2.2: User-Centered Design Flashcards
What are the key features of user-centered design? List 3
1) Direct engagement with users - observations, research, and evaluation
2) Investigation and understanding of context of use
3) Main focus of UCD is suitability of solution for real users
What is User-Centered Design?
is an iterative design process in which designers focus on the users and their needs in each phase of the design process. UCD calls for involving users throughout the design process via a variety of research and design techniques so as to create highly usable and accessible products for them.
What is an example of ‘context of use’?
A) Point of sale system for a pub vs. supermarket.
Equipment may be similar, but the use is completely different.
B) Returns systems for a dusty, noisy warehouse rather than a clean and comfortable office.
Main focus of _____________ is suitability of solution for real users
UCD
Main focus of UCD is suitability of solution for ___________
real users
What is the process for User-centered design? List 4
1) Research Contexts of Use
2) Specify User Requirements
3) Produce Design Solutions
4) Evaluate Against Requirements «_space;Usability Testing
Do the ^ until you meet the requirements.
Can usability be improved by conducting only usability testing?
No, you will still be creating bad designs and just filtering them out.
What is the summary of steps to take in User-centered Design?
1) Multi-disciplinary teams (improved empathy, better problem-solving)
2) Research into the needs of users and contexts of use.
3) Producing Prototypes
4) Timescales to allow feedback and design changes
Why is multi-disciplinary teams an important part of the UCD process? List 3.
1) Provides a variety of POVs with a less narrow focus
2) Improved Empathy
3) Better Problem-Solving
Why do we need design for usability?
- Systems often fail to take the needs of real users into account
- Human perception and psychology are deceptively complex
- We need real empathy towards users in the design and build process
- Usability testing is important but it isn’t a design tool
Why do we need real empathy towards users in the design and build process?
To understand problems from the users POV - Cognitive empathy
What do we need to do to design for usability? List 3
1) Make all team members aware of the basics of designing for users
2) Improve awareness of user-focused design tools and techniques
3) Better integrate interaction design within the project cycle
These 3 action points are the focus for the main sections of this course
If you want to improve product quality and only adjust the testing process:
A) You save money by not doing user research
B) You address usability problems in the later cycles
C) You waste development effort
C
