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