User needs by Systematic Elaboration (USE) by Wim Heijs

Author:Wim Heijs
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9783031020520
Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Suitable performances can be derived from various sources. A first option is an inventory among users with a questionnaire that connects to the user needs analysis. In a list, the personal needs from the analysis are arranged and elaborated. Users can indicate the performances considered necessary for each need and the importance of the resulting demands (for setting the priorities; see Sect. 4.2.2 and Appendix A). The second source are problems from the user needs analysis that may suggest performances to prevent or solve them. The third method is to have a group discussion with users, in which performances are examined for each need. Fourth, one can benefit from the expertise and experience of designers or a design team, who can offer possibly original and innovative ideas. A fifth source is the research literature. This includes, in a broader sense, outcomes from environment-behavior studies and P-E fit research, and more in particular, for instance, thoughts based on the information processing model and concepts such as affordances , mapping or congruence (see Sects. 2.​1 and 3.​4.​2). Sixth, similar projects may provide important knowledge in programs, design solutions and evaluation research . The seventh opportunity consists of instruments like checklists (e.g. ASTM ; see Sect. 3.​4) and patterns and design guidelines (Alexander, 1977; Cooper-Marcus and Sarkissian, 2000). A final source is common sense. To benefit from the various types of input, it is advised to start with a questionnaire among users and to combine this with other methods. The composition of a guiding team may depend on the sources, but should include users and the designer (see also Sect. 4.2.2).

At first sight, using a questionnaire for performances resembles the more conventional method, in which users are asked about wants and which is not without problems. However, there are vital differences in the starting point (the user needs or motives ) and implementation (the search strategy and the description of the performances). The set of user needs provides guidance, so that a systematical and exhaustive search can be carried out. This decreases the possibility that relevant performances are overlooked. Besides, performances are not wants . In their description, more conscious and in-depth consideration is given to their necessity, solution spaces and aggregation levels, so that they do not turn into rigid or unrealistic wants , or distract from better or innovative solutions . Inevitably, users will refer to familiar matters in a questionnaire. However, the consequences of this are limited by a reasoned choice of solution spaces (e.g. an attic will only be mentioned if that is a conscious decision; see Sect. 3.​2.​1). (Dis)advantages of larger or smaller solution spaces are explained in advance, and solution spaces are verified with the designer, who can comment on performances that are unclear or unrealistic. This furthers the comprehensiveness of the program , the freedom of choice of the designer and, because the motives of the users are taken into account, the suitability of the design.

There are a few points to consider regarding the other options as well.

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