Strategies for user-centred design (UCD)

There are a feast of research methods to chose from and an even larger array of analytical methodologies. Knowing when, how and what to research is the foundation and can help you save a huge amount of time in the process.

An observation of customer's user experience first hand, done by the firm. Essential for research to be conducted in the user's environment.

• Useful when redesigning the product, as producers can fix the designs current problem

• Can see what a user actually does as opposed to what they say they do

• Downside is the cost of doing the field research, which is quite expensive to conduct

• Gain first hand knowledge

• Gain first hand experience

• Obtain detailed data of people and processes

• It emphasises the role and relevance of social context.

• Cost

• Time

• Data will be very narrow

A common sampling method where users are selected to represent the extremes of a user population, typically the 2.5th and 97.5th percentile. Using this method, sample users are selected to represent the extremes of the user population plus one or two intermediate values. Products are then designed and/or tested to ensure that they function efficiently for those users.

• greatest number of users are accommodated

• maybe sensitive for extreme groups to be involved

A collection of responses from users, as well as a trail observation of users interacting with the product.

Essentially is a user trial where the intended client uses the product and the expert observes. This can be in the field (natural environment) or in a lab (controlled environment).

• Help to unveil usability issues

• Tested under conditions of use

• Data collected maybe difficult to analyse

A collection of responses from users, a trail of observation of users interacting with the product.

• It is dynamic

• Face to Face

• Body language and gestures can be observed

• Easily measure reactions

• Clarifying questions can be asked

• Helps design your personae

• Expensive as interviewees are often compensated

• Participants may not wish to share sensitive issues

• Small sample size may not be truly representative of the whole

• Moderator bias

A collection of responses from users, a trail of observation of users interacting with the product.

• It is dynamic

• Face to Face

• Mob mentality can be observed

• Easily measure group reactions

• Expensive as interviewees are often compensated

• Participants may not wish to share sensitive issues

• Small sample size may not be truly representative of the whole

• Moderator bias

• Only the easily articulated responses will be heard

• Groups tend to follow the dominant influence within

The method of obtaining user responses, through questionnaires to solicit information. One of the market research strategy, and user data collection techniques (supermarket surveys, questionnaires and interviews). User research is classed as Primary

• Cheap

• Easy to administer

• large numbers of questionnaires can be administered

• sent easily to a wide local, national, global regions

• Static

• poor number of responses

• maybe only interested people fill out the survey thus perhaps a bias

Affinity diagramming is a tool used to organise ideas and information.

• A graphical tool that identifies a general theme to collect facts, opinions and ideas.

• They express data and information in a common format by creating clusters and groups of common information.

• It represents a text based map which shows aspects of the product that has been/will be taken into consideration in the design and manufacturing of the product, thereby presenting the results.

• Simple

• Cost effective

• Easy to get data from a group

• builds teamwork

• time consuming

• can get quite large