Summary: The goals of this investigation are to develop observational skills, to learn to identify and describe users, and to identify tasks performed by users in the real world.
Collaboration: You should complete this assignment individually, although you may discuss it with anyone you like.
Preparation: Before you do Part 2, you should complete the reading for Thursday, February 14.
Due: Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2:15 p.m.
Citation: This assignment is adapted from one developed by Christine Alvarado (http://www.cs.hmc.edu/courses/2007/fall/cs124/investigations/i2.html)
In this investigation, you are a UI designer tasked with designing a new user interface for one of two contexts of use: a library or a coffee shop. To get started, you must understand your users and observe them carrying out their tasks.
First, choose which context of use you will study. Then you can proceed with your investigation. However, please read this whole assignment before choosing a context.
Choose a context of use, and characterize potential users. Identify user classes and characteristics as we discussed in class (when considering mailing a letter or package). Be sure you list different categories of users within the population (e.g., business vs. personal shippers). Then list specific characteristics of the entire population or of specific categories of users (e.g., visual accuity, price- vs. speed-conscious, have an account).
This section should be a combination of text and bulleted lists, up to a page long.
Next, go observe your users in their "natural" setting.
Visit your chosen context of use at a time when it will be busy. Order a coffee (if appropriate), sit down with your notebook, and observe for one hour. Focus on what activities people carry out, as well as the characteristics of staff and patrons that you observe. You may not be able to observe important differences between groups of users; if not, focus on the similarities.
Keep the following questions in mind during your observation:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Because you have not obtained the consent of the people you are observing, be respectful. Keep your distance, try not to stare, etc. You are perfectly within your rights to sit, look around, and write your observations, but be aware of others' privacy.
When performing your observations, you should take notes in a notebook using a pen or pencil. Because you have not obtained consent, you should not rely on any kind of recording device.(3a) First, identify three high-level tasks performed by the people you observed. Describe each task as a sequence of steps using hierarchical task analysis, as shown in ID Figure 10.14 (p. 516). For each task, also note
(3b) Update your user analysis based on your observation. You may simply copy your list from part 1 and annotate it.
(3c) Write a paragraph about the context of use: What characteristics of the physical environment will be important to the design of new technologies?
(3d) Write a paragraph commenting on a few things that surprised you from your observations. What was it like to observe? What did you observe that you had not expected?
Your writeup should include your Pre- and Post-Observation analysis. You do not need to submit your field notes.
Please print your assignment to turn in during class.
This assignment will be worth 35 points:
In your user analysis and your description of the context of use, I will be looking at your thoroughness and your thoughtfulness in considering which characteristics may be relevant.
In the HTAs, I will be looking at your thoroughness in considering potential problems and subtasks, but also at your choice of tasks and how well you've used the HTA structure.
In your commentary, I'm simply looking for some reflection.
Janet Davis (davisjan@cs.grinnell.edu)
Created February 12, 2007