Module 2: Part 1: Front-End Analysis

Topic: Iterative Design Process and Methodologies, Virginia Tech, Facilitator: Dr.RNCP

What is the overriding methodological principle in Engineering Psychology and Human Factors?

to center the design process around the USER.

What are the 2 ways to put the overriding methodological principle in Engineering Pyschology and Human Factors into practice?

1. Determine user needs (Needs Analysis).

2. Involve the user in all stages of the design process.

What is the goal of involving the user in all stages of the design process?

to support the user’s needs (expected and unexpected).

Name a case study where the user’s needs (expected and unexpected) were supported.

Doors.

Example of Expected Need: a door should have a handle.

Example of Unexpected Needs: a door should have a door stopper.

What are 4 general approaches of User-Centered Design?

1. Early focus on user and task.

2. Empirical measurements.

3. Iterative Design.

4. Participatory Design.

T/F: Should the user design everything?

F. Users might not know what’s best for them…

What are 6 roles of Human Factors in Design?

1. Analyze user needs (i.e., Needs Analysis)

2. Help design new products/systems (esp. interfaces)

3. Modify design/procedure

4. Design ergonomic environments

5. Safety analysis and recommendations

6. Training programs and instructional materials (when necessary).

What are 3 sources for Guidelines and Standards?

1. Published Research (i.e., scholarly references)

2. Databases (domain specific)

3. Human Factors Design Standards

What are 4 examples of Human Factors Design Standards?

1. MIL-STD-1472D (Military)

2. ANSI/HFES (American National Standards Institute)

3. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

4. Human Factors Principles and Guidelines

What are the 8 stages of Product Life Cycle?

1. Front-end Analysis (Preliminary Design)

2. Conceptual Design

3. Design and Testing

4. Design of Support Materials

5. System Production

6. Implementation and Evaluation

7. System Orientations and Maintenance

8. System Disposal

What are 3 Human Factors Approaches?

1. Identify the Problem(s).

2. Understanding the Problem(s).

3. Development of Solutions.

What are 4 questions to ask during Front End Analysis?

1. Who are the users?

2. What are the functions and tasks of the system?

3. What are the environmental conditions?

4. What are the user requirements/preferences?

What are 5 Methods of Front-End Analysis?

1. Mission Statement

2. Mission Scenario(s)

3. User Analysis/Personas

4. Function/Task Analysis

5. Environmental Analysis

What are 3 characteristics of Mission Statements?

1. Describe goals of the systems.

2. Simple declarative statements.

3. Stable, lasting, and provide direction.

What is the main idea of mission statements?

every system has a PURPOSE.

Mission Scenarios Definition

a narrative describing foreseeable interactions of types of users and the system.

What are 3 characteristics of mission scenarios?

1. Includes information about goals, expectations, motivations, actions, and reactions.

2. An attempt to describe how a system is used in daily activity.

3. Written in plain language - provides a common example.

Name a case study of a Mission Scenario written in plain language.

Military Zombie Protocol.

What are 3 characteristics of User/Personas Analysis?

1. Personas are hypothetical persons that represent key user characteristics.

2. They are a tool to aid in the design process.

3. Typically, there are 3-4 personas.

Personas Definition

hypothetical persons that represent key user characteristics.

Environmental Analysis Definition

analyzes physical situation and conditions of use.

What are 7 examples of questions to ask during Environmental Analysis?

1. Indoors/outdoors?

2. Wet, dry, cold, hot, slippery, etc.?

3. Lighting?

4. Accessibility?

5. Place/Setting?

6. Underwater/Gravity?

7. High Stress?

What is the main idea of Function and Task Analysis?

what is the function/task to be done?

What is the main idea of Function Analysis?

what are the general categories of functions that the system is supposed to do?

Definition of High-Level Categories in Function Analysis

basic functions of the system.

Name a case study where Function Analysis is shown.

wristwatch/wristwatch functionalities.

What are 4 characteristics of Preliminary Task Analysis?

1. Performed during the preliminary design phase.

2. Identify what the user would like to do.

3. Identify what is important for the user.

4. Also called Activity Analysis.

Name a case study where Task/Activity Analysis is shown with 2 examples of tasks/activities.

Using an ATM

1. Withdrawing money.

2. Checking balances.

Goal Definition

end condition/reason.

Function Definition

general transformations to achieve a goal.

Task Definition

specific activities to carry out a function.