Bicycle Rental Operation Conducted a thorough review of a 500-bicycle rental concession in Yosemite National Park. Facilities, literature, signs, rental procedures, user-bicycle matching, user characteristics, trails, and safety issues were evaluated and addressed. An accident database was analyzed. An extensive list of recommendations were made and adapted by the client, Yosemite Park and Curry Company.

Foreign Language Maps Edited and proofed foreign language versions of brochures and maps used by the bicycle rental concession in Yosemite National Park. This work was the result of an earlier study showing that a large percentage of users of the service spoke only Japanese, French, or Spanish. Foreign language experts at the University of California @ Santa Barbara were hired to review and translate maps, safety information, and rental agreements.

Trail Ride Review Conducted a thorough review of horse rental operations (about 400 horses) in Yosemite National Park. Stables were examined, employees interviewed, reservation procedures and information assessed, trails surveyed, and trail-ride procedures observed. An accident database was analyzed to identify accident patterns and countermeasures. Major changes were implemented by the client based upon this work.

Pony Ride Review Conducted a review of a walk-and-lead pony ride concession in Yosemite National Park. Operations were reviewed, employees were interviewed, trails were surveyed, and users were observed. A database of accidents was analyzed. Recommendations for improving the quality and safety of the service were provided and implemented by the client, Yosemite Park and Curry Company.

Fast Food Ordering Systems Conducted studies of customers as they interacted with menu boards. One thousand walk-in and two hundred drive-up customers were tracked unobtrusively. Motion and time data were computer analyzed, and problem areas were identified. Recommendations for improving drive-up and walk-in menu board design were provided to the clients, BY&A and McDonald's Corporation.

Commercial Door Hardware Developed concepts and models for a new type of commercial door handle for a major hardware manufacturer. The selected design theme was developed in CAD and designed to work around the manufacturer’s mechanical parts. The product is being marketed world-wide.

Strength Trainer Designed and conducted two usability studies on successive prototypes of a multi-exercise strength trainer for a major manufacturer of exercise equipment. Recommendations for controls, displays, and related visual aids to promote ease of use were provided.The new product was found easier and faster to use than a major competitive product.

Cardio Control Panel Developed user interface architecture for a family of control panels used on treadmills, elipitical cross trainers, stationary bikes, and climber machines. Conducting studies with users utilizing soft mockups, laptop stimulations, and prototype hardware. The product will give users new levels of control and feedback over their workouts.