User-Centered Design - Users' Advocate

DialogDesign can be user advocates in your user-centered design process. Based on specific data from observation, interviews of typical users, etc., the advocate pleads for a user experience that’s both useful and usable.

The advocate’s main task is to ensure that user viewpoints are heard. The advocate makes an argument based on data and measurements from real users - not opinions.

DialogDesign has limited knowledge about graphic design. For projects that involve graphic design, we use subcontractors.

DialogDesign uses the following methods to determine what users really want and need:

·       Observation

·       Interviews

We use the recognized “master-apprentice” interviewing technique. See the column to the right.

·       Card sorting

We use card sorting, with one task per card, to get users to prioritize tasks or to get them to help us determine the menu structure that’s ideal from their point of view.

·       Tests of primitive prototypes

We use iterative design to ensure the right functionality and maximum usability. Iterative design means alternating between design, test, redesign, test, etc.

·       Careword analysis

This analysis method identifies the keywords that users care particularly for. These “carewords” must appear prominently on web pages and in product descriptions. The method is based on questionnaires and interviews and was developed by DialogDesign’s partner, Gerry McGovern.

We communicate results to you through

·       presentations and short reports

·       personas (stereotypical users)

·       representative usage scenarios

These methods are discussed further in the book Usable Web Design.