Process for User-centered Development
From Computing and Software Wiki
Write introduction here.
Contents |
Early Focus on Users
Empirical Testing
User-based Tests
User Survey
Performance-based
Think-aloud protocol
Co-discovery
Iterative Design
The iterative design method is a method applied in the development of a new product (typically a software). It consists of developing by a succession of iterations. Five steps compose this method:
- Prepare a prototype design of the product
- Present this design to a set of potential users
- Collect problems noticed by users
- Refine design based on users point of view
- Repeat steps 2 to 4 until you get the desired result
This method puts quality at the centre of the development path. Indeed, by refining step by step the design, you obtain a product approved by its future users.
That is why it fits totally with User Interface development. The development of a good User Interface is mostly associated to a good understanding of future user's needs and behaviour. As it's hard for a User Interface designer to get a perfect understanding of them, the iterative design method allows him to base his work on user's feedback and improve his product based on their point of view. Thus, usability issues will be corrected easily.
Websites always use this method: Web masters generally propose a new website design and collect user's feedback by email or with a dedicated topic on the website forum. For software development, it is different as it is impossible to propose an unfinished product to the customer. The iterative design method is used to perfect the design before the software release during the testing period.
One of the problem of iterative design is its cost. Indeed, each iteration takes a lot of time and time is critical for software development. It will avoid patching the software in the future but can become really expensive if too many iterations are performed.
