Difference between revisions of "Usability"

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===Executive Summary===
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===[[Mental Models for GIMP]]===
MMG (Mental Models for GIMP) is a research project for the Open Source image manipulation software GIMP.
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Description of the first mental model project in late 2011.
  
It aims at better understanding professionals and aficionados in this field, eliciting their context, tasks and philosophies.
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===[[Mental Models for GIMP as a student project]]===
Research will be carried out following Metal Models, combining qualitative interviews with content analysis and a graphical format for reporting findings, as proposed by Indy Young, creater of this method.
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Description of the second Mental Models project of summer 2012.
Results will provide guidance for interaction architecture and software development.
 
 
 
===Aims===
 
* Provide further information and understanding in the following areas:
 
** users ("who?")
 
** tasks ("what?", "how?")
 
** context ("where, when, why?")
 
* Facilitate empathy for users
 
** How do users tick?
 
** What are their motivators or pressures?
 
** What contributes to their satisfaction?
 
 
 
===Proposed Method===
 
* Mental Models by Indi Young
 
** qualitative method
 
** based on open interviews (no questionnaires)
 
* Further information on this method is available, see:
 
** The book (rosenfeld media) [http://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/mental-models/ Mental Models]
 
** excerpts available for online reading [http://paperc.de/18382-mental-models-9781457102301#!/pages/1 via paperc] (German website, free account required, book in English)
 
** The author explaining the method in this [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4AsxNg9nNU Video]
 
** diagrams from the book on [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosenfeldmedia/sets/72157603511616271/ flickr]
 
 
 
====Course of Actions====
 
# define audience segments based on [[GIMP UI Redesign#product vision|product vision]]
 
# set scope of the interviews
 
# recruit interview partners
 
# conduct interviews
 
#* at least 4 interviews per audience segment
 
#* focus: tasks, behaviours and philosophies of users
 
# transcribe interviews
 
# analyze results
 
#* distillation of tasks, behaviours and philosophies into patterns
 
#* create graphic of patterns in a mental model
 
#* oppose mental model vs. [[GIMP UI Redesign#functionality overview|existing functionality]]
 
# make use
 
#* gap analysis (planned and existing functionality vs. users' behavior, needs and tasks)
 
#* adjust user scenarios / audience segments
 
#* derive stragety for development
 
#* prioritize features (importance vs. feasability)
 
 
 
====Recruiting====
 
* The [[GIMP UI Redesign#product vision|product vision]] is used as a starting point to find the right partners (interviewees) for the mental models interviews.
 
* Finding the right interview partners is pivotal. Recruiting must be carefully prepared and carried out.
 
* Recruitment channels can be, but are not limited to the following:
 
** GIMP developer mailing list
 
** GIMP users mailing list
 
** blogs, forums, wikis on GIMP
 
** blogs, forums, wikis on high-level photo manipulation
 
 
 
====Ideas for Conducting the Method====
 
* Embed an intern during a Season of Usability on [http://www.openusability.org/ OpenUsability].
 
**Valuable help can be provided by the intern before, during and after research, e.g.
 
*** brainstorm ideas for optimal recruiting
 
*** recruit interview partners
 
*** conduct interviews / parallel transcription while interviewing
 
*** transcribe and analyze interviews
 
*** help build the visualization
 
* Inquire / brainstorm how the research process and it's results can be made transparent for developers / maintainers / the community.
 
 
 
====Deliverables====
 
* Mental Model Diagram
 
** one diagram per audience segment
 
** tasks organized in "Mental Spaces" of users
 
** justified audience segments based on tasks
 
** gap analysis
 
** [[GIMP UI Redesign#functionality overview|functionality overview]] will be confronted with users' perspective
 
* A primer describing the target audience of GIMP can be derived (e.g. 20-40 page pdf about users, tasks, context; for both new and seasoned developers or interaction / usability contributors)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
===pros and cons===
 
*(+) pros
 
** fundamental research, broad focus, high-level
 
** detailed analysis of users and their tasks
 
** research is built on existing findings
 
** verification of user scenarios / audience segments
 
** based on tasks and behavior
 
** adaptable / scalable method
 
** supports strategic vision and long-term development
 
** revision and clarification of user scenarios
 
 
 
* (-) cons
 
** fundamental research, broad focus, high-level
 
** no immediate improvements
 
** complex method
 
** not all existing findings are considered
 

Latest revision as of 09:02, 16 October 2012

Mental Models for GIMP

Description of the first mental model project in late 2011.

Mental Models for GIMP as a student project

Description of the second Mental Models project of summer 2012.