Abstract

Our interactions with objects or/and systems through digital screens are constantly increasing. Industry and information technology have more and more ambition toward offering new functions and interactions through these computerized systems. At the same time as the complexity of these systems is escalating, the complexity in designing them also grows. While user-centered approaches and usability in the area of human-computer interfaces (HCI) have been thoroughly researched for more than a decade now, we still encounter regularly unsatisfying interfaces. It is generally recognized that the design of HCI within multidisciplinary teams brings better answers to users. However as design practitioners, we see the inadequacy when it comes to working with other disciplines, at the conceptual level, and in creating shared understanding and new knowledge regarding user-centeredness. The paper explains what factors contribute to user-centered design and how we can see the inadequacy within multidisciplinary teams. Aiming to create the conditions for knowledge sharing and emergence of innovative and sustainable solutions, we propose a model called environment for reflective collaboration that encourages interdisciplinary attitude and allows for achieving joint reflective practice. Both seem necessary for dealing with the complexity of HCI. In this model, design is used as a method to understand people. Applying this design process in the early stages of a project provides the needed structure for collaboration. We explain the model as used in a real project, and we explain how a project-grounded approach helped the team bridge theory and practice.

Keywords

User-Centered Design, Hci, Interdisciplinary, Project-Grounded Approach

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Jul 7th, 12:00 AM

Dealing with the Human-centered Approach within HCI Projects

Our interactions with objects or/and systems through digital screens are constantly increasing. Industry and information technology have more and more ambition toward offering new functions and interactions through these computerized systems. At the same time as the complexity of these systems is escalating, the complexity in designing them also grows. While user-centered approaches and usability in the area of human-computer interfaces (HCI) have been thoroughly researched for more than a decade now, we still encounter regularly unsatisfying interfaces. It is generally recognized that the design of HCI within multidisciplinary teams brings better answers to users. However as design practitioners, we see the inadequacy when it comes to working with other disciplines, at the conceptual level, and in creating shared understanding and new knowledge regarding user-centeredness. The paper explains what factors contribute to user-centered design and how we can see the inadequacy within multidisciplinary teams. Aiming to create the conditions for knowledge sharing and emergence of innovative and sustainable solutions, we propose a model called environment for reflective collaboration that encourages interdisciplinary attitude and allows for achieving joint reflective practice. Both seem necessary for dealing with the complexity of HCI. In this model, design is used as a method to understand people. Applying this design process in the early stages of a project provides the needed structure for collaboration. We explain the model as used in a real project, and we explain how a project-grounded approach helped the team bridge theory and practice.

 

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