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Tutorial #3: Discovering User Needs: Field Techniques You Can UseMonday, July 8th, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PMAbstract:In this course, by conducting your own real field visit, you'll learn all about field studies, including how to plan them, what to look for, and how to analyze the data. The instructors will teach you how to observe users and collect key information to feed directly into your design. Specific techniques you'll learn include:
Targeted Audience:Intermediate, Manager/AdvocateLength of Tutorial:Full DaySystem, Product, or Project Focus:No specific system, product, or project orientation. Field research methods can be used for any system or product.Keywords:
Learning objectives:This full-day tutorial is an in-depth exploration of how to plan and conduct a field study, how to do a detailed task analysis, and how to conduct contextual interviews. It includes creative ideas for collecting and using data, as well as tips for planning and conducting the visits. Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss their own methods, and exchange experiences.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MATERIAL COVERED BY TUTORIAL AND A SCHEDULE OF EVENTS WITH TIME ALLOCATIONThe class will be divided into teams of 4 - 9 people. Each team will perform its own field study at a pre-arranged location. (The field study sites are generally within or near the conference center or hotel.) Teams will use a disposable Polaroid camera and their own study materials to collect data. Teams will plan a field study, gather data, and analyze data. The course stresses active participation; more than 50% of the class time will be spent in discussion and exercises. This tutorial was given at the Usability Professionals' Association 1996, 1998 and 1999 conferences. It has also been taught at Jared Spool's User Interface conferences from 1998 - 2001 and at the Studio 2001 conference in Seattle. This course was the most highly-rated tutorial at each of the UPA and UIE conferences where it was taught. The workshop format is well-honed and highly successful. We have incorporated participant comments by shortening the student presentation time and providing more examples and anecdotes throughout the day.Introduction and Overview (15 minutes)During the introduction and overview, participants will describe their experience conducting field studies and what they hope to learn in the class. Then, the instructors will discuss the following topics:
Determining appropriate participant groups (30 minutes)This section stresses the importance of customer profiles. Participants will learn how to describe their user base and target particular groups of users for potential field visits. There will be time for participants to exchange information on useful techniques. Topics covered in this section include:
Planning and Conducting a Field Study (1 hour)This section covers the basics of planning, setting up, and running a field study.
Exercise: Developing materials (30 minutes)Participants will work with their team members to develop field study forms and surveys to use for their field study exercise. The exercise field study site will be pre-arranged, and the team members will have a contact name for at least one person at the site they are visiting. The course instructors will circulate through the room, assisting teams with their planning.Exercise: Field Study (45 minutes)Teams will conduct their field study exercise during an extended lunch period. Team members will decide how to divide study roles and activities.Analyzing the data (1 hour)This section focuses on how to use the data collected during field studies. Participants will learn how to analyze data as a team. Sample diagrams, charts, and storyboards will be used to illustrate techniques. Topics covered in this section include:
Exercise: Producing deliverables (45 minutes)Teams will produce as many deliverables as possible during the 45 minute exercise period. Instructors will suggest appropriate deliverables and assist teams as needed.Exercise: Team presentations (45 minutes)There will be approximately 45 minutes available for team presentations. The instructors will determine the length and format of the presentations, depending upon how many participants are enrolled in the tutorial.Fitting It In (30 minutes)This section is a presentation of useful ideas for making the field research process work for your organization. The presentation will be followed by a group discussion. Topics covered in this section include:
DESCRIPTION OF MATERIALS (HANDOUTS)During the lecture portions of the course, we project bulleted slides summarizing the points we are discussing. When appropriate, we project a second set of slides showing examples related to the discussion topic. Students are given detailed notes, as well as a printed copy of the slides. They can choose to follow either format. If they choose to follow the detailed notes, there are slide icons in the notes corresponding to the projected slide being discussed.Maximum number of participants:100BACKGROUND OF PRESENTERSKate Gomoll and Ellen Story teach this course collaboratively. They use a tag team approach, splitting the lecture time almost equally. Both instructors help students with the exercises.Kate Gomoll User Interface Architect Voice: 262-293-1731 Fax: 262-293-1479 Email: Kate.Gomoll@med.ge.com Kate Gomoll is the User Interface Architect for GE Medical Systems - Information Technologies. Prior to joining GE Medical Systems, Kate was the President and founder of Gomoll Research & Design, a consulting firm specializing in user experience design. She is a nationally-recognized pioneer in the field of user interface design and usability. At Gomoll Research & Design, she conducted customer research for a broad range of clients, including: Charles Schwab, Compaq, DirecTV, Hewlett-Packard, GE Medical Systems, Onyx Software, Netscape, UNext, and WebTV. Kate's user observation guidelines have appeared in The Art of Human Computer Interface Design and The Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines. Kate teaches customer research methods at conferences and workshops worldwide. For seven years, she taught field study methods as part of a 3-day workshop for UCLA Extension. She also taught this tutorial at the User Interface '98, '99, '2000, and 2001 conferences, as well as at the UPA '96, '98, and '99 conferences and the Studio 2001 conference. Kate has a BA in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin and an interdisciplinary MA in Professional Writing from Carnegie Mellon. Ellen Story User Interface Designer Gomoll Research & Design Voice: 414.319.1057 ext. 12 Fax: 414.224.0636 Email: ellen@gomolldesign.com Ellen Story has worked in the field of software development and design since 1985. While working at Northwestern Mutual Life, she was one of the first to practice usability engineering at the company. She became a user interface design specialist, a new specialty for the company, and in that capacity she educated teams on the user-centered design process and principles of good design. Ellen later joined M&I Data Services in the role of human interface designer where she conducted research at user sites, created human interface models, developed detailed window designs, and participated in usability testing for financial services software. Since joining Gomoll Research & Design, Ellen has helped numerous clients with research, interface design, prototyping, and usability testing. She has presented at the Usability Professionals' Association annual conference, and has taught workshops on design and usability. |
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