1. USABILITY BLOG #1 (WEEK 2 –
JANUARY 2015)
PRODUCT: 2014-2015 FLEXI PLANNER – RETRO
I have to admit that despite multiple methods of keeping track of dates and planning, I am old
school. The 2014-2015 Flexi Planner by Studio Oh! has been my go-to option since August 2014. I
have gone through multiple planners over the years, but find this planner works best for me. Using
Quesenbery’s 5Es, I will analyze the planner’s usability and function, as well as my personal
experience with it.
Effectiveness
I use this planner to keep track of any school assignments, major work deadlines,
appointments, and personal plans. The Flexi Planner’s design works wonderfully to keep
everything in order. With both a monthly view as well as weekly breakdowns the planner
works for various types of visual learners. I do use both – circling or placing stickers on
dates in the monthly view to signal an event or deadline, though I prefer the weekly view as
I have more space to write out daily plans, deadlines, or to-dos. With the view of the entire
week rather than just one day at a time, I am also able to better grasp the outlook of my
week and plan my days out accordingly. The planner is lightweight and mid-sized, but fits
into my purses with ease, making it easily portable for on-the-go days and quick check-ins.
Efficiency
The Flexi Planner does take some time to become efficient. By that – I mean, I generally do
spend some time writing out deadlines and dates in advance (at least those that can be
predicted, i.e. Course assignment deadlines, car payments, phone bill due dates, etc.)
However, once these things are penned in – the planner is highly efficient and easy to use on
a daily basis. I use a sticky tab or magnetic bookmark to mark the current monthly view as
well as the current week making finding dates quick and easy. The ruled lines help to keep
quickly jotted notes neat and in order, the included stickers make the monthly view more

2. fun, and the back cover pocket helps to store any receipts, business cards, or loose notes
collected or required throughout your day.
Engagingness
The compact size and fun cover design/colour are what initially drew me to the Flexi
Planner. The retro design is eye-catching yet can still maintain a sense of professionalism,
the plastic cover protectors were a nice addition in blocking any spills and protecting any
post-it notes that may be placed just inside. The colour coded months and lined pages help
to maintain the theme and keep the pages from being too bland. The included page of
stickers also drew me in and peaked my interest as a fun bonus which can be used as an
added reminder for appointments, birthdays, holidays, etc. The graphics and colours match
up well with the pastels used throughout the entire planner. The overall design is clean,
with a hint of colour which doesn’t seem overwhelming but makes the planner fun and easy
to use/organize. The spiral binding also drew me in as it makes the planner ideal for on the
go notes when folded over.
Error Tolerance
This little planner has saved me many times in regards to unexpected conflicts, forgotten
deadlines, and helping to maintain a work/life balance. By offering blank sections, address
and phone number pages, and features such as the pocket the planner works to maintain
order and help with organization of the user’s day, month, and year. By giving a basic
structure the planner allows the user to customize its use. For example, it may be used to
mark financial deadlines, work deadlines, school assignments, or life events. Each user is
able to write and keep track of the information they need reminders for. In regards to
recovery, the planner helps to see conflicts in regards to upcoming events and allows you to
reorganize your day or week accordingly.
Easy to Learn
Since the planner is essentially a blank canvas with various calendar views, the user is able
to customize and assess the best use and function as they see fit – thereby making the
planner easy to use all year round.