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Member You - User-Centered Design (UCD) - 6 Methods
Are you marketing yourself online? You may be marketing your business online but it is also important to market yourself, as people typically buy from people they like and trust. Of course when they are at their computer surfing the internet they cannot see you or talk to you in person. They must rely on the information that you give about yourself at your website. This means that it is important to build a reputation for integrity when doing business online. In a way marketing online is all about building your reputation as an expert in your field. This type of credibility can be built by posting valuable information on forums, in articles, and on your website.Personal Website – A well designed personal web site is very important and is designed to sell you first and your service, pr
Interviews
What are they? An interview usually involves one interviewer speaking to one participant at a time.
The advantages of an interview are that a participant's unique point of view can be explored in detail. It is also the case that any misunderstandings between the interviewer and the participant are likely to be quickly identified and addressed.
The output of an interview is almost exclusively non-statistical - it's critical that reports of interviews are carefully analysed by experienced practitioners.
When to use
Interviews are usually employed early in the design process in order to gain a more detailed understanding of a domain/area of activity or specific requirements.
Issues
Interviewing places a high premium on the experience and skill of the interviewer and analyst.
Conclusion
This has been an introduction to the major user-centered design methods. It's vital to remember that although each can be extremely valuable, using them in the right way, for the right reasons and at the right time is critical.
Exactly which method to use, and when and how to use it will di
The US Governement has a MicroLoan Program that provides small loans to new start-up companies, newly established businesses, or loans to help small business growth concerns.Under this government loan program the Small Business Administration, (SBA) will make funds available to nonprofit community based lenders (also known as intermediaries) which, in turn will make loans available to eligible borrowers in amounts of up to $35,000.You will submit your application to a local intermediary and then all the credit decisions are made at a local level.Terms:You can get a micro loan for a maximum term of 6 years. The loan terms will vary according to how much you are borrowing, what you are using the loan for, and your needs as a small business owner.TERMS, INTERES
The stages are carried out in an iterative fashion, with the cycle being repeated until the project's usability objectives have been attained. This makes it critical that the participants in these methods accurately reflect the profile of your actual users.
Focus groups
What are they?
A focus group involves encouraging an invited group of intended/actual users of a site (i.e. participants) to share their thoughts, feelings, attitudes and ideas on a certain subject.
Organising focus groups within an organisation can also be very useful in getting buy-in to a project from within that company.
When to use
Focus groups are most often used as an input to design. They generally produce non-statistical data and are a good means of getting information about a domain (e.g. what peoples' tasks involve).
Issues
It's necessary to have an experienced moderator and analyst for a focus group to be effective.
Usability testing
What is it? Usability testing sessions evaluate a site by collecting data from people as they use it. A person is invited to attend a session in which they'll be asked to perform a series of tasks while a moderator takes note of any difficulties they encounter.
Users can be asked to follow the think-aloud protocol which asks them to verbalise what they're doing and why they're doing it.
You can also time users to see how long it takes them to complete tasks, which is a good measure of efficiency (although you should bear in mind that using the 'think aloud' protocol will slow users down considerably).
Two specialists' time is normally required per session - one to moderate, one to note problems.
When to use
Usability testing can be used as an input to design or at the end of a project. It represents an excellent way finding out what the most likely usability problems with a site are likely to be.
Usability testing can be used generate non-statistical or statistical data.
Issues
Usability testing requires some form of design to be available to test - even if it's only on paper. Testing works best if it focuses either on gathering non-statistical feedback on a design through 'talk aloud' or statistical measures.
Card sorting
What is it? Card sorting is a method for suggesting intuitive structures/categories. A participant is presented with an unsorted pack of index cards. Each card has a statement written on it that relates to a page of the site.
The participant is asked to sort these cards into groups and then to name these groups. The results of multiple individual sorts are then combined and analysed statistically.
When to use Card sorting is usually used as an input to design. It's an excellent way of suggesting good categories for a site's content and deriving its information architecture.
Card sorting can be used generate statistical data.
Issues Providing participants with a trial run on some easy cards (e.g. sports, animals, etc.) can reassure about what they are expected to do and result in a more productive session.
