UX Terminology

Use Case

A use case is a description of how a system responds to a request from an external source. This is written with reference to the technical steps that happen for the task to be completed. Why are use cases important? Use cases are important, because they will show how systems respond when they are used. A use case describes how a system helps a user achieve their goal. Unlike a user scenario, a use case is more orientated towards the system's behavior rather than the user. The language in which a use case is written should be simple and the writer of a use case should avoid technical terminology. A use case should not include too much context about the user or their emotional response to an interaction. The purpose of use cases In a use case a list of goals can be defined and an analysis can be made of how complex and expensive it is for these goals to be met. In team projects, use cases are useful to see which areas of a system need to be developed and what obstacles could arise in performing a task.

Requirements Engineering

In product development, requirements engineering is a process that takes place at the beginning of a project. In this process, the requirements of the product are specified through a variety of methods. This can be through interviewing potential users, sending out questionnaires or by observing users. From this research, feedback is gathered and analyzed. Requirements are then compiled and given to the design team to help them produce a product that meets the requirements of users and consumers. Benefits of requirements engineering Requirements engineering can offer many benefits. It can help developers structure the development process and provide them with a clear plan of action. Without knowing the requirements of a product, the design process can lose focus. With clear knowledge of the requirements of a product from the user perspective, the needs of the user can be met. This can then lead to better usability of an application and a better user experience. How to carry out requirements engineering The first step for requirements engineering is to ascertain what users may need from a product and what goals they wish to fulfill by using this product. This can be gathered by sending out a questionnaire, surveys, or interviewing potential users. The data should be analyzed once collected. Then a focus group is gathered to analyze the various ideas that the data yields. After this, the remaining ideas from the focus group should be organized in a logical format to be presented for approval. This will help the design team to produce a product that meets the demands of users.

Iterative Design

Iterative design is a process of designing a product in which the product is tested and evaluated repeatedly at different stages of design to eliminate usability flaws before the product is designed and launched. In other words, iterative design is a process of improving and polishing the design over time. An example of iterative design is Wikipedia, where users can add missing information and correct mistakes that have been made by former contributors. What are the steps of iterative design? Typically, in iterative design a product such as an interface is developed in cycles. First, a draft interface is created. This initial interface is then tested by a small group of users. Any problems are noted and analyzed, and after that the design is refined to eliminate these problems. This cycle is repeated a few times until the design is ready to be implemented. Why is iterative design important? One of the main reasons iterative design is important is that it allows teams to reduce usability issues and thus ensure a good user experience of the product they are developing. On the other hand, developers can reveal these flaws at the early stages when the cost of eliminating mistakes is minimal. Wireframing and prototyping tools can be very useful in iterative design.

Navigation

Navigation is used to describe how a user travels through a software application or system in order to find the information or service he is looking for. Many applications have a navigation bar in which the individual pages are categorized so that they can be found easily. How does navigation affect user experience? The easier it is for a user to navigate through a website or software application, the faster he will find what he is looking for. When navigation is optimized, user frustration can be minimized and conversion rates are often increased. Many websites, especially retail websites include numerous links towards the sales section to ensure that the navigation paths to those pages are optimized, which also increases conversion rates. How to test navigation Card sorting can be a useful first test to optimize navigation. With card sorting, participants are asked to structure a list of categories in an order that makes sense to them. This is especially useful for those creating a navigation bar, as it can help designers create headings and categories for different navigation links. Once a navigation bar has been implemented in a prototype or a final product, usability testing can be carried out in person or remotely. Eye and mouse-tracking devices are often used in this form of usability testing, as these can be used to see which elements people focus and click on. When test users hover too long on a particular button, or often have to use the back button, navigation may need to be optimized. With optimized navigation, users will have a more intuitive and positive user experience.

User Research Methods

The term user research methods, in a usability context, refers to ways to find out more about how a user interacts with a product, such as a website or software application. User research methods categories Four sub-categories in user research methods include behavior, quantitative, qualitative, and setup/settings. Depending on what a professional wants to research, he or she will choose one of these categories and a corresponding user research method. An example scenario might be that Jim wants to know how the user reacts to so many buttons on a screen, and specifically which one the user will see first, or which one he will ultimately click on? This question can be answered by using a user research method within a behavior category called, eye-tracking - and if possible, mouse-tracking. The usability professional will then see what the user saw first and with mouse-tracking software, will also see what the user ultimately clicked on. How to perform user research methods The various categories require various methods to perform. Some of the qualitative user research methods will require using focus groups or interviews. These require communication skills. To perform quantitative user research, methods like A/B testing or usability testing are often required.

