day three reflections

Companies might not view user requirement test as a priority because it can be time consuming, expensive, and labour-intensive to carry out some of the methods we discussed in class today. Conducting task analyses or questionnaires might pay off for manufacturers in the long-run, but it seems that most companies are interested in making as much money as soon as possible, rather than investing time and money in these techniques. The sooner the product is released, the sooner profit can be earned, and it is obvious how some of these prelimenary, user requirement methods might slow down the process of releasing the final product.

Companies might be more interested in conducting these tests if the process of gathering, analyzing, and releasing the data was faster. Unfortunately, people are often disinclined to answer questionnaires or participate in other consumer studies. Online questionnaires would be a good solution for companies looking to become more user-centered because they are easily accessible for participants, the data is collected as soon as the virtual survey is submitted, and there is no hassle and time-delay that occur in mailed surveys. Analyzing the data might be a lengthier process, but if companies could understand the value of this information and how it could help them create better, more user-friendly products, which could then lead to increased sales and profit, they might reconsider doing user requirement studies before releasing their product.

Something fun, like the cultural probe packages, which elicit information much differently than a a straight-forward survey or possibly invasive ethnographic study, would also be a good way for companies to conduct user requirement tests. If the participants think of it as a creative endeavour they would be more inclined to divulge information, some of which they might not even realize might be valuable to a company. Hiring more artists and getting a different perspective on the importance of understanding consumer needs might also encourage more companies to adopt some of these methodologies that will hopefully lead to a more efficient and less frustrating product.