Difference between revisions of "Usability"

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** The author explaining the method in this [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4AsxNg9nNU Video]
 
** 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]
 
** diagrams from the book on [http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosenfeldmedia/sets/72157603511616271/ flickr]
 
====Recruiting====
 
* The [[GIMP UI Redesign#product vision|product vision]] is used as a starting point to find the right partners for the mental models interviews.
 
* [[GIMP UI Redesign#functionality overview|functionality overview]] will be confronted with users' perspective
 
  
 
====Course of Actions====
 
====Course of Actions====
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#* derive stragety for development
 
#* derive stragety for development
 
#* prioritize features (importance vs. feasability)
 
#* 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 prepared and carried out carefully.
 +
 +
 +
====Thoughts on Conducting the Method====
 +
* Embed an intern via [http://www.openusability.org/|OpenUsability]
 +
** Tasks can be assigned before, during and after the field phase, e.g.
 +
*** brainstorm ideas for optimal recruiting
 +
*** conduct interviews
 +
*** transcribe and analyze interviews
 +
*** help build the visualization
 +
  
 
====pros and cons====
 
====pros and cons====
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===Deliverables===
 
===Deliverables===
* primer (20-40 page pdf about users, tasks, context)
 
 
* Mental Model Diagram
 
* Mental Model Diagram
 
** one diagram per audience segment
 
** one diagram per audience segment
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** justified audience segments based on tasks
 
** justified audience segments based on tasks
 
** gap analysis
 
** 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)

Revision as of 13:41, 30 May 2011

Aims

  • provide further information and understanding in the following areas:
    • users ("who?")
    • tasks ("what?", "how?")
    • context ("where, when, why?")

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) Mental Models
    • excerpts available for online reading via paperc (German website, free account required, book in English)
    • The author explaining the method in this Video
    • diagrams from the book on flickr

Course of Actions

  1. define audience based on product vision
  2. set scope
  3. recruit interview partners
  4. conduct interviews
    • at least 4 interviews per audience segment
    • focus: tasks, behaviours and philosophies of users
  5. transcribe interviews
  6. analyze results
    • distillation of tasks, behaviours and philosophies into patterns
    • create graphic of patterns in a mental model
    • oppose mental model vs. existing functionality
  7. 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 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 prepared and carried out carefully.


Thoughts on Conducting the Method

  • Embed an intern via [1]
    • Tasks can be assigned before, during and after the field phase, e.g.
      • brainstorm ideas for optimal recruiting
      • conduct interviews
      • transcribe and analyze interviews
      • help build the visualization


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

Deliverables

  • Mental Model Diagram
    • one diagram per audience segment
    • tasks organized in "Mental Spaces" of users
    • justified audience segments based on tasks
    • gap analysis
    • 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)