Think Aloud

Think aloud, otherwise referred to as think-out-loud is a protocol used in usability testing to help the facilitator understand the emotional and practical user experience of a product or prototype. Think aloud requires the user to not only say his or her thoughts out loud, but also to explain and justify them. For example, in a think aloud usability test for a website, a user might click on a link and might justify this action by explaining that they are interested in the product that the button is said to link to. Think aloud differs from talk aloud, which only requires a statement of intention, such as, "I will click here". Think aloud benefits in usability testing When the user thinks aloud, what he or she might miss in the interface design becomes clear. This produces valuable data on how to improve the user interface. For example, the facilitator or observer might be very surprised when a user does not click on a call to action button that has been optimized and positioned in a prominent spot of the page layout. This could be due to the color of the button or the text on the button label. In usability testing, there are frequently surprises in how users interact with a prototype. By using think aloud protocol in this process, designers and usability experts can better understand the logic behind these revelations. The running of a think aloud usability test In a usability test, the test user is asked to say everything that he or she is thinking throughout the test and say why he or she is doing it. This will enable the moderators to see how the test user might use the technology in a different way than how they predicted and also understand the reasons behind this. The product or prototype will then be modified based on this feedback.

Usability

Usability is a concept in user interface design that refers to how effectively and efficiently a user can interact with a user interface. The term usability incorporates a few other concepts, such as learnability and usefulness. The usability of an interface is one of the most important criteria of a user interface in user-centered design. Areas of use of the usability concept Usability does not only refer to web interfaces. Usability comes up in connection with any software or electronic device that involves interaction between a human and a machine. The biggest areas of use are computer science and electronics. However, usability is not restricted to human-computer interaction. We can also talk about the usability of a tool or a book. Criteria of usability There are a few criteria for the usability of an interface. One of them is learnability. It should take a user as little time as possible to learn how the interface works. The interface should also be memorable, that is the user should be able to remember how to use it the next time. Other important factors of usability are connected with how efficiently a user can achieve his goals and how many errors the user makes. The last criterion of interface usability is user satisfaction. How much a user enjoys working with an application ultimately determines its success.

5-Second Test

A 5-second test is a usability test in which a participant is shown the user interface of a software application or website for five seconds. After the 5-second test, the participant is then asked what he can remember from the layout he has seen. This is a particularly useful method to see whether key visuals or call-to-action buttons have the right impact on the user. How can the 5-second test be useful? Many people make judgments about a website within the first five seconds of visiting it. Website designers and operators want to ensure, not only that their website makes a good impression on users, but also that key navigation features or call to action buttons stand out. The 5-second test can therefore highlight if these are not visually optimized. One limitation of the 5-second test is that the interactive elements of an application cannot be tested. Therefore the 5-second test is usually carried out in the first stage of several usability tests. How to perform a 5-second test Before the 5-second test begins, the moderator may tell the test user to focus on a particular aspect of the interface design or ask where they would click to find certain information. The participant is then shown the user interface of a prototype or final application for exactly five seconds. To ensure accuracy a timer should be used. At the end of the 5-second test, the test user will often be asked what key features they could remember from the website. The results of the test are then compiled. The user interface design is then optimized based on this feedback.

Clickable Wireframe

A clickable wireframe is a type of prototype that gives a visual representation of the user interface of a website or software application. Unlike static wireframes, in simulation clickable wireframes respond to user interaction. Clickable wireframes may include buttons that perform a specific motion when clicked, or even take the user to a linked page of the prototype. What are the benefits of clickable wireframes? Clickable wireframes can be used to prototype interactive elements of a user interface. With prototyping software, this process can be faster and more cost-effective than programming. The advantage of clickable wireframes is that these can be used to show more than one state of a user interface. For example in simulation, a drop-down menu may appear, which would not be possible with static wireframes. In usability testing, clickable wireframes can also provide more accurate results. This is because the interactive experience is very similar to that of a finalized application. How to use a clickable wireframe Clickable wireframes are often created with wireframing software. The basic components of a user interface design should be included, such as text fields, image holders, buttons and navigation bars. The level of detail of the clickable wireframes should depend on the type of project. Once the wireframes have been created they can be simulated with test users. In user testing, notes should be made on the user experience and usability of the application. This feedback should then be used to optimize the clickable wireframe prototype. This process can be repeated until the prototype can be used as a framework for the finalized application.

Conceptual Model

A conceptual model is the perception a person has about a product or service. The conceptual model can change or be reinforced over time and is determined by the contact a person has with the product. Reviews and comments from other people can also influence the conceptual model. A conceptual model often cannot be illustrated or described and is instead formed subconsciously. Examples of conceptual models An example of a conceptual model could be the idea that using a scientific calculator is difficult. A person could have this preconceived idea, which changes once the person begins to use the product. With a positive interaction experience, the user will then have an improved conceptual model of the product. This will then increase the chance of the user purchasing the product or giving a positive review about the product to a friend. The stronger the conceptual model, the more difficult it is to change. A good example of a biased conceptual model is with Mac and Windows computers. How to optimize conceptual models Conceptual models can be difficult to predict. Many companies decide to follow conventions to ensure positive conceptual models. The user will already have a conceptual model based on previous experiences with similar products. If a company can replicate positive experiences, the conceptual model may be positively influenced for the product at hand. Conceptual models can also be influenced by the usability and accessibility of an application. User testing can also be used to highlight weaknesses in this area.

