Filterdesign - Method & initiation - User Centered Design

> User research

What we do is: give a clear picture of the work context. By interviewing the customer/user in the workplace. Open questions about approach, tasks, communication, emotions and philosophies. The quotes are placed in abstract models. These work models (a.o. Mental model, Customer Experience analysis, Flow model) describe the work- or decision process from the users point of view. On this basis the design phase starts or a design strategy for the long term is established. Collected data can be used for three to five years.
Personas will set the focus on your customers/users in your organization.
Activities: Interviews, Co-Creation, Models, Personas, Scenarios, Brainstorming.

> Interaction and Interface design

Per persona or role we will create a workflow, which shows what information is shown at which moment. We choose a navigation system, a.o. main navigation, overall navigation and local navigation. We use wireframes to create a clear layout to support the various navigation panels and interaction elements, in line with the behaviour and needs of users. Per page type we design multiple wireframes to get a clear picture of the interaction. From simple actions like ‘mouse-overs’ to several levels of the navigation system. This design phase is concluded with a description of how the wireframes, interaction elements and their relationship to other elements work.
Activities: Information analysis, Interaction design, Interface design, Guide.

> Usability testing

We use the method of 'thinking aloud' to estimate the ease of use. Asking a maximum of six users to actually use the (paper) prototype and observing the user behaviour while tasks are performed. This creates an objective, user-oriented evaluation of the designs. In an usability report we give a detailed overview of the parts which are easily accepted and parts that are confusing to users. This results in concrete adjustments to improve the designs. Adjustments are quickly and easily made at this moment of the design phase. This validation phase guarantees detailed and tested designs in an early stage.
Activities: Usability test in the workplace, Usability report.

> Communicate the design strategy

During the project we organize several interpretation sessions. These sessions about results and recommendations give a clear view of the design strategy.
When your organization wants to participate in building user models and writing personas we will set up a customized co-creation route for you.
To continue the UCD process within your organization there is the possibility for an educational program; coaching, workshops or training on the job.
Activities: Interpretation sessions, Co-Creation, Brainstorming, Training, Workshops.

> Project approach

We create a project plan with a detailed time schedule. Because of our experience we keep ourselves to this schedule. Our quotations are based on fixed price so you know what the project costs are going to be.
Activities: First consultation, Quote, Initiation.

Approach
1. Definition of question
2. Interviewing
3. Analysis
4. Designing
5. Usability testing
6. Documenting

Contact us
For an indication on what the user centered process can deliver in 2 to 8 weeks, please contact us.

Support of the UCD process
Do you want to work user centered within your organization or design studio? Or educate employees in user centered design? Filterdesign can support you by means of a training program and/or coaching.

UCD as a solution
You want to improve an existing product but your organization has doubts about the approach. An usability test, expert review, new wireframes, different structure and labels, talking to users, new graphical design? Filterdesign can support you.

Filterdesign material on other sites: Presentation UCD techniques for Wikiwijs project, Videos of interviews, Mini UCD workshop.