Designing For Context – SxSW 2012
William
In Interaction Design, SxSW, User Experience, Web Design Posted March 15, 2012
Consider context through research, it’s better than asking. The Model T was invented through research, Microsoft Clippy was invented through asking.
Think about context in the environment for which you will be designing for. Touch for iPad is amazing, but in space nasa found that astronauts could not use touch the same way, physics was different. Don’t assume you know how the user interacts with your interface, they will surprise you.
Reject 1:1 mapping of the ideas in prior work. Desktop is not a mobile environment, native is not the browser, the browser is not software interface.
When thinking about time, avoid the linear flow – people are distracted by life and often don’t do a single task in the time frame you think they do. Distractions, other uses, and interactions can take time. Structure persona creation through interaction from real users. This forces you to be on their timeline.
The New York Times tested users in situ by capturing data from users while they were on different interfaces to compare experiences and find out what priorities were for their apps on mobile (reading on the subway vs. reading at home vs. reading at the office)
Location is important and provides context and substance. People often ‘research’ at home before making a purchase, but are always connected with phones during the in-store experience. “What’s stuff you need when you’re on the go?” Learn to ask the right questions: on-the-go can mean ‘walking around the office’. Location should be thought of as ‘Radiation Zones’ around the interface.
Ecosystems are important for determining the context of the interface. Is mobile the only interface you would have? Retrofit existing designs to meet the ever changing touch points in your ecosystem. Remember that devices are not the audience – your users are not their platform. Combine cheap DIY methods to research and expolore your ecosystem constantly.
Forms and Technology will determine the users environment but when moving to a new form factor (i.e. desktop to mobile) list the requirements of the software, then brainstorm capabilities of the new form factor to see if there are new value adds that can be accomplished
Brands and Conversation – Brands can help users push conversation forward, branding can be a useful tool and users will interact to soften social interactions.
Take Home
Think about designing not around what’s worked in the past or a list of requirements, but instead work to to real data and real users to determine in what context your design is being used. Think about form factors and the ecosystems users live in and traverse with your designs. Don’t re-map ideas 1:1, consider each use case and explore users’ needs and potential benefits in each space.
See Also
#DforC
