Tags : hci-class

There are different stages of prototyping, which increase in fidelity and time taken to create. Therefore it is important to start with low fidelity tools and move further as the ideas are more concrete. Some of these tools are Story-boarding Creating Paper Prototypes Digital Mock-ups Wizard of Oz Video Prototypes Story-boarding This technique involves rough sketches which tell a story. It should have the stage (people, task being done), the script (actions, sequences of steps) and the outcome (fulfilled motivations, satisfaction).

It is the process of observing people to discover their needs, goals, and values. Although the course if about “Human Computer Interaction”, the process of need finding is relevant to developing new products or even new businesses. A good starting point for any new product is to clearly identify an existing problem or need. That’s because finding a big problem and need often yields important untapped opportunities. Observing people also helps build empathy and think from their point of view.

There are several methods to evaluate a design: Usability studies This could be informal, watch and learn or formal usability labs. They offer good learning and uncover quirks, bugs or false assumtions. it is not the same as user’s using it to perform real work in real environment difficult to compare alternatives experimental bias Surveys quickly gets feedback from a large number of users relatively easy to compare alternatives No need to build prototype, a screenshot or mockup will do.

I am currently taking the Human Computer Interaction class, and unlike last time, will make notes during the course and not after. What is Human Computer Interaction? HCI is the design, implementation and evaluation of user interfaces. Design Good design is a pleasure to use; it increase efficiency and prodcutivity. Whereas bad design can be frustrating and in extreme cases can even costs lives. Design using Prototypes Prototyping is the single most important strategy for effective design.