Data Collection & Analysis
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Creating a design that is able to achieve a specific set of tasks for a specific set of users raises some questions that can be answered through data collection and analysis.
The two primary questions are:
Knowledge elicitation methods can provide some insight to these questions. Observing potential users helps to understand what their needs are and how a system might be designed to meet these needs. After information is gained by observing the users in their natural environment, more direct information may be obtained through interviews. Sometimes the best way to find out what users need is to simply ask them. Finally, archival data can be a useful tool at this stage. It’s very likely people have tried to solve similar problems in the past. There is no reason to let their efforts go to waste.
After important tasks are identified through knowledge elicitation, a more focused task analysis can be completed. Analyzing every step of the task in detail helps to design a system that can achieve these goals and takes into consideration cognitive factors and potential for error.
Mental modeling helps to understand the information that has been gained through data collection. Concept maps, conceptual analysis, and relational analysis organize information in ways that it can be understood more efficiently. They make it possible to create helpful tools such as decision aids and training programs.
The two primary questions are:
- Who are the users?
- What tasks do they need to achieve?
Knowledge elicitation methods can provide some insight to these questions. Observing potential users helps to understand what their needs are and how a system might be designed to meet these needs. After information is gained by observing the users in their natural environment, more direct information may be obtained through interviews. Sometimes the best way to find out what users need is to simply ask them. Finally, archival data can be a useful tool at this stage. It’s very likely people have tried to solve similar problems in the past. There is no reason to let their efforts go to waste.
After important tasks are identified through knowledge elicitation, a more focused task analysis can be completed. Analyzing every step of the task in detail helps to design a system that can achieve these goals and takes into consideration cognitive factors and potential for error.
Mental modeling helps to understand the information that has been gained through data collection. Concept maps, conceptual analysis, and relational analysis organize information in ways that it can be understood more efficiently. They make it possible to create helpful tools such as decision aids and training programs.