What

Breakdown of part 2:

Design process step	Assignment output	Due	Points
Observe real life situations. Draw conclusions about user needs.	Part 2: Observe users to define criteria for a "good" design. Turn in documented observations, conclusions, and criteria based on observations and Universal Design Principles (See below).	Oct 10, 2007	10 points

• Observation: observe at least 3 people. You can also observe yourself if you can be objective.
  • Observe the behaviors of users and how they interact with the object and their environment.
  • Note that the task is what is important, not the object. Perhaps the user is currently using a different object to do the same task.
• Documentation of observation
  • Photographs. If the user does not want to be photographed you can still clearly document the environment and existing object(s) with photos.
  • Written descriptions of behavior, about one short paragraph for each observation. Things to consider:
    • What is the task? Consider the GOAL. Similar to the problem statement.
    • What are the methods? A flowchart can be helpful.
    • Where are the tasks performed? Is this always the same?
    • What other tools are used?
    • How often is this done?
    • Is time important?
    • How were the users influenced by the environment or the object?
    • What are the similarities or differences between users?
• Conclusions based on observations. What is the task? What are the methods? What user needs can you identify from this exercise? One paragraph.
• Criteria for evaluating design.
  • Must include Universal Design criteria (See below). Those should be restated in a way that applies to the problem at hand.
  • What does flexibility in use mean in this case? For my fresh air solution it could mean working in different windows. It should also provide for use by users of different capabilities.
  • Must include cost and could include some aesthetic measurement.
  • Must comprehend user needs identified above (at least 2 in addition to Universal Design criteria)
  • Overall you should have at least 8 criteria.
• Grading: Five points for clear documentation of observations (photos, sketches, or detailed descriptions) and the conclusions you have drawn from them. Five points for generating eight criteria clearly linked to observations and Universal Design. You must include most Universal Design principles (See below) and restate in a more specific manner.

1. Equitable Use. The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in Use. The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use. Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
4. Perceptible Information. The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for Error. The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low Physical Effort. The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use. Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.

When

You must hand in a hard-copy in class, and you must upload a copy in webCT as well.