Learning the values of user testing and application of performance requirements for design as a tool has been a new experience for me. As I have worked in an interactive studio before where “focus groups” took place it was interesting to note how little focus was placed on the performance of the website to the user, as more attention was given to branding, look and the design of the site. Don’t get me wrong usability was apart of the overall design process but there was never any testing undertaken with future users of the site.
After conducting some user testing myself for the information design honours subject based on an older website to be re-designed, I have come to realize the importance of user testing and its potential to increase a designers ability to give the client exactly what they want the first time.
Using such a methodological approach makes me feel that it creates more sustainable, functional, and purposeful design, which works, and can stand the test of time. Is this an avenue to becoming a more sustainable multimedia designer?
In relation to the major research project and our outcomes; one of our research methods is conducting case studies on websites in relation to our subject matter. Combining this with user testing will allow us to create a sustainable functional design within the digital realm.
An interesting reference I have found through my research of conducting web based case studies can be found here at Information & Design.
1 response so far ↓
... // 3 June, 2008 at 11:13 pm |
That’s interesting you mention that.. because I’m attending Info Design workshops in June and July!