Practice IB Design Technology (First Exam 2027) Topic A2.1 User-centred Research Methods with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for A2.1 User-centred Research Methods and mirrors Paper 1, 2 style where relevant.
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Which of the following characteristics is most essential to an effective UCD team?
A kitchen appliance manufacturer wants to know how satisfied its owners are across a large and geographically dispersed customer base. It needs numerical data that can be analysed statistically to reveal trends in beliefs and attitudes, and it needs to gather it cheaply. Which user-centred research method is most appropriate?
A health-tech startup is developing a smart wearable wristband aimed at elderly users. The device includes emergency alert features, real-time heart rate monitoring, fall detection, and GPS tracking. To ensure the product meets the needs of this specific target user group, the company applies user-centred design principles throughout the development process. See Figures 1, 2, and 3.
Outline two advantages of using observation as a research method in the early stages of the product development process.
The design team created elderly personas as part of their UCD process, as shown in Figure 2.
Explain how using a primary persona can help guide the design of the wristband in Figure 1.
The design team also established focus group discussions with elderly participants to aid their design processes.
Explain how the team in Figure 3 can ensure that feedback from a focus group is reliable and representative of the wider user population.
Discuss the potential benefits and limitations of involving users at all five stages of the UCD process (using methods such as those shown in Figures 2 and 3).
An inclusive design team is developing a self-service airport check-in kiosk to improve accessibility for passengers with diverse needs. The team uses user-centred design (UCD) principles to ensure the kiosk is intuitive, accessible, and efficient. They conduct observations in airports, build user personas, and test prototypes with different user groups.
Identify two stakeholders, other than the end user, who would be involved in the development of the check-in kiosk shown in Figure 1.
Outline two limitations of using only online surveys to gather user feedback for this product.
Explain how the team can apply empathy when designing for the user in Figure 2.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using multidisciplinary teams in the user-centred design of the airport kiosk.
Using an example, explain how scenario-building can help designers create a better solution for users with temporary disabilities (e.g. broken arm).
Which of the following best describes a user-centred research method?