Focus Group

A focus group is a group method used, normally in marketing, to gather data on opinions or reactions toward a certain product or application. A focus group is generally comprised of a number of individuals and a moderator. The moderator's role is to put forward ideas to the group, steer discussion towards relevant topics, and make a note of any significant reactions from the group. Focus groups can often be used to predict product market acceptance and highlight any issues that should be changed before a product goes to market. What are the different types of focus groups? The term focus group was coined by Viennese psychologist Ernest Dicther. Nowadays there are many different types of focus groups, including two-way focus groups, dual moderator focus groups, and mini focus groups. Dueling moderator focus groups are also used, in which two moderators bring opposing arguments to the focus group. Online focus groups can also take place, in which the interaction occurs across the web. Focus groups should normally take place at the beginning of a project, sometimes after an initial brainstorming session. Focus groups are used to predict the reactions of users or consumers. This differs from usability testing in which test participants interact with a prototype or finished product and reactions towards usability are recorded. How to conduct a focus group Focus groups often take place after a brainstorming session in which ideas for a new product or marketing campaign are generated. Then a group of people from a targeted product audience are gathered. A moderator puts ideas forward to the group and asks for feedback. Focus groups are most successful when a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere is created. Once the discussion is completed, the results of the focus group should be compiled and reviewed.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A graphical user interface (GUI) is an interface, or interactive system, that allows professionals to accomplish tasks on their computers through images and icons, rather than text command systems. Graphical user interfaces appear in computers, tablet devices and mobile devices. These graphical user interfaces can often be optimized to provide a more positive user experience. GUI history The idea for a graphical user interface stems from Vannevar Bush, at MIT (Massachussets Institute of Technology) during the second world war. However it was not until 1968 that the first mouse was created by Douglas Engelbert from Standford. This greatly increased usability in computer graphical user interfaces and dramatically shaped how they were designed. With a new device used to control navigation through a graphical user interface, more complex designs could be created. Early and current GUIs In 1984, Apple (then Apple Macintosh) produced the first GUI that was successful. This sparked the race and other companies began to also create graphical user interfaces for computers. Now, there are GUIs for multiple systems. Rather than using a text-based command system, users can now click on icons to carry out functions on various devices and systems.

Mental Models

A mental model is a mental concept of a certain thing, object, or theory and varies in individuals. Ultimately each individual has a different mental model of what would make an ideal website or product design. Designers therefore have to adapt their ideas to other mental models and expand beyond their own mental model. What are the processes of a mental model? A mental model can have several processes, such as a single-loop, or a double-loop. A single-loop mental model process has a fixed mental model that dictates decision making. A double-loop mental model process however incorporates a feedback system to modify a mental model based on interactions. The advantage of having a single-loop mental model is that decisions can be made quicker, since there is no need to wait for feedback. However, this works only under the assumption that the mental model is accurate and the target audience characteristics do indeed match that mental model significantly enough. The advantage of using a double-loop mental model is that it allows the mental model to be molded to incoming communication (through interacting with customers for example). This mental model is dynamic and requires more time to make a decision based on the mental model. How to use mental models Different people will have different mental models based on past experiences, social upbringing, and other socio-economic factors. Mental models may also be influenced by stereotypes. Concerning web design, the trick is not to disprove the users' mental models, but to match the website to the mental models of the target audience. Conducting usability testing or conducting surveys and focus groups can help understand the mental models of the target audience.

Moderator

A moderator is a person who oversees a usability test, either in person or remotely. A moderator should be impartial and not try to influence the outcome of the test. In focus groups a moderator's role is to facilitate the discussion to allow everyone in the group to give relevant and honest feedback. What are the advantages of using a moderator? The main advantage of using a moderator in usability testing and focus groups is that clients can ensure that the targets for these activities are met to the highest possible degree. Because a moderator's role is to be impartial, the results from user testing are more accurate and users may be more likely to vocalize their responses to the product or application. How to moderate a usability test Before a usability test or focus group begins, the moderator creates the moderator guide to outline the procedure. This ensures that nothing important is missed. The moderator will often talk to the client before making the moderator guide, so that they know what focus the test or discussion should take. The moderator then runs the usability test or discussion following these points. A moderator's role is to put the volunteers at ease and to ensure that the client receives honest and detailed feedback.

Prototype

A prototype is the initial example of a product or program, which acts as a basis for following designs. Prototypes are often made from inexpensive materials and are usually made at a lower level of detail than a final product. In software design, prototypes can be made that focus on the visual design or the functionality of a program. What are the advantages of creating prototypes? Prototypes can be used to attract funding or to show what a designer has understood from a requirements brief. Using prototypes is also a cost-effective way of discovering issues that can be costly to optimize later in the development process. You can also gather feedback from users on the usability of your application by using prototypes. This in turn reduces risk and helps ensure that your application will be successful. One of the current disadvantages of using prototypes is that stakeholders are not always aware that the function of a prototype is to demonstrate a key aspect or function of a design. Demonstrators must therefore ensure that stakeholders know what they should focus on, so that time is not wasted getting feedback on less important details. If the feedback process works well however, prototypes can be a useful tool. How to create prototypes Prototypes can be created for websites, mobile or other software applications using prototyping software. This can help designers, developers, usability experts and information architects plan how their designs should look or function. Prototyping software can often be used without the need for programming knowledge, which means this process is often cost-effective and quick. Prototypes can then be shown to clients and potential users for feedback. Prototypes can be optimized or new prototypes can be created based on this feedback until a final working prototype is created that includes the functional features of the final design.

