Re: [IxDA Discuss] Should an e-commerce design agency test the usability of its own designs?
I agree that this sounds like a lack of professionalism. Maybe they did not spot the same issues that you saw? If they saw the issues, I am not sure why they would not have taken those learnings to heart and used them to improve the design. In the end, better design would make them look better than some report %u201Cvalidating%u201D the usability of their design. Better design (however you define it) should be the ultimate goal of every project, and every and project within the project should support that goal. Right? I don't know why else they would have done usability testing, except to bill more hours, I suppose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=47287 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
[IxDA Discuss] Anyone have expertise relating to web analytics?
Can anyone recommend resources for developing a successful large-scale web analytics regime? Better yet, is anyone NY-based interested in consulting in this area? Recently we lost out on a major pitch, in part because of lack of expertise in this area, and I'm trying to play catch up. Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] How trendy is UCD? Are we critical enough about it?
If you where to decide between testing during the process or testing after the implimentation and could only choose one of them, what would you choose? Is that a trick question? Why test after implementation, when changes can no longer be made? I think there is a difference between Participatory Design and UCD. E.g., Participatory = let users create architecture. UCD = consider users in defining architecture (as opposed to using industry jargon, corporate structure, alphabetical listing or a random number generator). I think participatory is what some of you are arguing against, and UCD is what some are defending. Maybe. Again, it is all in the semantics. No, users will not design the most compelling product, but they will give ideas, push you in the right direction, and help you see things from their POV. User input is invaluable. Of course, you must take that input with a grain of salt, and incorporate other data (including technology constraints, business goals, an understanding of the world, aesthetic sensibilities etc.) into the design. I am curious about all your thoughts, esp Malouf's, on this article, http://twurl.nl/vx4bf0 (via @armano) as it seems to be holistic and heavily customer centered at the same time. As an interesting aside, Unilever is going the participatory/crowdsourcing route for their advertising, which may or may not be advisable, but should be interesting anyway. http://ow.ly/pip6 (via @dyalnviner) @zolna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=45486 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] How trendy is UCD? Are we critical enough about it?
I may have overstated by point, I meant more difficult to make the changes. I will say that it kinda depends what you mean by after implementation. Keep in mind, there are popular delivery models that don't allow for frequent updating of a product's design after release, which can be synonymous with implementation. My point really was something akin to the old adage that it is easier to make changes early, so it is smart test early. Also, I should have looked at Wikipedia, because it seems that Participatory design is one method of UCD. hmm. From now on when I say UCD I mean User Considered Design. I just might consider them more strongly than others. And also use their input to develop ideas. The difference in engineering vs design backgrounds may well be the issue here. I think you can make a similar point for different classes of products. Therefore, I give up too. If you are an amazing designer and you have all the answers, then the people who will eventually use your products have nothing to add. If that works for you, by all means continue on. It is also no coincidence that many products are designed and brought to market with basic and egregious usability issues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=45486 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Persuasiveness of showing goals and rewards
I'm not sure monetary or point rewards are going to be helpful here. As I cautioned above, shifting the focus of your user from the task to the reward may cause them to be less interested in (or have less positive feelings about) the task. That is, causing the user to refocus on rewards (extrinsic motivation) is going to reduce that i really wanna do this (for me/because it is important for my health/to look good in my wedding dress/etc) feeling (intrinsic motivation). Rewards would have to get progressively more enticing in your case because the task gets progressively more difficult (the first 2 lbs are easier than the last 2 lbs) and the reward to difficulty ratio probably needs to increase to continue to be a successful motivator. Since losing weight is about health and/or image (still guessing not knowing your users), I think you might capitalize on those motivators. You may still choose to frame them as rewards earned at certain milestones, but the rewards should be designed to reinforce health and/or image benefits rather than distract from them. E.g., 50% there, 2 more lbs and you will fit in your wedding dress ...75% there, and now it fits. 2 more lbs and it will be comfortable too! But, to answer your question, if you are intent on using rewards, I think you are best off giving achievable (but not too easy), specific goals that are within reach. As for presentation, I think a few of us have given examples of why you should give one goal at a time, but when users are near that goal, present the following goal so they never have a moment without an achievable but not too easy, specific goal that is within reach. See Psych literature re: goal setting theory. To answer a question you didn't ask, I think you should avoid rewards that distract from the task. Others have suggested similar. Think about rewards that capitalize on and complement intrinsic motivators. Have you done any research into how nutritionists and personal trainers, etc. reward their clients? I bet they have some methods proven by trial and error. jz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=44855 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Persuasiveness of showing goals and rewards
