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

[Dave Heller]

I would also add that design is a form of research in and of itself.
Research does not (dare I say) have to be w/ users at all. There are
proof of concepts, ideation explorations, etc. that are an invaluable
design research tool.

On a different yet related note, I'd like to point people to do the
work of Brenda Laurel and her new book entitled Design Research which
uses creative modeling processes combined with more "traditional"
research methodologies together.

-- dave

On 12/20/05, Jared M. Spool <jspool at uie.com> wrote:
> At 08:41 PM 12/19/2005, Mitchell Gass wrote:
> >Cooper's persona-based approach to design, which Kim is largely
> >responsible for, is all about up-front research and applying what's
> >learned throughout the design process.
>
> The (navel-gazing?) question is really whether creating an initial
> prototype solely for the purpose of outing your hidden assumptions is or is
> not part of the up-front research process.
>
> I believe that research is best served when you can get as many of your
> assumptions on the table, so you know what you're challenging as you gather
> your data. My experience is that, once the assumptions have been stated,
> it's easy for observers (especially inexperienced observers) to see where
> those challenges are false. When you don't explicitly talk about them, I
> often hear things such as, "I didn't really see anything I didn't know"
> when we return from a site visit or a usability test, even though there
> were many challenges to our thinking during those sessions.
>
> So, I'm not suggesting anything that would go against the (extremely wise)
> teachings of Goodwin/Cooper and Rettig.
>
> 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
>
>
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--
David Heller
E: dheller (at) gmail (dot) com
W: www (dot) synapticburn (dot) com