UX class — some resources
One class I’m taking this term is in UX Research method and practice. Some useful resources from class and for the next phase of my work on the VT — writing requirements.
Jacob Nielson, Usability 101: Introduction to Usability
http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20030825.html
What (Definition of Usability)
Usability is a quality attribute that assesses how easy user interfaces are to use. The word “usability” also refers to methods for improving ease-of-use during the design process.Usability is defined by five quality components:
* Learnability: How easy is it for users to accomplish basic tasks the first time they encounter the design?
* Efficiency: Once users have learned the design, how quickly can they perform tasks?
* Memorability: When users return to the design after a period of not using it, how easily can they reestablish proficiency?
* Errors: How many errors do users make, how severe are these errors, and how easily can they recover from the errors?
* Satisfaction: How pleasant is it to use the design?
Surprisingly useful, usability.gov; includes decent descriptions of methods.
UX Phases from the Usability Professional’s Association
Analysis Phase
• Meet with key stakeholders to set vision
• Include usability tasks in the project plan
• Assemble a multidisciplinary team to ensure complete expertise
• Develop usability goals and objectives
• Conduct field studies
• Look at competitive products
• Create user profiles
• Develop a task analysis
• Document user scenarios
• Document user performance requirements
Design Phase
• Begin to brainstorm design concepts and metaphors
• Develop screen flow and navigation model
• Do walkthroughs of design concepts
• Begin design with paper and pencil
• Create low-fidelity prototypes
• Conduct usability testing on low-fidelity prototypes
• Create high-fidelity detailed design
• Do usability testing again
• Document standards and guidelines
• Create a design specification
Implementation Phase
• Do ongoing heuristic evaluations
• Work closely with delivery team as design is implemented
• Conduct usability testing as soon as possible
Deployment Phase
• Use surveys to get user feedback
• Conduct field studies to get info about actual use
• Check objectives using usability testing