Understanding how
user behaviour can, and does, influence and override technological solutions
is critical for engineers and designers wishing to effectively tackle
problems such as increasing energy consumption. It is only through
understanding these factors that effective strategies can be devised to change
behaviour.
This section of the website draws together and presents
information on user centred research techniques and examples of their
application to help those involved in designing products and services to
understand and influence user behaviour. A further page offers advice on
how
to present the findings of user centred research, particularly data
drawn from studies
involving new media such as cameras, sound or mobile phones.
Participant Observation, either manual or via video recording, is
used to capture
user interactions in public places or test environments.
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The Consumer Vision System
enables designers to see the product through the consumers eyes.
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Text Messaging
studies ask participants to send text messages describing or recording
events, actions or thoughts.
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Discreet Observation
is a method of identifying real design needs by discreetly observing
user interactions in public spaces.
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Customer Diaries are an inexpensive method of
gaining insight into habits, behaviours, problems and difficulties
encountered during use.
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User Trials
are simulations of product usage in which subjects fulfil specified
tasks using a product/product simulation.
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Interviews can be beneficial in understanding user
perceptions of situations, behaviours, products or services.
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Product-in-use is an observation technique which records what people
actually do, not what they say they do.
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The
Mobilistrictor body suit simulates the effects of old age, enabling
designers to empathise with older people.
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Focus Groups
are used to investigate group norms and conflicting views on a
particular set of issues.
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Scenario-of-use aims to uncover previously unvoiced needs using role
play as a cue for recall.
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