Site Map

A site map shows the various layers of a website for aided structuring and search engine optimization (SEO). Site maps can be seen as part of the information architecture of a website in that they show the structure of the website and how the information is organized. Site maps additionally display how the website is organized hierarchically. Benefits of site maps A large benefit of site maps is their aid in SEO. The site map adds more keywords to the searchable list and thereby enables search engines to find the website more easily, especially if the keyword density of the webpages is relatively high. Site maps are also helpful in orienting users to their location on the site and visually showing what the site offers. This may aid in conversion since the site map can help visitors find the information more quickly and easily. Site maps and card sorting A site map may show the structure of the website and demonstrates how the various pages fit within the hierarchy, however determining the site map structure is in itself important. Card sorting may be one method of determining the organization of a site map for the website. After the organization is determined, it can then be implemented.

Storyboard

A storyboard is a visual representation of how a user will interact with an application or interface. A storyboard is also used to demonstrate the process that the user will go through when using a product. Storyboards can be useful for determining user requirements of a product and are displayed in a narrative and chronological form. Benefits of a storyboard A storyboard can be beneficial in usability testing. Before usability testing, experts often predict how they believe users will react and interact with a software application. A storyboard can also be created to help plan the different steps of the usability test. Once usability testing has been performed, the results can be compared to the predictions shown on the original story board. Modifications are often made to the product or prototype that has been tested in order to improve the usability and experience for users. How to create a storyboard Storyboards are created by making paper or virtual slides, which display the different steps of the intended interaction between a user and a product. For example, the first picture may display a person going to their computer and the second might show them opening up the browser and typing in the website URL. The third might show them clicking on a call to action button and the story continues until the entire process has been displayed. Then a focus group can be formed to analyze these ideas and point out potential issues in the design. The storyboard should be modifiable and the duration of time it will take depends on how complex and detailed the scenario is.

Topic Map

A topic map is a means of organizing thoughts and is similar to a concept map or a mind map. A topic map has three components: A topic refers to a conceptualization of something, such as marketing fields, technology, etc. An association indicates a hypergraph connection or association with the defined topic. An occurrence is an information reference that is applicable for the topic at hand. Uses for a topic map There are various instances where one can use a topic map such as for a business plan. Publications can be associated with magazines, and perhaps have an association with education if it is a children's magazine. This helps visualize the entire concept of the topic and highlights important key areas and how the various topics and associations and occurrences intertwine. How to make a topic map To make a topic map requires a pen and paper. For a collaborative meeting however, a white board or smart board will suffice. Topic words are written on the board, circles are drawn around topic words, and lines are drawn connecting them to associating topics or words. Following this, lines are drawn to dots which represent occurrences. The time it takes to do a topic map depends on how clear the plan in the mind is. It often takes a few hours to discuss and list the various components on the topic map.

User Scenario

A user scenario is a narrative, which describes how a user might interact with a website or software application. In a user scenario, a specific task is specified and a narrative is written describing how a user might accomplish this task. A user scenario is different from a user story, which is often written by the user himself. Why are user scenarios important? User scenarios are important as these enable usability experts and developers to get into the mindset of potential users. With user scenarios the focus is on users' needs rather than the technological aspects of design. Another benefit of user scenarios is that they are written in a language that all team members should understand, regardless of specialism. There are many different user scenarios created for any one product or application design. Because the scenario should avoid technical processes, these should leave team members open-minded as to how these actions can be performed. How to create user scenarios User scenarios are created by writing clearly what interaction needs to take place in order for a task to be carried out. A scenario should be understood by those who do not have a technological background. The user scenario should not just be confined to the user's interaction with technology, but also the other things that happen while this interaction takes place. User scenarios can therefore include cultural information and context and a description of the circumstances that lead the user to use the product or application. For example, a user scenario describing how someone uses a mobile phone app could include information that the device is used while the user is on the train, or that an action is interrupted by an incoming call. This information can help developers adapt their designs to improve the usability and user experience of an application.

A/B Testing

A/B testing is a method that is used to test different marketing campaigns or product alternatives. In A/B testing, a control group is asked to select one of two products or advertisements that they would be most likely to respond to. From the results of A/B tests, marketing teams can often determine which campaign approach will be more successful, or which product a target consumer would be most likely to purchase. What are the benefits of A/B testing? A/B testing can give marketing teams a greater idea of what type of campaign or product will have a better impact on the market. For example, A/B testing may include two designs of home pages for a website, one which has more text and one with more images. This can be used to determine which form of information users best respond to. This can also differ in different target groups. While A/B testing can be useful in determining which campaign should be used, there are other factors that can influence conversion rates and A/B testing should be carried out with this in mind. How to perform A/B testing Before A/B testing begins, two advertisement documents are composed or product designs are created. This could be a promotional poster or a website design. Then the measuring criteria are set for the A/B testing. This can be a type of conversion, such as signing up for a free trial or purchasing a product. This should also be measured within a specified time frame. Ultimately, A/B testing should be used to optimize a marketing campaign to help ensure that it drives conversion rates. A/B Testing should fulfill the same criteria as many other user experience tests, which is to help teams acknowledge strengths and highlight issues that could affect conversion rates.

