The Triple Threat: Design, Test, & Iterate

Too many companies still create products or services in what is basically a silo. The process often looks like this: something is designed, then shipped, and then sold. This worked well for the industrial era, but doesn't hold up so well now. This session will touch on why usability is so important - and how to use the triple threat to improve it.

Transcript

1. The Triple Threat: Design, Test, Iterate Uyai Umoren Effiong
2. We’ve all come across badly designed things! Should I need an engineering degree to use your app or website? (hint: the answer should always be no!) @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 2 Why is usability so important?
3. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 3 Would you use this kettle?
4. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 4 Or this parking sign in NYC? (Maybe just take the subway?) blog.parkitlabs.com
5. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 5 Hotels are notoriously weird!
6. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 6 “Design is not an easy task. Technology is a paradox because it is supposed to make our lives easier when it often makes it more difficult.” Don Norman, in “The Design of Everyday Things”
7. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 7 Why is poor design so prevalent? • Leftover practices from the industrial era • Inadequate research / time in design phase • Little or no testing with actual users or customers • Learnings from users are ignored or not well applied HELP !
8. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 8 Step 1: Design • There’s no getting out of doing the research • Constraints are important in suggesting what we do – so they should not be deceiving • Use good visibility and feedback principles • Understand that there will be a constant battle between usability and aesthetics …and be okay with that!
9. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 9 Step 2: Test • You must test your prototype with users. • There are many ways to recruit users (the best method will depend on what you want to test). • Ask probing questions. Martin, 35 Small Business Owner
10. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 10 How many testers is too many? Zero test users give zero insights. Tests with just 5 users will throw up 85% of usability issues, according to the Nielson Norman group ©Norman Nielson Group
11. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 11 Step 3: Iterate • Gather data, suggestions and other feedback from the users • Figure out where to improve your product. Focus on areas with the highest complaints or repeated mentions. • You will need to go back to the design phase to continue this cycle. Martin, 35 Small Business Owner
12. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 12 Tips to improve usability • Don't automatically blame the user if he or she cannot use your design • Take any struggle as an indication that a signifier or feedback may be necessary • Eliminate dead-ends, such as computer error messages that do not provide a path to succeed • Design for recovery - such that a person who “fails” can pick up where they left off rather than starting over • Provide instruction and guidance to help people be successful (FAQs, video tutorials, hints) • Remember the triple threat: Design, Test & Iterate …. ad infinitum.
13. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 13 This is more like it! ©Nikki Sylianteng (parking schedule)
14. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 14 Remember that the job of the designer is not to make the product or website or app or device into an object of awe and mystery, but to make it useful with minimal effort by the users, such as they are.
15. @yoowai | Design, Test & Iterate 15 Questions?