Participatory design
What is it?
Participatory design does not just ask users opinions on design issues, but actively involves them in the design and decision-making processes.
When to use
Participatory design is usually used within a mini-project to generate prototypes that feed into an overall project's design process.
An example would be a participatory design workshop in which developers, designers and users work together to design an initial prototype. This initial prototype would then feed into a more traditional design process.
Projects which only utilise participatory design are very rare.
Issues
Participatory design sessions can be very fluid and require an experienced moderator with thorough knowledge of the domain to guide them.
Questionnaires
What are they?
Questionnaires are a means of asking users for their responses to a pre-defined set of questions and are a good way of generating statistical data.
When to use
Questionnaires are usually employed when a design team:
Can only gain remote access to users of a site Is seeking a larger sample size than can be realistically achieved through direct contact
It is for this reason that questionnaires are usually administered through post or electronic means.
Issues
Questionnaires allow statistical analysis of results, which can increase a study's credibility through its scientific appearance. This makes it all the more important that the questionnaire is well-designed and asks non-biased questions.
Interviews
What are they? An interview usually involves one interviewer speaking to one participant at a time.
The advantages of an interview are that a participant's unique point of view can be explored in detail. It is also the case that any misunderstandings between the interviewer and the participant are likely to be quickly identified and addressed.
The output of an interview is almost exclusively non-statistical - it's critical that reports of interviews are carefully analysed by experienced practitioners.
When to use
Interviews are usually employed early in the design process in order to gain a more detailed understanding of a domain/area of activity or specific requirements.
Issues
Interviewing places a high premium on the experience and skill of the interviewer and analyst.
Conclusion
This has been an introduction to the major user-centered design methods. It's vital to remember that although each can be extremely valuable, using them in the right way, for the right reasons and at the right time is critical.
Exactly which method to use, and when and how to use it will dif
A successful web site commands 5 key items that it must have in order to be generating high volumes of traffic and potential revenue.1. Having a specific offer-Your website must have a defined specific offer. The best web sites do this very well. For example, Google is a search engine and has specific key links on its front page. These are the categories it is focusing, or pulling it's clients on. A good site will use a very well planned layout that is not too busy and will have some but not lots of graphics. The graphics will lend to the image of the site.2. Having a select target group of people- Your website must be of interest to a targeted group of people, they must have similar needs or interests, and that is why they are visiting your sit
Usability testing
What is it? Usability testing sessions evaluate a site by collecting data from people as they use it. A person is invited to attend a session in which they'll be asked to perform a series of tasks while a moderator takes note of any difficulties they encounter.
Users can be asked to follow the think-aloud protocol which asks them to verbalise what they're doing and why they're doing it.
You can also time users to see how long it takes them to complete tasks, which is a good measure of efficiency (although you should bear in mind that using the 'think aloud' protocol will slow users down considerably).
Two specialists' time is normally required per session - one to moderate, one to note problems.
When to use
Usability testing can be used as an input to design or at the end of a project. It represents an excellent way finding out what the most likely usability problems with a site are likely to be.
Usability testing can be used generate non-statistical or statistical data.
Issues
Usability testing requires some form of design to be available to test - even if it's only on paper. Testing works best if it focuses either on gathering non-statistical feedback on a design through 'talk aloud' or statistical measures.
Card sorting
What is it? Card sorting is a method for suggesting intuitive structures/categories. A participant is presented with an unsorted pack of index cards. Each card has a statement written on it that relates to a page of the site.
The participant is asked to sort these cards into groups and then to name these groups. The results of multiple individual sorts are then combined and analysed statistically.
When to use Card sorting is usually used as an input to design. It's an excellent way of suggesting good categories for a site's content and deriving its information architecture.
Card sorting can be used generate statistical data.
Issues Providing participants with a trial run on some easy cards (e.g. sports, animals, etc.) can reassure about what they are expected to do and result in a more productive session.
Participatory design
What is it?
Participatory design does not just ask users opinions on design issues, but actively involves them in the design and decision-making processes.
