Assignment 1
Part 1: User Research
Section titled “Part 1: User Research”Introduction
Section titled “Introduction”To begin the warm-up project, you’ll collaborate in groups of 3-4 students to design an Apple Watch fitness application. The objective is to experience the User-Centered Design (UCD) process in a fast-tracked, 3-week design sprint.
In this initial phase, your focus is on conducting user research through user interviews. This step is vital as it serves as a prerequisite for Part 2-6.
Remember, the UCD process emphasizes putting the users at the core of the design, ensuring that your application is user-friendly and aligned with their needs. By conducting user interviews effectively, you will be equipped to move forward with the rest of the warm-up project. Good luck with Part 1!
Instructions
Section titled “Instructions”Group Formation: Gather 3-4 people to form your team. Use Brightspace > Groups to sign up as a group.
Figma Project Creation: Choose one team member to create a Figma project and name it Warm-upProject-Group#.
Collaborator Invitations: Invite all your team members and the professor to the Figma project with edit permissions so that everyone can collaborate seamlessly.
Figma Files Import: Download the provided Figma file, and import them into your newly created project. Duplicate Figma File. Navigating to User Research: Inside the Figma project, find “Part 1: User Research” and navigate to that section.
Conducting Interviews: Each student in your group is responsible for conducting 3 interviews, with 3 different individuals. Use the provided template to record your findings.
Submission: Once all interviews are completed, one member of the group should compile the interview results and export them. Submit the compiled interview results on Brightspace.
User Interview Guide
Section titled “User Interview Guide”The 3 types of User Interviews
Five Interview Mistakes to Avoid
Preparation Phase
Section titled “Preparation Phase”Before conducting user interviews, follow these steps to ensure a successful research process:
Set Clear Goals: Clearly define the objectives and outcomes you aim to achieve through the interviews.
Participant Selection: Carefully select participants who represent your target user group, ensuring diverse perspectives.
Protocol Definition: Create a structured interview protocol, which includes specific topics and questions to address during the interviews.
Assign Roles: Designate roles for each team member, such as interviewer, note-taker, and observer, to maximize efficiency.
Planning the Interview
Section titled “Planning the Interview”Craft a thoughtful script to elicit valuable insights from participants. Your script should cover the following areas:
Diet and Fitness Habits: Understand participants’ general diet and fitness routines. Fitness Tracker Usage: Explore their current and past experiences with fitness tracker apps. Experiences with Apps and Services: Gather feedback on their positive and negative experiences with other apps and services. Desired Features: Identify the features they would like to see in an ideal fitness tracker. Additional Thoughts: Encourage participants to share any other relevant thoughts related to the research goals. To ensure a smooth interview process:
Time Management: Keep interviews concise, with a maximum duration of 15 minutes. Rehearse the Script: Practice the interview script with your team before conducting interviews with users. #Execution Phase Follow these steps when conducting the interviews:
Clarify the Goal: Begin by explaining the purpose of the interview to participants, setting the context for the discussion.
Time Expectation: Inform participants that the interview will last approximately 15 minutes to manage their time commitments.
Recording and Consent: Seek permission to record the interview for accurate note-taking and ask participants to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to protect their privacy.
Designated Note Taker: Ensure you have a dedicated team member responsible for taking detailed notes during the interview.
By following these guidelines, each student should conduct three interviews, with a total of nine interviews per team. The user interview process will yield valuable insights to inform the design of an ideal fitness tracker, enhancing the success of your mini-project.
Grading
Section titled “Grading”This Part is graded as a PASS / FAIL
Submission
Section titled “Submission”Open BS LMS and go to the Activities > Assignments page. Go to Part 1 — User Research. On the assignment page in BS LMS, provide a link to your Figma file and click the submit button. Make sure that your professor can access the Figma file with edit rights.