Accessibility

Accessibility is the ease with which people can use and understand a product or application. This also refers to how applications are adapted for those with disabilities or special needs. Accessibility is a term which is closely linked to learnability and usability. Why is accessibility important? Accessibility is a factor that can affect the success of an application. If an application is not adapted to its target audience, then vital users can become frustrated or feel alienated from a product. Accessibility is not always at the forefront of most design applications, but optimizing accessibility can make applications reach a wider audience. How to optimize accessibility In order to optimize accessibility, the special requirements of users must be considered. For example, a great number of people are color blind. To make an application accessible for this group, color choice should be carefully considered, particularly with regard to interactive elements. Another way to improve accessibility is through user testing. This is a great way to discover what issues may arise for people with different needs and to discover simple solutions to make applications more accessible to these groups. With greater accessibility user bases can be widened and new clients can be gained.

End User

An end user is the person who will use a finished product or software application. End users are not necessarily the people who buy products. For example, a manager of a department might choose to invest in a new software program for his staff to use, although he himself might not use it. End users may not be those who install and manage the software, but are the people who use the final product once it has been marketed and bought. Why does the end user matter? Often end users are the people who influence whether a product should be purchased. If a product or application is not suitable for an end user, then the product cannot fulfill its intended purpose. Software should be optimized for end users, so that the product is usable, learnable, and accessible to the targeted end user. If a product is easy to learn for end users, companies will be more likely to invest, especially if they can save money in training costs. How to optimize software for end users Usability testing enables software designers and usability experts to analyze aspects of applications that can be optimized for end users. The best way to ensure that feedback is relevant is by carrying out usability testing on end users from the target audience. Before the usability test begins, the end users should be asked about their expectations of the product and level of computing experience. This information, along with feedback from the end users' interaction with the product, can be used to optimize future designs of the product.

Interface

An interface is a space in which two or more objects can come together and interact. A language, for instance, is an interface for two people who want to communicate ideas to each other. The importance of an interface is obvious: it determines how successful and efficient the interaction is. The term "interface" frequently comes up in connection with computers and human-computer interaction. In computer science and technology HI this term can refer to different things. Obvious examples of different interfaces are a user interface and a computer interface. What is a user interface? The term user interface refers to how a user interacts with technology. A user interface consists of input and output devices which ensure two-way communication. When a user interacts with a desktop computer, a user interface may consist of a mouse and a keyboard with which the user inputs information and a screen where the user can see the computer's response. A user interface is considered good when a user can achieve desired results with minimum input. What is a software interface? Software interface refers to software interaction and usually consists of a programming language, code or any other way of connection between different components or applications. With the help of interfaces programs and software can exchange information. An API or an application programming interface is an example of a software interface. An API includes various commands and specifications to help developers create programs compatible with each other.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a group method that is used for generating ideas. This process is often used to help find a solution to a problem. Brainstorming should not be confused with focus groups, where the function is to gather data on how users feel about a certain product or idea. Why is brainstorming important? Brainstorming is useful in interaction design or usability engineering, as it can foster creative ideas. Due to the informal nature of brainstorming, team members are more likely to make suggestions without worrying about how these will be judged. It is important that suggestions are only analyzed for feasibility once collected. The aim of brainstorming is to collect numerous ideas. How to perform a brainstorming session A group is gathered of three members or more. The goal of the brainstorming session should be clarified to all participants. The floor can then be opened and participants should be encouraged to voice their ideas. Every idea that is brought forward should be written down so that participants do not feel inhibited and quieter members of the group should also be encouraged to speak. The brainstorming session is concluded once a large number of ideas are collected or fewer suggestions are brought forward. In the final step, the ideas are evaluated against the initial criteria and the best ideas are selected to help perform the task at hand.

Card Sorting

Card sorting is a method that is used in user experience design to determine how concepts for a project should be organized. Card sorting has various methods, such as open card sorting, closed card sorting and online vs. offline card sorting. The goal of card sorting is to help the user experience professional know how to best organize a website or software application so that the structure of information will be logical for the largest number of users. What does card sorting involve? Open card sorting involves asking the users to come up with category names for each card, whereas closed card sorting has predefined names for each category. Card sorting can also be performed online or offline. With online card sorting this requires software that will be able to not only gather the data from the card sorting session, but also to interpret the data for optimum navigation or organization. How to perform a card sorting test In the card sorting process, a participant is given a number of cards or sticky notes, each containing a different word. The test participant is then asked to organize these as he sees best. The results are recorded and the card sorting process is repeated with numerous test participants. The usability expert can then pass this information on to the designers of the website or software application. This information can then be used in the creation of navigation elements or the structuring of information.

