Observation: The Key to a Great User Experience Prior Year Content
Observation is an important research technique when we are designing solutions to delight users. Some kinds of information that may make the difference between an acceptable solution and a delightful one can only be obtained by observing users in their native environment. Observing users is much more than simply sitting and watching them work. We observe with a purpose in mind and use all our senses—not just sight—when doing an observation. Geri Winters describes several different observation techniques including observing the environment, silent observation of someone performing a task, cognitive walkthrough with a user, and observing while doing. After explaining when and why you might use each technique, she leads you through a series of exercises designed to practice the techniques. Geri uses stories from real projects to illustrate the importance of observation in the user’s native environment and provides references to resources for further study.