Exploring a "Non-computer" Interface

I am going to a family reunion just outside of Holland, Michigan this summer.  I want to leave Iowa on Wednesday, August 1st, and return Tuesday, August 7th.   In addition to myself, I will be traveling with my wife, my 6 year old and my 3 year old.

There are two tasks I would like you to consider as part of this larger situation:

1. What would be my schedule and cost for the four of us for a round trip from Ottumwa, IA (the closest station to Cedar Falls) to Holland, MI?

2. Suppose that my trip leaves tomorrow morning instead.  What is the status of the morning train from Ottumwa to Chicago?

Amtrak has two different ways you could find out this information.  The first that I want you to explore is their very interesting interface to help users find trains and schedules on the phone.

Sometime during the day, call 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Browse the system and see what you think. Try solving the tasks listed above.  Feel free to explore a little bit.  For example, try to tell the system you want to leave from Cedar Falls and get it to suggest Ottumwa.

If at anytime you are forwarded to an agent, go ahead and hang up, unless you want to talk. Also, please do not buy anything for real...unless you're planning to go to Michigan this summer!

Also, try the same tasks at the Amtrak website (www.amtrak.com). Which do you like better? Does one work better than the other from a human standpoint (i.e. cognition)?

No writeup is necessary, just give your impressions in class.