Eye Tracking

Eye tracking is a test method that involves following the eye movements of a participant, while they use a software application, usually with the help of a specially adapted camera. In Usability testing eye tracking can help experts discover what images and text are of the most interest to the user, or what stands out the most. Mouse tracking can also be used to see what elements a person focuses on in a user interface. Why is eye tracking useful? Eye tracking is useful because it can help usability experts discover whether a user interface is optimized for end users. For example usability tests with eye-tracking technology have exposed that many people do not read everything on a user interface, and instead often focus on key visuals and headlines. By using eye tracking technology, experts can discover whether call to action buttons are visible enough for users, or whether the most important information on a website is in the optimal part of a screen. How to use eye tracking to improve usability Eye tracking technology can help experts discover where users are most likely to focus their attention. Important information and call to action buttons can therefore be placed in these locations to ensure they receive the most attention from users. By optimizing an interface for the user's line of vision, the user experience will become more intuitive.

Faceted Classification

Faceted classification is a method of categorizing elements in a website or software application, so that products are defined by multiple characteristics. Online shops often use faceted classification, so that products can be found through multiple pathways. Faceted classification also enables users to specify more precisely what they are looking for. What are the advantages of faceted classification? Faceted classification is a system that enables users to find information or products in a way that is logical for them. This means users are more likely to find a match to their search on the first attempt. For users who want to find a specific product, this can be easily done as each product is defined according to more than one characteristic. For example an item of clothing could be defined by material, size, and color. The more easily users and consumers can find the products they are looking for, the more likely they are to purchase them. Faceted classification can help create a positive user experience, which will increase the chance of a user returning to the site. How to perform faceted classification To classify a product according to faceted classification, items should be ordered according to characteristics, such as color, material, or any other categories. Card Sorting can be a useful activity to determine how various users might classify a product. Once results have been collected, products can be tagged with keywords. Navigation bars can also be optimized so that the categories are in a logical order for users and consumers.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is an innovative branch of computer science that deals with the way machines and people interact. This term was first used by Card, Moran, and Newell in their book "The Psychology of Human-Computer Interaction." Human-computer interaction is sometimes called computer-human interaction (CHI). Both are a synonym of man-machine interaction (MMI). Emergence of human-computer interaction Before the 1980's it was only the computer science professionals that had to work with computers. With the emergence of personal computers, a great number of usability problems connected with using computers for personal purposes arose. Issues related to personal computing gave rise to an interdisciplinary science, human-computer interaction, which is concerned with human needs and how computers can satisfy them. The ultimate goal of human-computer interaction is to ensure that a human achieves his goals using a computer interface and has a pleasant user experience. Methodologies of human-computer interaction Since the 1980's all development in human-computer interaction has revolved around the same idea: a human should be placed in the center of interaction design. Human-computer interaction has a number of methodologies. One of the most important is user-centered design. This approach to human-computer interaction places emphasis on who the target users are and what their needs are. Taking the target users into consideration, user-centered design aims at creating interfaces that are easy to use, achieve their purpose and are enjoyable.

Persona

In marketing, a persona is an imaginary person that represents a target group for a product. A persona should reflect the target group as a whole and the various demographics of anticipated users and consumers. Once the characteristics of a persona are created, a person is selected who fulfills these requirements. This person can then take part in usability testing or focus groups to give feedback on a product's design. In software engineering, personas are used to aid the user-centered-design process. Benefits of personas A persona can give insight into the usability of a product for people in a specific target group. For example if the persona is a 60-year-old, this would be used to see the possible reactions this age group might have to a software application or website. This means, that from a set persona, the suitability of a product can be assessed with regard to a large number of people. When using personas, it is important to remember that this cannot give a definitive prediction of how a target audience may react to a product. For example, 60-year-olds will have a varied set of IT skills and will have different needs from a product depending on their background. The more personas are created, the more attitudes will be represented in the marketing and product design process. How to determine a persona To determine a persona, the characteristics and needs of the target group must be assessed. Finding a persona for blind individuals might require finding out what this particular target group requires on an accessible website - such as Alt Text. Once these needs and characteristics are gathered, a persona can be molded from them and may remain fluid as more data is gathered. Then, a person is found who matches the characteristics of a persona to analyze their reaction to the website or product.

Information Architecture (IA)

Information architecture refers to the organization of the information on a website or web application to optimize usability. Andrew Dillon (2002) has drawn a distinction between "big" vs."little IA" (Information Architecture). Big IA focuses on the organization and usability of an application and little IA focuses on the organization for the information itself. The type of information architecture used depends on the functions that the creators want to emphasize in the application. Information architecture differentiation One can understand information architecture as "architecture for information." Information architecture is different than usability engineering and interaction design because these two fields focus on either the tasks themselves or analyzing those tasks, whereas information architecture is more concerned with how elements are organized with the intention of increasing user-friendliness. Information architecture conventions Some familiar components of information architecture on websites include navigation, search functions, labeling, and organization, and it is the job of the information architect to "build" the website to maintain optimal balance in all areas. Many websites follow established conventions, such as navigation bars and buttons that link to the home page from every page in the website. Card Sorting can be a useful way of determining how the information architecture of an application should be structured.

