Process for User-centered Development

From Computing and Software Wiki

(Difference between revisions)
Jump to: navigation, search
(Empirical Testing)
(Iterative Design)
Line 18: Line 18:
== Iterative Design ==
== Iterative Design ==
-
The iterative design method is 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:
+
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
* Prepare a prototype design of the product
Line 24: Line 24:
* Collect problems noticed by users
* Collect problems noticed by users
* Refine design based on users point of view
* Refine design based on users point of view
-
* Repeat steps 2 to 4 until you get a desired result
+
* 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's the main reason why it fits totally with User Interface development. As it's hard for a User Interface designer to get a perfect understanding of user's needs and behaviour, it allows him to base his work on user's feedback and improve his product based on their point of view.
+
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.  
-
Websites use this method a lot: Web masters generally propose an interface and collect user's feedback by email or with a dedicated topic on the website forum and correct mistakes. For software development, it is different as it's impossible to propose an unfinished product to the customer. The iterative design method is used to perfect the design before the software release.
+
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.
== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 01:37, 23 November 2009

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.

References

Personal tools