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Why is context of use analysis a vital usability strategy? Context of use analysis assists interface designers in posing crucial usability “probe” questions as they develop their website or application. These probe questions, often the result of collaborator brainstorms, try to elicit project information that has not yet been thought of as early as possible during the development process. This way, designers are able to tackle critical usability issues head-on when they design and distribute their usability tests. The deeper understanding of the design of a system relative to the context within which it is used can be a vital contribution in saving time and money during the testing and development process. How to use the context of use analysis A context of use analysis begins as a meeting. It is a brainstorming session among all project participants, but it should be conducted by someone who has experience in using context of use analysis from previous projects. When conducting a context of use brainstorming session, the leader of the group should make a timeline and a schedule of topics to discuss. This can be designed in any fashion, but an example could be: - Introduction: introduce the interface design project, talk about goals and objectives of the website or application.
- Discuss context of use categories (see three general categories below). Broadly define context of use categories and then discuss them in depth. Divide into groups and work through potential context of use questions (see examples below).
- Small group presentations: Give each small group a chance to introduce their findings to the larger group and then discuss each topic.
- Work together to create main goals of usability testing. What contexts of use should be targeted in order to obtain optimal user experience feedback?
During the context of use analysis, be wary of time and make sure participation among group members is equal. During the context of use analysis, the following context categories can be used as a springboard for probing questions that will help determine the most important contexts to design the usability test around: • The interface design’s target user group Example probing questions for this category: How many different user types are there? Why are they using this particular interface design? How can the actual design of the website or application reflect a marketing strategy that hones in on this particular group? Etc. • The interface design’s tasks and goals Example probing question for this category: How many and what types of tasks do users need to carry out using the proposed interface design in order to achieve their goal(s)? • Define the contexts in which users will use the interface design Example probing question for this category: Will users have fast or slow internet connections? Do all users interact with the computer and interface design in similar or dissimilar environments? Conclusion It is critical for interaction and interface designers to understand the contexts in which users will use their website or application in order to create the right kind of usability test and develop products that work for the targeted users. Context of use analysis is an effective way for designers to ensure that they will be able to ask users the right questions and ascertain user experience feedback that will guide the interface design process in the right direction towards a successful interface design. Thus, it may be recommended that interface designers use this usability method often, carefully following best practices. ==================== About the Author: ==================== Pidoco.com – Interface Design, Wireframe Software, Wireframe Tools, Interface Design Software, Interface Prototyping, Clickable Wireframes, Usability Testing and Digital Paper Prototyping. User centered design for improved ui design.
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