User Centered

In the image here- the three top dark buttons are Popcorn, Beverage, and Reheat. I almost always hit the “Popcorn” button instead of the “Cook Time” button even though I'm well aware of the difference. I think it may have something to do with the fact that just about every microwave I've ever used in my life have and a "cook" or "cook time" button in the upper left of the interface. This follows suit, but just below the popcorn button and with less "weight."

Nobody argues that the start button should have the most visual weight of the microwave UI. It's the button we're most interested. But all the other buttons are colored the same as the background, and the "Popcorn" "Reheat" and "Beverage" buttons are given the same level of respect as the Start button. I admit- I have actually used the popcorn button a couple of times to make popcorn. But for the first couple weeks I almost always hit it on accident since it's right above the "Cook Time" button (IMO- the second most important button on the microwave).

I have never used the beverage or reheat buttons. In fact- I'm not really sure what the "reheat" button does. I understand the concept (the food has already been cooked, so you don't need to press "cook time"- you just need to heat it up)- but I the years of precendence and microwave use that we've all become accustom to has trained us that the cook button is well enough for all purposes. Maybe I should start believing my microwave and trying to use the reheat.