[Sigia-l] UCD: Coming to a game console near you soon...

[Andrew Boyd]

On 4/28/07, Donna Maurer <donnam at maadmob.net> wrote:
> Oops...unstoppable rant coming on.
>
> This game, like almost all UCD theory, makes a critically wrong
> assumption. It assumes that (1) if you can define the users and (2)
> analyse their needs, then you are (3) able to create a design for them.
>
> It *totally* ignores the fact that there is an enormous skill set in
> (3). Designing is not a matter of putting user knowledge into a
> prototype and running a couple of usability tests.
>
> I think it is about time UCD (generally) remembers there is a D in there.
>
> Donna

Hi Donna,

perhaps it is misnamed but I think that it is a good idea - if only
that it is spreading the idea that there are these things called UCD
principles and that their application is not something to be done
lightly. If it is misapplied ("our developers have done the UCD Game,
.'. we are user-centred designers") then this is a very bad thing,
yes.

Does the UCD Game spread the idea that UCD is easy and that no
previous knowledge is required? Perhaps.

On balance, I still think that it is a good thing. Convincing people
that they need to think about UCD has been important to me for a long
time now, and if the Game raises the profile of participants, then it
has done more good than evil.

That said, I'll probably spend more time this weekend with my Wii than
with the UCD Game :)

Cheers, Andrew

---
Andrew Boyd
http://skonkwerks.net/facibusreviews