Perform a task analysis - Assignment Example

Performing a Task Analysis Lecturer Performing a Task Analysis A task analysis breaks down the functions that a product or a system performs into a number of tasks or subtasks with the aim of describing how the product or system works. The objective of performing task analysis of a given product is to understand how the product works by determining the required inputs, methods and outputs, as well as determining the intentions or goals of the product in a bid to clearly understand the product (Fain, 2006).

Task analysis begins with task identification, which involves the analysis of all user actions of the product. One can get information about task identification by observing people using the product (or recalling how the person uses the product) or from the product’s technical documentation (especially user manual). This is followed by task classification into initial setup, product use, troubleshooting and maintenance, which is followed by task prioritization. The final part of task analysis is the development of task scenarios or task sequence, which arranges product tasks into the way they operate (Fain, 2006).

This paper develops task analysis for a mobile phone.GoalsThe primary goal of using a mobile phone is to communicate with other people having mobile phones by calling them, receiving calls from them, texting or receiving text messages from them. A mobile phone also stores date and time and it helps a person to know date and time. Other functions of the mobile phone include reminding a person about important activities, such as meeting, acting as an alarm to help someone to wake up as desired or perform a desired task at a given time and listening to songs stored in the mobile phone.

Task PrioritizationTask prioritization is based on the importance of the task. For instance, communicating is considered the primary goal of the mobile phone, and it is, therefore given first priority. Second priority tasks are secondary tasks while third priority tasks are tertiary and are not necessary. Priority number 11. CommunicatingTalkingTexting2. Maintenance Priority number 21. Checking date and time2. Acting as an alarmPriority number 31. Reminding about important events2. Entertainingi.

Listening to songs saved on the mobile phoneTasks IdentificationA mobile phone performs the following main tasks, which are classified as main and subtasks. The tasks are also classified as initial setup, general usage and maintenance tasks. Task ClassificationMain TaskSub TasksInitial setupInserting batteryAssembling the phoneInserting cardGetting the desired simcardInserting it on phoneSwitching on the phoneMaking initial settingSetting date and timeSetting profileLoading airtimeCharging the phoneGeneral usage tasksCommunicatingMaking a callReceiving a callSending a short messageReading a short messageSetting alarmSetting desired alarm timeSetting desired ringtoneSetting desired snooze timeSetting reminderSetting desired remind timeSetting desired ringtoneChecking date and timeChecking date and timeMaintenanceRecharging the phoneInserting charger to wall outletInserting charger to the phoneSwitching on powerWaiting for phone to charge fullySwitching off power on wall outlet, removing phone from charger and removing charger from wall outletDusting the phoneSwitching off the phoneChecking if the phone has dustDusting the phone as requiredTroubleshootingChecking why the phone is not doing some operations (this may require consulting technical advice or checking user manual)ReferencesFain, W. B. (2006).

Georgia Tech Research Institute Accessibility Monograph Series: A Study of Accessibility Issues and Potential Design Solutions for Designers, Procurement Officials, and Consumers. Georgia Tech Research Institute.