particularly with regards to the challenges they may come across. We found that there was some confusion regarding the Myo device setup and the purpose of the project. The design was also not visually attractive to the users. However, most users appeared to understand how to use and navigate the page.
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The observations were limited because, with the same problem of the survey, users that were observed were all younger than 22 years of age. People of that generation are constantly exposed to technology, compared to someone that did not grow up in a technological-era. Furthermore, observations are limited because they could have been misinterpreted by the observer. Some actions could have been understood in a different manner than they were intended to be.
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The following are depictions of the users being observed:
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Interviews
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Two sets of interviews were conducted. The purpose of the interviews was the gather user-feedback regarding the front-end prototype design and back-end work. We focused specifically on the user's opinion of the overall aesthetic and used this information to modify the design respectively. We also wanted greater insight into the additional features the user would like to see as well as if the device met the user's expectations.
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The following is a general outline of the interview questions that were asked:
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Questions pertained to the following pattern:
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Introduction: How has your general experience been with passwords? What issues do you face with password authentication?
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Kickoff: What current password methods do you use? What are the drawbacks with these methods?
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Build Rapport: What was your initial reaction to the prototype? How was your experience with the Myo device?
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Main Experiment: Did you find the design to be easy to use and navigate? What did you like most? What could be improved?
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Reflection: Would you use this device or this form of authentication? Who would you recommend/not recommend it to?
6. Wrap-Up: What would ideal password authentication method be? Any general feedback/comments?
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The interviews were conducted on a one-on-one basis following a 10-15 minute period where the user could set-up, test, and explore the product.
For the first interview, 7 people in-total were interviewed (the same that were observed).
For the second interview, 3 people in-total were interviewed. These 3 people were the same people from the first interview.
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For the first interview:
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6/7 interviewees did not find the layout to be aesthetically pleasing
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All interviewees believed the interface was easy-to-navigate
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However, 3 interviewees noted to have more information regarding the product​
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One user noted it would be useful to have a quick tutorial video or demonstration of the product
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5/7 interviewees commented on the appeal of the product
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Based on these changes, the prototype was revised accordingly. This was the initial prototype design:
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The following is the second prototype design. Because of the back-end work required to link the HTML page and the prototype design as well as time restrictions, the users were asked to come to the lab, where Komail operated the system while the user experimented with the interface.
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During the second set of interviews- after the users could see the modifications, all three interviewees felt the aesthetic modifications made were significantly better than the initial prototype design. They found that the prototype was easy-to-use and navigate and had felt the additional information added regarded the Myo device, about the project, and tutorial GIFs were useful.
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For further modifications, we seek to create a demonstration video. Furthermore, we would like to have older users test our designs to see how they would interact with the device.