Abstract

User-Lab provides user centred design services and carries out academic research. This paper describes the development of the Experience Design Framework (EDF) resulting from the interaction between the Lab’s academic and commercial activities. The authors identified a range of negative attitudes to usability suggesting many practitioners did not perceive methods as relevant or useful. The EDF evolved out of an attempt to find methods that were more sympathetic to the concerns and needs of designers and business. The EDF broadens the focus of methods from usability to include accessibility, engagability and benefit. It is based on the idea that this can be achieved by using a variety of research methods within a user-centred design approach. By considering the factors affecting an experience, (who, why, when, where, what, how and with what?), and all dimensions of experiencing (visceral, behavioural, cognitive and social), the EDF can be used to direct requirements research, focus creativity, aid decision making and support a more holistic approach to design. The model has been used to shape services and training in user-centred design, and has been applied to a number of development projects.

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Nov 17th, 12:00 AM

Methods for Experience Design: The Experience Design Framework.

User-Lab provides user centred design services and carries out academic research. This paper describes the development of the Experience Design Framework (EDF) resulting from the interaction between the Lab’s academic and commercial activities. The authors identified a range of negative attitudes to usability suggesting many practitioners did not perceive methods as relevant or useful. The EDF evolved out of an attempt to find methods that were more sympathetic to the concerns and needs of designers and business. The EDF broadens the focus of methods from usability to include accessibility, engagability and benefit. It is based on the idea that this can be achieved by using a variety of research methods within a user-centred design approach. By considering the factors affecting an experience, (who, why, when, where, what, how and with what?), and all dimensions of experiencing (visceral, behavioural, cognitive and social), the EDF can be used to direct requirements research, focus creativity, aid decision making and support a more holistic approach to design. The model has been used to shape services and training in user-centred design, and has been applied to a number of development projects.

 

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