User-Centered Design (UCD) Overview Melisa Zachrich

What is Usability? VIMM Design Principles attempt to reduce: Visual Load – match screen flow to task, good grouping and label, careful use of color and graphics Intellectual Load – provide previews of data, easy escapes, consistent controls, good system feedback Memory Load – make options visible, design for recognition vs recall Motor Load – use short distances to large targets, optimize forms for easy input, reduce windows and steps Optimize comprehension, simplify decision making, and minimize the memory load, movement time and interaction for designing usable interfaces.

Characteristics of Usable Interfaces Easy to learn Easy to remember Consistent Efficient Self evident Reduces training Enhances system performance Prevents errors Provides appropriate feedback Is a fun and satisfying experience

What is User Centered Design? Definition - The active involvement of users and a clear understanding of user and task requirements; an appropriate allocation of function between users and technology; the iteration of design solutions; multi-disciplinary design. Goal of UCD– To decrease downstream costs, improve user experience and increase sales.

Typical Design Process Resource Allocation Training Customer Support Product Revision Increased Downstream Costs Implementation Detailed Design UI Structure User/ Task Analysis Rush through these steps

UCD Process Resource Allocation Reduced Downstream Costs Training Customer Support Product Revision Implementation Detailed Design UI Structure User/ Task Analysis Proactive User- Centered Analysis

Benefits of UCD Early in Process High Design Freedom Probability Knowing Users Goals Low Development Time

Typical vs UCD Design Process Typical Design Process Feature Driven Technology Driven Requirements defined by indirect links: Programming Trade Shows Sales and Marketing Focus Groups Customer Support Staff Email/Bulletin Board User Group Surveys UCD Process User Driven Requirements defined by direct links: Observational Study Facilitated teams User-interface prototyping Requirements prototyping Interviews User Testing Usability Lab

#1 Usability Problem Navigation and Information Architecture Accounts for 80% of usability related issues Good Navigation: Shows users where they are Shows users where they can go Shows users how they can get back Provides users with alternatives/secondary navigation Is obvious and requires no explanation Matches their mental model

Short Term Recommendations Provide Jennifer with list of easy fix items Investigate Tools Axure – Software for creating low and high fidelity prototypes Morae – Software for performing usability testing System-Wide Usability Audit to identify remaining issues Hire Consultant like HFI? Perform In House?

Long Term Recommendations Work on defining UCD process that reduces reliance of indirect links and increases reliance on direct links Through training and/or hiring, assemble a more well rounded development team of: Programmers Interaction/Web Designers Usability Analysts/Information Architects Graphics Designers Documenters