User observation

Definition: Use this method to understand the reality of what people do rather than what they say they do, and to gain insights to inform the design process. How: Determine the activities and the people to be observed in context, and identify an appropriate ‘expert’ observer. Depending on the information required observations might range from general (eg how people move around a shopping centre) to specific experiments to test a design (such as observing how people complete a specified task on a computer in a simulated environment). Recording your observation through photos or video will allow you to analyse after the event and can provide evidence for stakeholders. Use this method in conjunction with 1to1 Interviews. Resources An expert observer eg an informed designer, social scientist or human factors specialist. Video, camera, Source: Livework Studio Ltd Links: Ideo, Methods Deck, 2003, Stanton, N.A., Human Factors in Consumer Products, 1998: click here