Usability Review

This part of the tape dispenser has the affordance of being able to cut tape off the roll as it is being used. It has two primary signifiers denoting this affordance: the fact that the end of the tape is stuck at this point and the serrated edge that the end of the tape is stuck to. Feedback to the task of getting a piece of tape is shown as the user pulls on the tape and pulls down on the serrated edge, cutting it successfully into a small piece.

The tape dispenser has the affordance of being able to be folded to a smaller size for storage. Its primary signifier is in the arm of the dispenser in that it has a hinge. In the folded up position, the dispenser also has a signifier for how to open the dispenser: the end of the arm that has the serrated edge sticks out from the dispenser as a tab that looks like it is supposed to be moved or snapped away from the dispenser. When unfolded, the dispenser can be locked into place, which when done successfully, gives a tactile and audible snap that it is unfolded fully.

The feet of the dispenser, though small, give the dispenser the affordance of being able to stand upright on a flat surface without falling over. Additionally, they give the affordance of stability when the user is trying to accomplish the task of dispensing tape. There isn't much in terms of signifiers here besides the presence of the feet, but there is negative feedback when attempting to put the dispenser down on the wrong side: it falls over or is much more difficulty to dispense tape.

The dispenser roll is the body of the dispenser: it gives the dispenser the affordance of being able to contain tape. Additionally, the interior of the roll has little friction with the roll of tape, giving the affordance of being able to rotate the roll of tape, which is invaluable to accomplishing the task of dispensing the tape. The only signifier to this affordance is the fact that in its default state, the end of the tape is stuck away from the roll toward the end of the foldable arm, signifying to the user that it should be grabbed and pulled. It gives noticeable feedback in that the tape dispenses correctly and rolls the tape roll around inside the dispenser. One final affordance the dispenser has in this area is that it can be easily held around a finger if necessary -- this is signified by the roughly finger-sized hole in the center of the dispenser.