On Mar 27, 2008, at 2:05 PM, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> <[EMAIL PROTECTED] > wrote:
> Granted, we could have fleshed out the prototype with 'why would I > do this' type content and is this the failing here or simply that > users don't always know best? There is a difference between doing what your customers say and actually finding out/interpreting their needs based on a conversation with them and observing their behaviors. Context is key. They guys at Cheskin will tell you about some ethnographic-based research they were doing for a luxury goods company. During one interview the participant claimed she didn't perform any luxury services. Cheskin looked down and noticed she had a French manicure. When the facilitator/interviewer asked about her obvious luxury item of a French manicure, the woman replied "Oh, honey, that's not a luxury, that's a necessity!" As an outsider, we can watch for these types of things and run them through our interpretation filter to determine want vs. need. And really, its about keeping the proper balance between listening, understanding, and interpretation. The customer isn't always right, but they can be a good source for inspiration of what to do and what not to do. Cheers! Todd Zaki Warfel President, Design Researcher Messagefirst | Designing Information. Beautifully. ---------------------------------- Contact Info Voice: (215) 825-7423 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] AIM: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Blog: http://toddwarfel.com ---------------------------------- In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not. ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
