By
Catherine Courage, Google, Inc.
Kathy Baxter, SalesForce.com, Inc.
Description
Today many companies are employing a user-centered design (UCD) process, but for most companies, usability begins and ends with the usability
test. Although usability testing is a critical part of an effective user-centered life cycle, it is only one component of the UCD process.
This book is focused on the requirements gathering stage, which often receives less attention than usability testing, but is equally
as important. Understanding user requirements is critical to the development of a successful product.
Understanding Your Users
is an easy to read, easy to implement, how-to guide on usability in the real world. It focuses on the "user requirements gathering" stage
of product development and it provides a variety of techniques, many of which may be new to usability professionals. For each technique,
readers will learn how to prepare for and conduct the activity, as well as analyze and present the data —all in a practical and hands-on
way. In addition, each method presented provides different information about the user and their requirements (e.g., functional requirements,
information architecture, task flows). The techniques can be used together to form a complete picture of the users’ requirements or they
can be used separately to address specific product questions. These techniques have helped product teams understand the value of user
requirements gathering by providing insight into how users work and what they need to be successful at their tasks. Case studies from
industry-leading companies demonstrate each method in action. In addition, readers are provided with the foundation to conduct any usability
activity (e.g., getting buy-in from management, legal and ethical considerations, setting up your facilities, recruiting, moderating
activities) and to ensure the incorporation of the results into their products.
Included in series
Interactive Technologies
Audience:
Usability professionals / user interaction designers / new web application designers / product designers and their managers