Learnability

Learnability is the ease with which a software application or product can be picked up and understood by users. The better the learnability of an application, the less training and time it will take for a person to use it. Why is learnability important? Learnability is important, because it is closely linked to usability. It is vital that users can pick up how to use an application quickly. If you are creating software for professional use, this can be especially important, as employers are less likely to spend money on software that requires expensive training for staff members. How to improve learnability The most learnable applications are those that comply with the conventions of other similar programs. Learnability can be optimized by creating simple user interface designs that are predictable in layout and navigation. A great way to improve learnability is by finding out what the expectations of your users are before they use the application. This can be in a focus group or through requirements engineering. Usability testing can also be used to discover how quickly end users pick up how to use the application. If the usability test is carried out several times with the same user at different intervals, you can also see how memorable the application was. Feedback can then be used to optimize the learnability of an application, increasing its chances of success on the market.

Out-of-the-Box Testing

Out-of-the-box testing is a testing method in which users are observed unpacking a product from its box. Out-of-the-box testing is useful in ascertaining how intuitive the set-up procedure for the hardware or software is for the user. This can also help in optimizing the external interface design of a product. How can an out-of-the-box test be used? Most higher-name brands will perform out-of-the-box testing to see how users will interact with the software product or device. Installing a camera in the customer's home for the test session might be an efficient way of seeing how the user will unpack the box. Although the results may be complicated in that the user is conscientious of the camera, it may yield more accurate results than having an actual observer staring at them as they unpack the box. How to conduct an out-of-the-box test To conduct an out-of-the-box test, a video camera and a natural environment are needed. After the user has unpacked the box they will seek to install or set up the device. After the user takes the product out of the box and effectively sets it up, the data should be analyzed in terms of areas of potential issues. For example, how easy was taking the product out of the box? Or how intuitive was it for the user to set up the software? It may be that few test users have problems opening up the box and removing the product, but the set-up stage is extremely important. An analysis of the setup section should consider ease of use, length of pauses, or inaccurate set up. Once what happened is identified, the data should be analyzed to identify why it happened, and then perform an appropriate modification to resolve this. The ultimate aim is for the set-up process of a new product to be as intuitive as possible.

Paper Prototyping

Paper Prototyping is a prototyping method in which paper models are used to simulate computer or web applications. After initial design, a paper prototype is drawn on plain or construction paper, sometimes with colored markers. This is often a quick method, but can have some drawbacks over using prototyping software, in which designs can be easily copied, adapted and simulated. Paper prototyping theory Paper prototyping as a prototyping method relies on tangible objects for usability testing and functions under the assumption that the user will interact with the paper application as he or she would with a real application. There is some debate over the appropriateness of paper prototype testing environments. This has led to developments in prototyping tools, some of which can be used online. These advancements have meant that the testing can be carried out in an environment suited to the user. How to carry out paper prototyping Wireframes of the user interface of a software product or website are drawn on paper. These can be at any level of detail (high fidelity or low fidelity) and may even show where links will be placed on the page. In usability testing, a test participant is shown the paper wireframes. If the tester points to a certain link, a person manually shows him the relevant page to simulate how this would happen on screen. This can be repeated until the entire website is tested, or usability can be noted by having the test user think-out-loud (see Think Aloud) and having a moderator observe in the background.

Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping refers to the development of a project in an iterative, rather than linear progression. Instead of taking a waterfall method which includes linear decisions and no forward progression until a prior step is completed, rapid prototyping focuses on quickly and holistically preparing a prototype with testing throughout the development process. This process is repeated until the final version is completed. Rapid prototyping is similar to "guess and check" mathematics in that one makes a prototype and checks to see how it is received by users. Benefits of rapid prototyping The main benefit of rapid prototyping is that this enables developers to get more feedback on their designs from potential users and other stakeholders. The placement of buttons on a website, especially e-commerce ones, may be the difference between a conversion and drop-out. Using rapid prototyping allows for prototypes to be produced quickly with minimal costs. With usability testing, feedback can be used to modify and optimize a website or software application. This contrasts to the waterfall method in which testing or simulation only occurrs after programming. How to conduct rapid prototyping Rapid prototyping is simple and does not always require knowledge of programming. With some prototyping tools, interactive prototypes can be created. A prototype can be produced with prototyping software, often by moving elements into a virtual canvas. Some prototypes are made up of several screens that are linked together. In simulation, usability experts can analyze how users respond to these designs. The prototype can then be optimized and this cycle is repeated until the software or website design fulfills the adequate purpose.

