Tutorial: 4. Practical Observation Skills for Understanding Users and Their Work in Context

Sunday 09:00 - 17:30.

Susan M. Dray, Dray and Associates, USA

Benefits
Learn how to plan and carry out observations of users. Heavy emphasis will be placed on practical steps that will lead to success. You will also practice two types of observations: Naturalistic Observation and Contextual Inquiry.

Origins
Update of a highly rated tutorial from previous CHIs. Includes additional exercises and revised materials.

Features

• learn about Structured Observation techniques and how to use them
• learn naturalistic observation, contextual inquiry, usability roundtables, and artifact walkthroughs
• practice doing naturalistic observation and contextual inquiry
• identify next steps for data analysis and use in design
• learn when and how to apply these tools to customer-centered design

Audience
Aimed at practitioners who want to understand how users work in order to do a better job of system design, including developers, designers, and managers who are responsible for customer needs analysis or identifying user requirements. Practical solutions and skills will provide participants with practical tools to use with their own work. This introductory tutorial is also useful for those experienced with observing users.

Presentation
Lecture, group discussion, and small group hands-on exercises.

Instructor
Susan M. Dray has a Ph.D. in Psychology and has worked as a researcher, manager, and consultant in the design and use of technology at Honeywell, Inc., American Express Financial Advisors and, for the past six years, as an independent consultant. She has published numerous articles and is a Fellow of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES).

Related Tutorials

• 10. Techniques for Participatory Design: Brainstorming, Prototyping, and User Observation (Sunday)
• 21. Using Customer Work Models to Drive Systems Design (Monday)
• 27. Variations on a Theme: Card-Based Techniques for Participatory Analysis and Design (Monday)