On Fri, Jun 6, 2008 at 1:20 PM, Andrew Boyd <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > On Fri, Jun 6, 2008 at 12:47 AM, Szymon Blaszczyk > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> >> And you can also use personas as "knowledge management" (all that we >> already know about our customers). It's ok to play, explore, but when >> personas are used to make _decisions_ - it's just not wise when it's >> all guesses and fiction. >> >> And that's the most common mistake. We have personas, they're great, >> and we use them. We make crucial decisions based on our precious >> personas. But there's a problem. Those personas are about what we >> _guess_ is true and real. It's missing the point. The only advantage >> we get is focusing our thinking on users - nothing more. What about >> segmentation - is it right? What about facts and all those tricky >> details? >> >> Personas based on solid research are more powerful, insightful and >> secure tools. When it comes to tough decisions, I can't imagine using >> personas that are just creative writing. >> >> I like to think about personas as of form communication. When we know >> and understand the users (lots of facts, lots of research material), >> we need a tool to make use of this knowledge. We need a fast and >> efficient tool. Personas. > > Szymon, > please let me reframe the question. > Do you distinguish and leverage the difference between finding the answers > (conceptual design) and enunciating the answers (specific design) in your > work? > You seem to be categorising the former as creative writing and fiction. The > two are totally separate
I think I've overreacted. Of course I agree with you. My point is a practical one: Personas are often used to justify design decisions. Sadly, those personas are rarely based on research. In my opinion - it's extremely common mistake. I think it's important to repeat: research, research, research. Less harm will be done. Nothing more. -- Szymon Błaszczyk +48 609 649 819 http://2ia.pl | http://blaszczyk.name | http://szymon.tumblr.com ________________________________________________________________ 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
