About Usability and User-Centred Design

Good User Experience. When people purchase a software, factors like usability, ease of learning or user friendliness gain more and more of importance. It is not only important that a feature is provided, but how it is integrated with the overall user experience.

Analysis of Usage Factors. A good user experience does not happen by chance: It is the result from a design process that is based on a thorough analysis of the usage factors. These include properties of the users, their tasks and work environment, as well as expectations towards the software, cognitions and affectations. Usability consultants identify those factors and translate them into requirements and user interfaces.

At any Stage. Usage factors are relevant throughout the development process: Usability services can be perceived as support modules that are docked to the existing development process - at any stage. The earlier usability modules are included, the more efficient is their effect on the final product.

Iterative Refinement. Usability methods are most effective when applied in combination - and throughout the development process. This is described in a process, the user-centred design process. It postulates an iterative approach: The user interface design is refined along usability methods and user feedback in cycles. Again, the earlier design solutions are evaluated, the cheaper it is to apply changes.

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