Reflect on the material we covered and think about how you might apply what you've learned to future design projects.
Our team project followed an agile-like process (from LeanUX) with supplemental stories (from User's Journey). Think about your future software teams and answer the following questions:
We also covered a number of UI/UX guidelines, along with cognitive explanations. Please review all the Mind in Mind chapters, as well as any supporting links, and answer:
For this section, you will critique a design from one of your teammates (created in unit 8). You previously practiced a Cognitive Walkthrough. Another good/simple usability technique is Think Aloud.
Both Cognitive Walkthrough and Think Aloud are "formal" processes with clear steps. The good news is that we as designers can get value even from an informal process that is inspired by these techniques. In a CogWalk, you write down the steps first and then imagine what the user is thinking at each step. In a ThinkAloud, you present a user with a goal, which they attempt to perform while continuosly sharing their thoughts and observations. In both techniques, you create a list of areas which are confusing or could be improved/ enhanced.
For your informal process, you should state the goal of the features you are critiquing (e.g. the goal is to add a recipe, the goal is to understand the value of this career builder software, etc.). Then walk through the process, creating a list of your observations (e.g., The first step is to select Add Recipe, very clear. It looks like the first thing is to give the recipe a title, makes sense. Next is a list of ingredients. I'm not sure here how to enter quantities. Etc. Etc.)
Because this is informal, I am not specifying an exact format for your critique. You might want to write down all your thoughts, as in my example. Or you might want to just do a summary of areas that were confusing, areas that were effective, and suggestions for revisions. The main goal is for you to see how software designs can be improved even with a quick, simple process.
Put all your answers in a single pdf.
This paper is 5% of your grade. It should be obvious from your write-up that you spent a fair amount of time reviewing and reflecting on the material (this is really for your benefit, as a final review should help you remember and solidify the most important ideas). As described on the home page, this assignment will be assigned a letter grade (A=5, etc.).
We have focused primarily on techniques and tools you could apply as an individual designer. If your goal is to take a leading design role within your organization, you might want to review more of the material within LeanUX: