UX RESEARCH Session 01

Introduction to User Experience (UX)

Subtopics Covered

  • Variety of UX

  • Concerns of UX

  • Being Digital

  • Skills of the UX Designer

  • Importance of Being Human-centered

  • PACT: Framework for Designing UX

  • Scoping a Problem Using PACT

The Variety of UX

  • UX has evolved from HCI and interaction design to be the focal point of design work.

  • It integrates knowledge from multiple design disciplines.

  • UX designers must understand:

    • People and their needs

    • Technologies in use

    • Activities people engage in

    • Relevant contextual factors

  • Safe, effective, ethical, and sustainable design requires a focus on UX.

A Look Into Interactive Systems

  • Designing interactive systems encompasses:

    • Software systems for workplace use

    • Websites, games, and interactive products (e.g., MP3 players, cameras)

    • Environmental designs for gadgets and communication

    • Interactive products for home, work, and community contexts

Practical Observations and Critiques

  • Example Activities:

    • Analyze smart device interactions on Apple's site.

    • Compare features across different mobile devices.

    • Examine gesture-based inputs through gaming systems (e.g., Wii vs. Xbox).

    • Explore UX in retail environments (e.g., Burberry's innovative design).

Avatars in Virtual Environments

  • Engage with avatars in immersive environments like Second Life.

  • Explore how users identify with avatars and engage in virtual interactions.

Designing for Children

  • Considerations in designing toys and interactive systems for children.

    • Compare technologies across generations of toys.

Social Networking and UX

  • Discussion about personal use of social networking apps.

  • Evaluate privacy concerns across platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).

The Concerns of UX

Key Elements

  • Design: Understanding how design influences user experience.

  • Technologies: Importance of knowing interactive systems and components.

  • People: Focus on improving user lives through design.

  • Activities & Contexts: Identifying user goals, feelings, and the contexts of their activities.

Comparison of Centric Approaches

  • Machine-centered vs. People-centered design considerations:

    • Vague vs. Precise

    • Distractible vs. Undistractible

    • Emotional vs. Unemotional

Skills of a UX Designer

Essential Disciplines

  • Sociology, Psychology, Ergonomics, Cultural Studies, and more.

  • Technologies: Knowledge of interactive design, software engineering, and information design.

Framework for Interactive Systems: PACT

  • Overview:

    • People, Activities, Contexts, Technologies shape design.

  • Example Use Cases:

    • Teenagers using smartphones on public transportation.

    • Secretaries drafting documents using word processors in a law firm.

Ergonomics in UX Design

  • Focus on physical and psychological differences in designing interfaces.

  • Application in environments like ticket machines, multi-keyboards, and input technologies.

Input & Output Technologies

  • Exploration of various input devices:

    • Keyboards, mice, joysticks, and touch technologies.

  • Output technologies like flexible OLED displays and projector phones.

Exercises for Reflection

  • Differentiate between UI and UX.

  • Define PACT and its significance.

  • Detail the skills necessary for a UX designer.