When to use
Participatory design is usually used within a mini-project to generate prototypes that feed into an overall project's design process.
An example would be a participatory design workshop in which developers, designers and users work together to design an initial prototype. This initial prototype would then feed into a more traditional design process.
Projects which only utilise participatory design are very rare.
Issues
Participatory design sessions can be very fluid and require an experienced moderator with thorough knowledge of the domain to guide them.
Questionnaires
What are they?
Questionnaires are a means of asking users for their responses to a pre-defined set of questions and are a good way of generating statistical data.
When to use
Questionnaires are usually employed when a design team:
Can only gain remote access to users of a site Is seeking a larger sample size than can be realistically achieved through direct contact
It is for this reason that questionnaires are usually administered through post or electronic means.
Issues
Questionnaires allow statistical analysis of results, which can increase a study's credibility through its scientific appearance. This makes it all the more important that the questionnaire is well-designed and asks non-biased questions.
Interviews
What are they? An interview usually involves one interviewer speaking to one participant at a time.
The advantages of an interview are that a participant's unique point of view can be explored in detail. It is also the case that any misunderstandings between the interviewer and the participant are likely to be quickly identified and addressed.
The output of an interview is almost exclusively non-statistical - it's critical that reports of interviews are carefully analysed by experienced practitioners.
When to use
Interviews are usually employed early in the design process in order to gain a more detailed understanding of a domain/area of activity or specific requirements.
Issues
Interviewing places a high premium on the experience and skill of the interviewer and analyst.
Conclusion
This has been an introduction to the major user-centered design methods. It's vital to remember that although each can be extremely valuable, using them in the right way, for the right reasons and at the right time is critical.
Exactly which method to use, and when and how to use it will di
In today’s booming internet market, there are so many companies competing for every single user that what ends up making or breaking the deal almost always has directly to do with the website design of the company. The user usually decides within the first 5-15 seconds whether or not they are going to remain on that site, making first impressions imperative. So, as the owner of a company, you ask yourself what type of website you need to make you stand out above your competitors and if going with a template is the right answer. You’ve heard a lot about templates and how much time and money they can save you. In this article we will examine the use of templates and their advantages and disadvantages. Of course, ultimately, it is up to you; these are just suggestions, but remember, the int
Card sorting
What is it? Card sorting is a method for suggesting intuitive structures/categories. A participant is presented with an unsorted pack of index cards. Each card has a statement written on it that relates to a page of the site.
The participant is asked to sort these cards into groups and then to name these groups. The results of multiple individual sorts are then combined and analysed statistically.
When to use Card sorting is usually used as an input to design. It's an excellent way of suggesting good categories for a site's content and deriving its information architecture.
Card sorting can be used generate statistical data.
Issues Providing participants with a trial run on some easy cards (e.g. sports, animals, etc.) can reassure about what they are expected to do and result in a more productive session.
Participatory design
What is it?
Participatory design does not just ask users opinions on design issues, but actively involves them in the design and decision-making processes.
When to use
Participatory design is usually used within a mini-project to generate prototypes that feed into an overall project's design process.
An example would be a participatory design workshop in which developers, designers and users work together to design an initial prototype. This initial prototype would then feed into a more traditional design process.
Projects which only utilise participatory design are very rare.
Issues
Participatory design sessions can be very fluid and require an experienced moderator with thorough knowledge of the domain to guide them.
Questionnaires
What are they?
Questionnaires are a means of asking users for their responses to a pre-defined set of questions and are a good way of generating statistical data.
When to use
Questionnaires are usually employed when a design team:
Can only gain remote access to users of a site Is seeking a larger sample size than can be realistically achieved through direct contact
It is for this reason that questionnaires are usually administered through post or electronic means.
Issues
Questionnaires allow statistical analysis of results, which can increase a study's credibility through its scientific appearance. This makes it all the more important that the questionnaire is well-designed and asks non-biased questions.
Interviews
What are they? An interview usually involves one interviewer speaking to one participant at a time.
The advantages of an interview are that a participant's unique point of view can be explored in detail. It is also the case that any misunderstandings between the interviewer and the participant are likely to be quickly identified and addressed.