Hi, Yes, setting goals can certainly persuade people to complete a task. Research in cognitive psychology suggests that a goal's influence on motivation is affected by hitting the sweet spot on three primary features: proximity, difficulty and specificity. In your example, because goals are percentages (and partly because I am ignoring the actual task itself) proximity and difficulty are intertwined. For optimal motivation, follow Anne's suggestion of showing just the next possible reward ... but as the user gets near to completing that goal, you might also reveal the next level so there is always a somewhat distant yet achievable goal in view. For specificity, ensure that the user knows exactly what your percentages mean (which may or may not be obvious). You can find more in the literature re: goal setting theory. I don't know what your application or task are, but be careful focusing on rewards. Increasing the focus on rewards (upping the extrinsic motivation) naturally reduces intrinsic motivation. Performing a task with reduced intrinsic motivation has been shown to have two unexpected effects on users: 1) it can reduce long-term-strategic thinking, as well as depth of learning, and 2) it will reduce the likelihood that users later recall a pleasant experience (they will think they did it for the reward, not because task itself was worthwhile). Lots on this in management and psychology literature, look for motivation and rewards. Hope this helps. jz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=44855 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Eye-Tracker software/hardware recommendations
That simulation does not even come close to accurately simulating driving while texting. I don't want to admit how I know that. Maybe if you were trying to send a text while competing in a NASCAR event or something. In the ET-texting-while-driving case, the data could be used to test whether design changes incrementally reduce the time drivers are distracted. It is theoretically possible that several of these changes may be combined to create a miracle device that is safe to use for texting while driving. No think-aloud test is going to parse out those milisecond differences, and an experiment where you compare (simulated, I hope) accident rates would need such a high N it would cost WAY more than an eye-tracking device. jz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=44684 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Eye-Tracker software/hardware recommendations
Great discussion!! Really enjoying all the thought and insights (on both sides). In general, I have to side on the pro-ET side here. The %u201Cmale refrigerator blindness%u201D and peripheral vision problems are important, and must be considered. But don't these problems have corollaries in talk-aloud (e.g., unnatural behavior or telling the interviewer what you think they want to hear) and every other method? I must say that I think the characterization of ET data interpretation as %u201Cmaking shit up%u201D is unfair for two reasons. First, making shit up is the basis of data interpretation. Couldn't giving several %u201Cexperts%u201D the same talk aloud protocol and test interface also lead to more than one story? Claiming that ET interpretation is more susceptible to variance might be more fair (and less abrasive). Secondly, the reliability of analysis is only as good at the analyst. If the experts surveyed could not tell that the data with different thresholds were the same, or even worse did not ask what the thresholds were, I think the problem may lie with their approach to analysis (or level of expertise). A true expert knows the limitations of ET (and any method they use, including talk-aloud and task-based protocols, both of which have plenty of limitations) as well as important ways to expose and deal with those limitations. My take is that ET work should be reserved for specific situations, and ET is best used to complement other methods. Handled with care, I think ET can provide quite a bit of insight. Jesse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=44684 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] City experience
One example I read about in a recent book, Nudge I believe, was Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. One section of road had many accidents because it was a dangerous curve and people would ignore signs to slow down. The city of Chicago drew lines on the road that gradually came to be closer and closer together. The visual experience gave drivers the sensation of speeding up. Drivers compensate by slowing down, and accident rates have dropped. You could use that example in your pitch. -Jesse __ Jesse S. Zolna, Ph.D. From: Gregor Kiddie gkid...@inpses.co.uk To: Rob Epstein robinepst...@gmail.com; disc...@ixda.org Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2009 10:55:00 AM Subject: Re: [IxDA Discuss] City experience That's a very intriguing set of questions there! No experience but my curiosity is piqued! How could you re-design a road (or pavement) from a UX perspective... Fantastic question for an interview! Gk. Gregor Kiddie Senior Developer INPS Tel: 01382 564343 Registered address: The Bread Factory, 1a Broughton Street, London SW8 3QJ Registered Number: 1788577 Registered in the UK Visit our Internet Web site at www.inps.co.uk The information in this internet email is confidential and is intended solely for the addressee. Access, copying or re-use of information in it by anyone else is not authorised. