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August 19, 2010
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September 9, 2009
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- Lähdesmäki: Matti Nykänen katoaa lööpeistä 2030
Project snapshot: including end-users even with tight schedules
Thursday, April 9, 2009
In a recent project I ended up having difficult schedules for executing a client project for improving an existing service. In the project, I had to do end-user research, discuss the needs of the client company for their product and start designing UI wireframes based on the available data. A basic project setup, but with tight schedules and Easter smack in the middle of the project, it became very challenging to manage user recruitment and discussing the project with client stakeholders during a popular holiday period. This forced me to think about how to carry out the process, as the traditional “user research first, UI wireframes later” way would not allow sufficient time for design work. This describes what I came up with, trying to reach the goals taking into account user needs and usability issues, while still balancing the client’s business goals and the project schedule.
First, I tackled the existing input from lead users and the business owners within the client company. This gave me a good overview of the current service and its pitfalls as perceived by the users. This information is a great start for the first versions for the UI wireframes.
Second, I focused on the needs of end-users by conducting contextual interviews with them. The idea was to focus on the current version of the service by discussing the ups and downs of the service and the user’s wishes. The interview took place at the user’s workstation, with access to live data and actual working environment of the user.
At this point I already had the first UI wireframes with me. My goal was to take the users to an instant small-scale participatory design session right after the current version was sliced and diced. That way I was able to get direct feedback, markings and suggestions drawn right into my first wireframes.
Finally, I went back to the drawing board and analysed the needs and issues that were raised about the current version. I updated my UI wireframes accordingly.
With the first interviews and UI wireframe iterations now behind, the project continues with a reality check with the implementation and other client stakeholders. After the project is completed, I’ll write about my experiences and lessons learned from working with this method.
Harri