The output of an interview is almost exclusively non-statistical - it's critical that reports of interviews are carefully analysed by experienced practitioners.
When to use
Interviews are usually employed early in the design process in order to gain a more detailed understanding of a domain/area of activity or specific requirements.
Issues
Interviewing places a high premium on the experience and skill of the interviewer and analyst.
Conclusion
This has been an introduction to the major user-centered design methods. It's vital to remember that although each can be extremely valuable, using them in the right way, for the right reasons and at the right time is critical.
Exactly which method to use, and when and how to use it will di
So, you need to submit employment references. A simple task, right? Sure, you could contact three of your closest friends and ask them to be your references. They may be able to testify to your character, but do they know how well you would perform on the job? Probably not. Let's explore the types of references you must seek, the number of people you should include, and to whom references should be submitted.Whom To SelectWhen selecting references, it is always a good idea to find those people who know how well you work. Supervisors you reported to directly or co-workers are some of the best choices. However, some companies frown on supervisors from being a reference and, instead, require that they list the Human Resources department as the contact point. Legal issues pla
An example would be a participatory design workshop in which developers, designers and users work together to design an initial prototype. This initial prototype would then feed into a more traditional design process.
Projects which only utilise participatory design are very rare.
Issues
Participatory design sessions can be very fluid and require an experienced moderator with thorough knowledge of the domain to guide them.
Questionnaires
What are they?
Questionnaires are a means of asking users for their responses to a pre-defined set of questions and are a good way of generating statistical data.
When to use
Questionnaires are usually employed when a design team:
Can only gain remote access to users of a site Is seeking a larger sample size than can be realistically achieved through direct contact
It is for this reason that questionnaires are usually administered through post or electronic means.
Issues
Questionnaires allow statistical analysis of results, which can increase a study's credibility through its scientific appearance. This makes it all the more important that the questionnaire is well-designed and asks non-biased questions.
Interviews
What are they? An interview usually involves one interviewer speaking to one participant at a time.
The advantages of an interview are that a participant's unique point of view can be explored in detail. It is also the case that any misunderstandings between the interviewer and the participant are likely to be quickly identified and addressed.
The output of an interview is almost exclusively non-statistical - it's critical that reports of interviews are carefully analysed by experienced practitioners.
When to use
Interviews are usually employed early in the design process in order to gain a more detailed understanding of a domain/area of activity or specific requirements.
Issues
Interviewing places a high premium on the experience and skill of the interviewer and analyst.
Conclusion
This has been an introduction to the major user-centered design methods. It's vital to remember that although each can be extremely valuable, using them in the right way, for the right reasons and at the right time is critical.
Exactly which method to use, and when and how to use it will di
Newsgroup & Forum MarketingNewsgroups and Forums consist of groups of like-minded people who congregate via the Internet to share their common interests with others. They are an excellent medium for Internet Marketers who want to target a specific niche market as the better sites are archived with millions of easy-to-access newsgroup messages.As with any other Internet communication device, there is a particular protocol that should be adhered to in order to obtain success with newsgroup/Forum marketing. Although this is a specialized and potentially lucrative field it does take some practice in order for you (and your product) to be recognized as expert in your field. Once you have achieved this milestone, it will be just a matter of time before potential clients approach you
Interviews
What are they? An interview usually involves one interviewer speaking to one participant at a time.
The advantages of an interview are that a participant's unique point of view can be explored in detail. It is also the case that any misunderstandings between the interviewer and the participant are likely to be quickly identified and addressed.
The output of an interview is almost exclusively non-statistical - it's critical that reports of interviews are carefully analysed by experienced practitioners.
When to use
Interviews are usually employed early in the design process in order to gain a more detailed understanding of a domain/area of activity or specific requirements.
Issues
Interviewing places a high premium on the experience and skill of the interviewer and analyst.
Conclusion
This has been an introduction to the major user-centered design methods. It's vital to remember that although each can be extremely valuable, using them in the right way, for the right reasons and at the right time is critical.
Exactly which method to use, and when and how to use it will differ from project to project.
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