This unit starts by discussing the importance of involving users in the interaction design process, explaining the reasons why user involvement can be useful, the different degrees of user involvement, and the principles underpinning effective user involvement. In particular, two aspects of user-centred design are considered. Firstly, I discuss the need to base the design upon a detailed understanding of the users, their activities and the environment in which they carry out these activities. Secondly, I consider the need to involve users in the development of interactive products.
The unit then considers the four interaction design activities in more detail: identifying needs and establishing requirements for the user experience; developing alternative designs that meet those requirements; building interactive versions of the designs so that they can be communicated and assessed; and evaluating what is being built through the process and the user experience it offers. These activities were introduced in Unit 1. Some practical issues are then discussed, in particular stakeholder analysis; identifying needs; and generating alternative designs and choosing between these. Various lifecycle models are then described, including the lifecycle model for interaction design which is referred to throughout M364. This lifecycle is based on the four interaction design activities.
It include an extended case study based upon a UK company called Tokairo and the approach it took to designing the interaction for a record-keeping system for lorry drivers. This case study illustrates the main themes in the unit and provides the opportunity to compare the theory with the reality of interaction design.