> User Research and Design Reviews:
User research and design reviews are routinely the first stage in any user-centered design process. They are used to:
- Find out what people want and don't want from your interactive product
- Understand the things your product should be doing
- Elicit feedback on new and existing concepts for your product
- Seek feedback on competitor’s products
- Understand the needs, views and opinions of your customers
> Card Sorting and Site Map Design
Card Sorting is a technique used for exploring how people group and classify items, so that you can develop structures that maximise the probability of users being able to find information and navigate efficiently through your interactive product. This is the first step to developing a usable interface. A well constructed site map will:
- Increase task completion and conversion rates
- Improve the user experience
- Encourage customers to return
> Don't forget: UCD saves you time and money!
UCD projects run more smoothly, finish quicker and cost less than conventional design projects. UCD lets you uncover problems with your designs before you start implementing them. Making changes to an interactive product half way through implementation is expensive. Making changes to prototype designs is much cheaper and quicker.
