User Centered Design(UCD)

WRIT 573

Presenter: Kumiko Borman

1. What is UCD?

Interface design user-centered design

It is a design philosophy and process that places the users at the center right from the beginning and throughout the product cycle.

2. UCD Process

Adopted from: User-Centered Design http://usability.msu.edu/approach.aspx

3. UCD asks questions such as …

Who are the users? What are their tasks and goals? What are their experience levels? What functions do they need? What information do they want and in what

form? How do they think the product should work? How can the design facilitate their cognitive

processes?

4. UCD Elements

Usability Measures effectiveness, efficiency, and

satisfaction

Accessibility Ensures products are understandable and

usable for users of all abilities.

5. How to Develop User-Centered Web

Sites 1. Involve users from the beginning2. Know your users3. Analyze user tasks and goals4. Don’t settle on a final direction too soon5. Test for usability - repeatedly!

User-Centered Design and Web Development, Society for Technical Communication

http://www.stcsig.org/usability/topics/articles/ucd%20_web_devel.html

6. Usability Guidelines

Visibility Memory Load Feedback Accessibility Navigation/Orientation Errors Legibility Language Visual Design

Conclusion

User-centered design cuts costs and increase user satisfaction and productivity.