Difference between revisions of "Usability"

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m (Thoughts on Conducting the Method)
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====Course of Actions====
 
====Course of Actions====
# define audience based on [[GIMP UI Redesign#product vision|product vision]]
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# define audience segments based on [[GIMP UI Redesign#product vision|product vision]]
# set scope  
+
# set scope of the interviews
 
# recruit interview partners
 
# recruit interview partners
 
# conduct interviews
 
# conduct interviews
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====Recruiting====
 
====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.  
 
* 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.
+
* Finding the right interview partners is pivotal. Recruiting must be carefully prepared and carried out.
  
  
====Thoughts on Conducting the Method====
+
====Ideas for Conducting the Method====
* Embed an intern via [http://www.openusability.org/ OpenUsability]?
+
Embed an intern via [http://www.openusability.org/ OpenUsability]
** Tasks can be assigned before, during and after the field phase, e.g.  
+
* Valuable help can be provided by the intern before, during and after the field phase, e.g.  
*** brainstorm ideas for optimal recruiting
+
* brainstorm ideas for optimal recruiting
*** help with recruiting
+
* recruit interview partners
*** conduct interviews / parallel transcription
+
* conduct interviews / parallel transcription while interviewing
*** transcribe and analyze interviews
+
* transcribe and analyze interviews
*** help build the visualization
+
* help build the visualization
  
====pros and cons====
+
====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
 
*(+) pros
 
** fundamental research, broad focus, high-level
 
** fundamental research, broad focus, high-level
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** complex method
 
** complex method
 
** not all existing findings are considered
 
** 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
 
** [[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 13:50, 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 segments based on product vision
  2. set scope of the interviews
  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 carefully prepared and carried out.


Ideas for Conducting the Method

Embed an intern via OpenUsability

  • Valuable help can be provided by the intern before, during and after the field phase, e.g.
  • brainstorm ideas for optimal recruiting
  • recruit interview partners
  • conduct interviews / parallel transcription while interviewing
  • transcribe and analyze interviews
  • help build the visualization

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)


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