Interaction Design (IxD)

The term "interaction design" (IxD) comes from and is closely related to human-computer interaction. Generally speaking, interaction design is a process that shapes the way humans interact with technology to achieve their goals. Interaction design is often called an art as it is meant to appeal to users' interests and improve overall user experience. Areas of application of interaction design Interaction design is not limited to the computer world. We use dozens of interactive devices every day without realizing it: ATMs, mobiles, printers, watches, coffee machines and dishwashers are just a few examples. It is not so rare that these interactive devices fail us or don't work in a way we expect them to, even though they help us achieve our goals. Interaction design places usability and user experience in the center of the process. Interaction design is concerned with creating interfaces that users find easy and enjoyable to use. Principles of interaction design There are a number of principles or conventions accepted in interaction design. One of the most important is consistency. Consistency means that different elements of a user interface act in different ways. This principle of interaction design makes it possible for users to learn to use the interface easily, use it intuitively and not need extra guidance. Other important interaction design principles include affordance, visibility and color blindness.

Usability Testing

Usability testing, or user testing is a study conducted to find out how usable an application or product is for potential end users. This can include usability testing of websites or mobile applications. Usability testing can be carried out on a prototype or a finished product. Usability testing in software design Usability testing can involve various stages depending on which objectives have been predefined. There are tests geared toward determining if the user understands the structure and navigation of an application. In other forms of usability testing, a user is given a particular task and moderators observe how well it is accomplished according to predefined parameters. In usability testing, data is then gathered to show how well users have interacted with a product. This data is then used to make modifications to a product or prototype before a new version is released into the market. Usability testing for software or website applications today can take place online and therefore save costs. How to conduct a usability test To conduct a usability test on a software application, a test user, an interface prototype, and a video camera is necessary. Often one person acts as a moderator and another as an observer. Depending on the type of usability testing performed, the observer may be in the same room or in a different room during the usability testing session. If the usability testing is performed through software or a form of online usability testing, the moderator can play both the observer and the moderator role. When the test session is set up, the test user is given a task or scenario to perform such as purchasing a product. It is important that the individual steps that the task requires are noted down. Later the product design may be optimized so that fewer steps are needed to perform a task. The earlier in the development process usability testing is carried out, the more mistakes can be avoided and the quicker an application may become finalized

User-Centered Design (UCD)

User centered design (UCD) is an approach to designing a product or service (e.g. user interface design), in which the end user is placed in the center of the process. The primary concern of user-centered design are the targeted end users of the website or the application and which requirements these users will have. User-centered design ensures that the target users easily understand the user interface and find what they are looking for. Increasing importance of user-centered design User-centered design aims at creating a product that suits specific user needs and creates a pleasant user experience. User-centered design is becoming increasingly important in web development. Around the turn of the millennium, web products were often developed with little or no consideration of the user. Today, when the usability of a user interface determines its success, user-centered design is a common approach to web development. Phases of user-centered design User-centered design usually involves four specific phases. The first phase of user-centered design is to identify target users and to determine why, how and in which context they would use the interface. The next phase of user-centered design is determining what requirements of the user interface should be met to satisfy the needs of the target users. When the goals and requirements are clear, design solutions can be created in phase three. It often makes sense to create a few satisfactory alternatives using a prototyping tool, for example, and to choose the best one. The final phase of the user-centered design is user testing. This phase allows web developers to evaluate the concept, select the best design option, eliminate usability flaws, reiterate the design and improve user experience.

User Experience (UE)

User experience, which is often referred to as UX, is the emotional response a person has to a service or product. The term user experience refers to every aspect of the user's encounter with the product or service. In the design field, user experience is often enhanced through the user interface of a product. While user experience is largely centered on usability, other aspects, such as the visual design of a product can play an important role. Advantages/ disadvantages of optimizing user experience There are many advantages of optimizing user experience. Giving a user a product that is not only usable, but also gives a positive emotional experience can help make an application a success. User experience optimization can be difficult, as the user experience will ultimately be different for each individual. With usability testing, however teams can discover the general design points that affect user experience for the majority of people. How to optimize user experience? User experience can be optimized in many ways. One of the best ways to find weaknesses in user experience is through user experience testing. Many experts in user experience invite test users to use a product or a prototype to see what design aspects affect user experience. In user experience testing, it is useful to ask testers how they are feeling and what they think about the product during the testing process. This way, designers and collaborators are able to understand how the individual features of the design impact user experience. User experience can be tested in a variety of ways depending on the product that is being tested. One common user experience test is the think aloud test.

User Interface Design (UI Design)

User interface design or UI design generally refers to the visual layout of the elements that a user might interact with in a website, or technological product. This could be the control buttons of a radio, or the visual layout of a webpage. User interface designs must not only be attractive to potential users, but must also be functional and created with users in mind. Why is user interface design important for usability? User interface design can dramatically affect the usability and user experience of an application. If a user interface design is too complex or not adapted to targeted users, the user may not be able to find the information or service they are looking for. In website design, this can affect conversion rates. The layout of a user interface design should also be clearly set out for users so that elements can be found in a logical position by the user. How to optimize user interface design User interface designs should be optimized so that the user can operate an application as quickly and easily as possible. Many experts believe that UI design should be simple and intuitive, often using metaphors from non-computer systems. With a more intuitive user interface design, users will be able to navigate around a website easily, finding the product or service they want quickly. One way to check the intuitiveness of a user interface design is through usability testing. The feedback from usability testing can then be used to optimize the user interface design of a prototype or final product.