Module 1: An Introduction to Usability and User Experience Design
Overview of Module 1/Week 1 of Class
This class focuses on two related areas: Usability and user experience design (UXD). Both areas are often used to describe the process of creating materials for specific audiences. Both areas also focus on the same objective: Creating products individuals can easily use to perform a desired task in a location. Usability and UXD, however, are somewhat different in nature.
Generally, usability is the objective to achieve when creating new products -- designing them so the intended audience can easily use them (i.e., are "usable"). User experience design (often abbreviated as "UXD") generally refers to the process for creating usable products -- you "design" materials that address the "experiences" of the "user" (i.e., how one's experiences have taught her or him to expect certain things to occur in a setting). These factors mean usability and UXD focus on
The core idea is the more closely a product's design matches the expectations of an individual, the greater the chances the individual will use that product quickly, easily, and effectively. The more focused designs are on specific audiences (vs. more general groups), the better one can design products to meet the expectations of those persons.
This focus on design is central to usability, and most of usability and UXD involves testing products to determine how well their design meets the expectations of different audiences called "users" (the persons who "use" the product). Many of the ideas we will examine in this class review methods for testing designs with users to revise products to better meet user expectations.
As you review the entries for this Module, consider
Based on these factors, consider how you would define "usability" and "user experience design (UXD)" if asked to do so by an employer or a client.
Generally, usability is the objective to achieve when creating new products -- designing them so the intended audience can easily use them (i.e., are "usable"). User experience design (often abbreviated as "UXD") generally refers to the process for creating usable products -- you "design" materials that address the "experiences" of the "user" (i.e., how one's experiences have taught her or him to expect certain things to occur in a setting). These factors mean usability and UXD focus on
- Contextualization in design vs. generic design (e.g., creating materials for a particular setting vs. a general approach that works in all contexts)
- Specific groups vs. general audiences (e.g., creating materials for university students between the ages of 18-22 vs. creating materials for as many individuals as possible)
The core idea is the more closely a product's design matches the expectations of an individual, the greater the chances the individual will use that product quickly, easily, and effectively. The more focused designs are on specific audiences (vs. more general groups), the better one can design products to meet the expectations of those persons.
This focus on design is central to usability, and most of usability and UXD involves testing products to determine how well their design meets the expectations of different audiences called "users" (the persons who "use" the product). Many of the ideas we will examine in this class review methods for testing designs with users to revise products to better meet user expectations.
As you review the entries for this Module, consider
- How usability and UXD are similar and how they are different
- How to combine ideas from usability and UXD into the design, testing, and revision processes
- How the concept of "users" is defined and is central to usability and UXD practices
- How notions of usability and UXD can guide technical communication and translation and localization practices
Based on these factors, consider how you would define "usability" and "user experience design (UXD)" if asked to do so by an employer or a client.
Other Module 1/Week 1 Materials
To access other materials for Module 1/Week 1, click on the related link below