사용성 평가 비교를 통한 노이즈 캔슬링 헤드폰 개선 방향 제안

초록

In the ever-evolving landscape of society, Bluetooth acoustic devices have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. Notably, noise-canceling headphones have emerged as an indispensable companion, offering the unique advantage of allowing users to immerse themselves in music even in bustling environments like subways or noisy cafes. As the noise-canceling headphones market anticipates substantial growth, this study seeks to evaluate the usability of such devices.The ultimate goal is to identify potential usability challenges and propose targeted improvements. For the empirical usability evaluation, a rigorous test method was employed. Following the evaluation, the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire was selected to derive a comprehensive evaluation score. The study focused on noise-canceling headphones from three prominent brands—Apple, Sony, and Sennheiser— which are widely available in Korea and share similar market positioning. The research methodology unfolded in several stages. Initially, a theoretical framework was developed to guide the usability evaluation of noise-canceling headphones. Subsequently, evaluation products and research subjects were carefully chosen, and primary tests were conducted based on the fundamental functions of these products. A second survey, utilizing the SUS questionnaire, was then administered to gauge the overall usability of the selected headphones. Finally, drawing insights from the research results, tailored improvement measures for noise-canceling headphones were proposed. Key findings from the study revealed that users experienced confusion when a single button served multiple functions. Additionally, since headphone operation occurs after placement on the head, button placement and the presence of voice prompts proved crucial. The interaction method was highlighted as needing to be user-friendly, offering familiarity in operation and delivering prompt and clear feedback. The SUS research indicated a user preference ranking for Apple, Sennheiser, and Sony headphones, with design concerns raised for the latter two brands, both receiving lower SUS scores. As a culmination of these insights, the study proposes specific improvements tailored to address the identified challenges and enhance the overall user experience of noise-canceling headphones.

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