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of INPS or any of its affiliates. If you are not the intended recipient please contact is.helpd...@inps.co.uk -Original Message- From: discuss-boun...@lists.interactiondesigners.com [mailto:discuss-boun...@lists.interactiondesigners.com] On Behalf Of Rob Epstein Sent: 21 July 2009 11:29 To: disc...@ixda.org Subject: [IxDA Discuss] City experience Has anyone provided UX / usability services to a city or local council, regarding: - Road / sidewalk design and maintenance - Road signs - locations, standards, maintenance - Navigation signs - to local sites, main roads, points of interest - Traffic calming - Pedestrian crossings - Shared spaces - and in general, how to make cities more walkable, safe, and a great place to live. I'd like to hear your experiences, war stories, and how you convinced the city that they needed you (or did they get it from the start?) Thanks, Rob ___ Rob Epstein UX consultant Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Digitial newspaper/magazine editions user experience
In my experience, users are looking for the same general content online as in print, but there are vastly different expectations in terms of presentation. For the most part these expectations make sense. Why would a publisher simply place their print materials online? Was early TV just a video of people reading stories that were previously on the radio? Was the length, distribution, and format of literature the same after the printing press? As with any new technology it is best to leverage its strengths, and users intuitively expect that. Examples of some of the things that have come up in my research are: Timeliness and updates. Real time web More visual information including extra pictures and video. A more familiar feel (e.g., bloggers you can identify and 'get to know'). Hyperlinks and recommendations for related content (on and off site). Search (obv). Depending upon situation, maybe personalization and ability to narrow down what is presented. I am sure there are more. I doubt that users would get excited if you posted a pdf version of your magazine to the interwebs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=43670 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Research methods when you only have 2-3 hours or 2-3 days
Surely you have some suggestions, lets hear them. Here are a few off the top of my head: Competitive analysis, analytics, ask client for existing research Find where users hang online and read what they are saying, search twitter for references ... Stakeholder interviews Survey people in my database or with a pop-up on existing site (survey can included visuals .. does not have to be all verbal) Go to Starbucks and trade coffee for opinions or to observe as they attempt a task (or man on the street interviews) Post questions on related industry/product message board, or other social media Online card sort, 5 second test, amazon turk Friends and family user testing And the most useful method: Convince them to make time for testing up front to save time and money in the long run! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=43514 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] CONAN Design Review
will do jessezolna at yahoo dot com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=43460 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Research methods when you only have 2-3 hours or 2-3 days
The coffee shop is one version of the man on the street approach, which can be done on the subway, in the park etc. It does take some gumption, but more than that it takes the feeling that this HAS to be done. Once you convince yourself you have no other choice, you will get it done. I will stake a place out for a bit and get comfortable (and caffeinated). When I decide it is time to perform, I choose a target mostly on gut (in addition to visible target user characteristics) and follow the three second rule: decide if they are a good candidate in 3 seconds or move on. If you observe carefully, you can tell if someone is more or less likely to be in a relaxed and flexible mood. Just straight to the point Hi, my name is X, and I am designing X. I need feedback from everyday people like you to help make it better. If you'll go through it with me for ten minutes while you drink your coffee, I'll buy your coffee. If they say yes, bring them to your table. The approach is often awkward, and you will certainly hear a lot of 'no', but the outcome is rewarding. You can do a couple people here and there without much issue, but if you plan to spend hours there, you might talk to management. Sometimes getting a pair of people is also fun. It is easier with mobile apps. Having a camera-person (in public spaces) to make it more like a news interview can help people 'get it'. -Jesse __ Jesse S. Zolna, Ph.D. From: Jason Robb ja...@jasonrobb.com To: disc...@ixda.org Sent: Wednesday, July 8, 2009 10:32:24 AM Subject: Re: [IxDA Discuss] Research methods when you only have 2-3 hours or 2-3 days Todd et al., Awesome! I'm so glad you asked this question... The current state of my company culture allows me literally no time for testing people outside of our organization. So when we want to test some new idea, we usually try it on our own internal resources, student advisers and the dev team. Recruiting in a coffee shop is an awesome idea. I wonder if I could get the gumption to try it. What does this process look like? Hey I'll buy your coffee if you try our site, it'll take 10 minutes... a lot of people are going for coffee to break. How successful has this method been for you, Jesse? Cheers, Jason R. -- Jason Robb Experience Design Implementation http://jasonrobb.com http://uxboston.com http://uiscraps.tumblr.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=43514 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] White text on dark background?
