User-centered analysis provides the basis for design-ing software that makes sense to your users. Useproven, objective datagathering techniques to devel-op a clear understanding of who your users are andhow they will approach your Web site or application.
Create effective, usable interfaces—the first time.This seminar walks you through HFI’s process forcollecting and analyzing relevant user and task data,and for developing a conceptual architecture fordesign. Alternating between explanation, discussion,and hands-on exercises, the course offers partici-pants the tools and confidence necessary to planand conduct effective user-centered analysis.
What you’ll learn
- user profiling
- data gathering
- task analysis
- transitioning to design
Course Objectives
Participants will learn to:
- Develop a design strategy
- Create user profilespersonas and scenarios
- Develop meaningful interview questions
- Carry out effective interviews
- Understand the challenges of survey design
- Analyze task flow
- Understand and identify primary nouns
- Develop user-driven information architecture
- Engage in user-centered task/tool redesign
Strategy
1. Introduction to UCA
- Mental models
- Knowing how the user works
- Which UCA steps to perform
- Obstacles of user-centered analysis
- ROI—justifying the right process
Exercise: Evaluate task flow
Exercise: Calculate ROI
2. Creating a Design Strategy
- Components of a design strategy
- Site strategy drives design strategy
- Where to get strategy information
- Mining existing documentation
- Working with brand objectives
Exercise: Develop a design strategy
Uncovering the user’sconceptual model
3. Profiles and Personas
- The value of profiles and personas
- User profiles
- Task profiles
- Environment profiles
- Personas
Exercise: Develop user profiles
Exercise: Develop high-level task / content list
Exercise: Create task prioritization diagram
Exercise: Create environmental profile
Exercise: Develop personas
4. Field Studies
- Data gathering methods
- Choosing the right method
- Elements of the field interview
- Developing good interview questions
- Good and bad interview technique
- Conducting a user observation
Exercise: Write interview questions
Exercise: Conduct interviews
5. Complementary Data Gathering Methods
- Value of complementary methods
- Focus groups
- User group meetings and usability roundtables
- Facilitated workshops and JAD sessions
- Using surveys and other indirect methods
- Online surveys
- Using multiple methods
Exercise: Create online survey
Exercise: Choose the best data gathering method to use
Deriving the user experience model
6. Scenario and Task Analysis
- The power of a scenario
- Scenarios vs. use cases
- Determining the level of detail
- Scenarios drive priorities
- Identifying functions and tasks
- Common errors and challenges in task analysis
- Characterizing the new task design
Exercise: Develop scenarios
Exercise: Fix task flow
7. Primary Noun Architecture
- Value of primary nouns
- Identifying primary nouns
- Describing primary nouns
- Primary noun views
- Defining primary noun details
- From primary nouns to navigation
Exercise: Determine primary nouns and views
Exercise: Develop primary noun table
Exercise: Create high-level navigation diagram
8. Information Architecture
- Costs of poor organization
- Basic organization schemes
- Hybrid schemes
- Shallow vs. deep structures
- Labeling systems
- Affinity diagrams and card sorting techniques
- Card sorting tools
Exercise: Conduct and analyze a card sort
Exercise: Create high-level information architecture
9. Getting Ready for Design
- Getting sign-off on the contract for design
- Using concept sketches to drive out requirements
- Setting usability criteria
Exercise: Develop usability criteria