ib dt topic 7 - usd

a process where the designer considers the needs, wants and limitations of the end user

• user - the person utilising

• the product

• task - the thing the product is supposed to do

• environment - the place where the product is likely to be used

1. A design is based upon an explicit understanding of users, tasks and environments

2. Users are involved throughout design and development

3. Design is driven and refined by UCD

4. the process is iterative

5. Design addresses the whole user experience

6. Design teams are multidisciplinary

• how users are likely to use the product - product testing

• empathetic design - as empathy with potential users gives a betterr undertanding of their needs

• design functionality - but too much can diminish the level of usability

• consider common tasks while paying attention to the primary tasks

• interfaces should be standardised

• important functions are easily recognised

• considers the use of the product in a particular environment

• environments will vary and user experiences within them will differ

the act of repeating a process with the aim of approaching a desired goal

1. concept - initial ideas, cheap, quick

2. design - development of ideas, prototypes, continued evaluation

3. implementation - testing + evaluation w/users, multi-disciplinary teams

4. launch - same as implementation

• many experts used in the design and production of a ucd product

• they help and advise creative designers

• the design of mainstream products or services in an accessible and usable manner

• ensures that as many people as possible can use the product or service - without the need for adaptation or special design features

a persons’ perceptions and responses that result from the use or anticipated use of a product

the extent at which a product can be used by specified users to acheive specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction, in a specified context

1. ease of use - once users have learned, tasks should be done quicky with limited effort

2. efficiency of use - the whole product is used, nothing is hidden or inaccessible

3. unambiguous feedback - users receive clear responses when navigating a digital interface

4. clarity of human interface - satisfaction when the client interacts with the product, system or service

• a development that expands and extends the usability of a product

• software on a smartphone that processes speech can assist those with limited dexterity of keyboard tools

• improved product acceptance

• greater user experience

• increased productivity

• reduced user error

a form of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons - like the home page on youtube

• simplicity

• ease of use

• low memory burder

• visibility

since different populations have different, beliefs, expectations and understanding designers must consider their own assumptions and how these might impact the usability of a design

because as various population groups differ in height, weight etc, designers should consider how accurately the data represents the target group

1. identify the user population

2. classify the user group

3. implication for design

descriptions of the ‘typical’ user or stake holder in a design context

- fictional characters

• primary - the personae that represents the primary target users

• secondary - not the primary users but users whose needs must be met in some form

• anti-personae - represent users whom the product is not being designed for

• personae are fictional characters therefore not an accurate research method

• poorly constructed personae can be based on stereotypes and assumption

• personae must be carefully constructed to hold any real value

• a sequence of events based in assumption by researcher and designers

• designers can consider a ‘user’s story’ and focus on the sequence of events or interactions a user experience

• describes the usability of a product or system and the steps needed to accomplish a specific task

• focuses specifically on how a user interacts with a product or system

in the user’s envronment where interact with the product