Scotch Pop-up GiftWrap Tape Dispenser Ergonomic Evaluation

Breakdown: Human-Machine Interfaces

The Pop-up GiftWrap Tape Dispenser has two tasks with two Human-Machine Interfaces apiece.

During a tape stack loading task the Human-Machine Interfaces are the sliding panel and the tape stack.

• The sliding panel has iconography to indicate where it is and how it slides open.
  
• The sliding panel has a grip to make opening and closing the sliding panel easier.
  
• The tape stack has an existing tape tag with a backing so that it will not stick and will always be upright making it easy to close the sliding panel with the tape tag sticking through the slot.

During use the Human-Machine Interfaces are the tape and the elastic band.

• The tape has a tag that is large enough for the thickest fingers to grab.
  
• The tape is standard Scotch Gift Wrap tape.
  
• The tape is pre-cut into two inch sections which are usable for almost anything.
  
• The elastic band will fit comfortably on most.
  
• The elastic band is strong, almost to strong and may cause cramping on larger hands.
  

Ergonomic Breakdown: Comfort Factors

The Pop-up GiftWrap Dispenser is curved to match the curve of the top of the hand and wrist. The edges are rounded and the elastic band acts as padding so it is moderately comfortable when worn.

Ergonomic Breakdown: Efficiency Factors

The Pop-up GiftWrap Tape Dispenser reduces the amount of time and number of steps needed to procure a piece of tape to secure gift wrapping to a package.

• Procuring a piece of tape is a one handed opperation.
• No tearing is needed, a simple tug is all that is necessary.
  
• The tape is at the point of use, wherever the hand is.
  
• No tape slippage at the point of tearing is possible.
  
• Tape size is always usable.

Use, Misuse & Unknowns

The Pop-up Tape Dispenser is durable. It can withstand the occasional step, sit or kneeling on. I wouldn't jump on it though. The elastic band should last for years before it wears out.

The tape is Scotch Gift Wrap tape which is good stuff. The tape can be pulled out at just about any angle and speed with the same results.

The dispenser holds 75 pieces of tape. You typically use 3-6 pieces of tape when wrapping a box. One tape stack is good for about 15 presents.

The dispenser can be worn over the middle knuckles, the first knuckles (where the fingers join the hand) and the wrist. The ideal placement is over the first knuckles where the bone structure will counter the elastic constriction. If the elastic is tight on your hand it may cause cramping, especially if it is over the middle knuckles, where the fingers can be crunched together, or the meat of the hand, where blood flow will be restricted.