We had the same debate. While I personally think dark on light non-white (specifically a light blue) is best, we once tested a design with white on dark blue almost black. users did not have trouble reading as long as the font was sufficiently large (we had slight negative reaction to font less than 12 on both mac and pc laptops) and did not claim it was a problem. These were short text articles (slightly longer than your 200 words) that were broken up some by insets and pictures. I believe that a longer or denser block of text may have seen different results. Take it for what it is worth, as this was neither a statistically significant test, nor was it within your specific context. Essentially, the takeaway is that no, white on black is not a no-no. (quadruple negative?) Anecdotaly, I hate the blinding white background of the page I am typing on right now. Luckily for IxDA the content is so great I will put up with it. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=39974 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] White text on dark background?
@adrian: true. in our case it was not a performance issue. we were concerned with people not being able to read or not liking to read, and not so concerned with reading quickly. That is why I pointed out that this was not done in the original posters' specific context. Performance tests are a whole separate study (one that I am have to believe has been done in the academic arena). @vance: people definitely perceive dark on white as more professional, but we were pleased with the completion of that thought: 'and this seems more entertaining' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=39974 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Doctoral study in design.
I agree Eirik. I am surprised, given the recent discussion of design education programs, that there has been little to no response to this topic. I suspect it is because the following statements are true, and many of the designers on this board do not find it as scary as you do, but rather find it appropriate. “Few undergraduate design students, especially those in single-discipline colleges of art in the USA, engage in original, disciplined inquiry intended to inform design decisions, nor do most learn how to read and apply research findings from other fields. … A small portion of American undergraduate design students eventually enroll in master’s programs, where the dominant educational model – borrowed from the studio arts – addresses the refinement of practice-oriented skills and portfolios.” In the interest in sparking discussion, I’d like to mention that I myself have witnessed many events where designers say ”research shows …” and have wondered if they think saying those magical words is simply a bullet proof way to win an argument. There have been times when I have doubted the existence or relevance of said research, and that makes me nervous about those other times when I trust such an assertion. One top-of-mind example is when I recently read the following words on these boards: “Studies show people go bananas for FREE.” I do not usually disagree or doubt designers when they make these statements (especially something as self-evident as this), but I rarely if ever actually see the research or a reference, which I can say from first-hand knowledge would not fly in a PhD program. In this example, I would bet there are some caveats to users’ jumping on free things (e.g., if they think they might get SPAMed or compromise their privacy or download a virus, etc.). Perhaps a research informed education would reduce this practice. The article suggests the creation of a dependable research database. Providing a place for designers to ‘get’ and share their research would be great. Even better, I believe that applied-research is most valuable when it is conducted in context, and providing (some) designers with the chops to do so would be of great value to the field. Rather than the blanket research shows... statement, designers should more often say I did research in this context on this question and and it shows... This is of course difficult, and requires the progression of rapid design research methods. What are people's opinions on useful rapid (as in, more rapid than even one day of lab-tests) research? What do you use? Maybe a database of this is also necessary. As the authors conclude: “…it is also clear that development in this area will be slow without broader recognition that research matters to the future of the design professions and that the outcomes of design decisions have consequences in society.” It matters folks, and I think this community is as open to research as anyone. How do you use research and what is your advice for or argument against the authors of this article? __ Jesse S. Zolna, Ph.D. From: Eirik Midttun emidt...@gmail.com To: disc...@ixda.org Sent: Friday, February 20, 2009 6:20:12 AM Subject: Re: [IxDA Discuss] Doctoral study in design. Why the exclamation mark behind engineering? I find some of the things in What Does the Field Think about Research? rather scary. I don't live in the US so maybe it is better elsewhere. Anyway it has to change, or the discipline won't survive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=38981 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] A Study on how End User's perceive change
Hi Shashank, Sounds like an interesting topic. The way your phrase it now seems rather broad, but if one of the aspects of change you are looking at includes visual placement of menu items and icons etc, you might look at the Psych lit in visual scene perception. good luck and go jackets! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=37036 Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ... disc...@ixda.org Unsubscribe http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .. http://www.ixda.org/help
Re: [IxDA Discuss] Sketches of popular web apps
great link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=30820 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
