IB Design Technology 7.1 User-centred Design Notes

Understanding User Needs and Limitations: The Foundation of User-Centered Design

In this section, we’ll explore how analyzing user needs, focusing on the entire user experience, and following an iterative design process are key to creating successful, user-friendly products.

Analyzing User Needs, Tasks, and Environments

1. Every user interacts with a product differently, influenced by their goals, abilities, and surroundings.
2. To design effectively, you must first understand these factors.

User Requirements

1. User requirements define what a product must accomplish for its intended audience.
2. These can be:
   1. Functional: What tasks must the product perform? (e.g., a smartphone must enable calls and messaging.)
   2. Emotional: How should the product make users feel? (e.g., enjoyable or reassuring.)
   3. Accessibility-related: How can the product accommodate users with disabilities? (e.g., incorporating screen readers for visually impaired users.)

User Tasks

1. Tasks refer to the specific actions users take to achieve their goals.
2. For instance, in an e-commerce app, tasks might include searching for products, comparing prices, and completing a purchase.
3. By breaking these tasks into smaller steps, designers can identify potential pain points and areas for improvement.

User Environments

1. The environment in which a product is used significantly impacts its design. Consider:
   1. Will the product be used indoors or outdoors?
   2. Is it intended for a desktop or mobile device?
   3. Will users interact with it in a quiet office or a noisy public space?

Focusing on the Full User Experience

1. Designing a product isn’t just about how it looks or functions during use—it’s about the entire lifecycle of the user’s interaction with it.
2. A holistic approach is a cornerstone of UCD.

Beyond the Product: The Lifecycle of Interaction