User Studies: Finding a Place in Design Practice and Education

Abstract

User study is investigated through discussion among practitioners whether in practice or education. Issues of terminology, the early efforts to study users along with more recent approaches such as context determination are explored. Arguments for these studies revolve around economics — is there a pay-off to such study — and ethics — rooted in participatory design and championed by designers. Nevertheless there is resistance to user studies on many fronts. Weaknesses in the various arguments are revealed. The difficulties in practically moving from user study data to design implications and realization are also examined, along with various design method strategies and how these relate to an integrated user study / design process. The general need for method classification and clear understanding is flagged as an issue in cross-disciplinary, shared development work.