A2.1 User Centered Research Methods

Unit 1: Usability

What is user-centred design (UCD)?

A design process that focuses on the needs of potential users by involving them in all stages of the design process (research, concept, design, implementation, launch).

What is the key to UCD?

Understanding the needs, wants, and limitations of end-users.

What are the advantages of UCD?

• More intuitive designs
• Better user satisfaction
• Products meet real needs

What are the disadvantages of UCD?

• Expensive
• Time-consuming
• Data may be difficult to interpret into designs

What are the five stages of UCD?

Research, Ideation, Design, Implementation, Evaluation.

What happens in the Research stage?

Understanding users, their tasks, and environments (interviews, surveys, observation).

What happens in the Ideation stage?

Brainstorming and generating design concepts based on user needs.

What happens in the Design stage?

Creating prototypes (wireframes, mockups, interactive models).

What happens in the Implementation stage?

Building the actual product (coding, integration, production).

What happens in the Evaluation stage?

Testing with real users, gathering feedback, refining the design.

Name six user-centred research methods.

Field research, task analysis, user observation, interviews, surveys, focus groups.

What is field research?

First-hand observation of users in their real environment.

What is task analysis?

Observing and breaking down a user’s actions to understand how they complete tasks.

What is user observation?

Watching users interact with a product to find pain points.

What is the purpose of interviews and surveys?

To directly gather user opinions, needs, and feedback.

What are focus groups?

Group discussions with selected users to gain insights into collective opinions and experiences.

What is a primary persona?

A fictional profile of the main user experiencing a challenge that presents a design opportunity.

What is a secondary persona?

A user who is not the main audience but whose needs the product should also meet.

What is an anti-persona?

A profile of users for whom the product is not designed.

What is a scenario?

An imagined sequence of events in the life of a persona (best, worst, average case).

What are population stereotypes?

Widespread responses or behaviors found in a user population (e.g., turning a knob clockwise to tighten).

What are the advantages of population stereotypes?

• Easier learning of products
• Quicker design assumptions
• Predictable user behavior

What are the disadvantages of population stereotypes?

• Not always accurate
• May not fit all users
• Can cause misuse of controls

Why are UCD design teams multidisciplinary?

To gain a full understanding of users, tasks, and environments by combining different expertise.

Which disciplines might be involved in UCD teams?

Anthropology, sociology, psychology, human factors, engineering, design.

What are the advantages of multidisciplinary teams?

• Creative problem-solving
• Wide expertise base
• Can tackle complex systems
• Rapid communication
• Greater creativity

What are the disadvantages of multidisciplinary teams?

• Team friction
• Time zone differences (global teams)
• High turnover slows progress
• Time pressure
• Lack of ownership

What is a user population?

The group of people expected to use a product (wide or narrow).

What is user segmentation?

Classifying users into groups (by demographics, geography, interests, habits, emotions) to gather targeted insights.

Why is user segmentation useful?

Provides detailed feedback and insights tailored to each group, leading to more inclusive design.