[Sigia-l] Research then prototype OR prototype then gather user feedback

[Jared M. Spool]

At 04:34 PM 12/19/2005, Trenouth, John wrote:
>Is it better to start a project by:
>
>1.  Studying users' workflows, environments, experienced, etc., and then
>develop prototypes based on this knowledge
>
>OR
>
>2. Just putting something together based on what the organization
>already knows, and then bring it to users in order to gather their
>feedback on what you have.

There's a third approach we are seeing emerge amongst our clients:

3. Put together a prototype, not as something ever intended to ship, but as 
a physical rendition of the inherent assumptions the team is starting with, 
then go out and study users' workflows, environments, experiences, etc. to 
see where the prototype breaks (thereby pointing out holes in the 
assumptions).

The users never see the prototype (at least during the initial research 
push). It's only there to put a solid face on wishy assumptions and beliefs.

Jared


Jared M. Spool, Founding Principal, User Interface Engineering
4 Lookout Lane, Unit 4d, Middleton, MA 01949
978 777-9123   jspool at uie.com  http://www.uie.com
Blog: http://www.uie.com/brainsparks