User-Centered Design

This is the process for creating usable interactive systems.

Goals

Kuniavsky identifies three dimensions of usability

• Functionality. Kuniavsky defines this dimension as whether the product performs tasks that people need or want to do. That is, does it address user goals? Others often call this dimension utility or usefulness.
• Efficiency. This dimension addresses how quickly users can complete their tasks.
• Desirability. Related terms include likability, user attitude and satisfaction.

Learnability is another often cited dimension for usability that Kuniavsky does not address. Perhaps he would include it among functionality or efficiency?

The methods in this class primarily address functionality and possibly desirability.

Goals for other stakeholders

Advertiser goals

• Traffic
• Awareness

Company goals

• Profit
• Promotion

Principles of User-Centered Design

Summarized from Gould and Lewis (1985)

1. Early focus on users and tasks
2. Empirical measurement (and testing) of product usage
3. Iterative design

The user-centered design process

Kuniavsky uses these terms to describe phases in the design process:

• User Research
• Information Architecture
• Interaction Design
• Identity Design

Discussion questions

• Why aren't usability goals frequently achieved?
• How do Kuniavsky's process descriptions compare with others?