Understanding the user

[benrudolph]

After seeing this video, IDEO makes going through the Innovation process easy and simple. In some ways though, innovating on a shopping cart is the ideal situation. In the beginning, IDEO goes through a phase of understanding their target user, ie the shopper. I'm interesting in hearing your experiences in understanding the user in situations where it might be more difficult than going to the nearest shopping mart. What challenges have you run into? How have you solved them?

[benrudolph]

Many different users in many different contexts. Going to each one and try to gain a bigger picture of what the need is.

[benrudolph]

In order to understand the user more, find a trusted local partner who knows the context well.

[benrudolph]

One example from Abhi was women who were at risk to a certain disease that was easily diagnosed through screening themselves. However he had made the assumption that the women want to be screened. This isn't necessarily the case. Eventually discovered that lack of awareness and education was more of an issue.

[benrudolph]

"It is important to spend as much time as possible with your user. If you cannot spend time with them in their environment, find a local contact you can interact with on a more regular basis." - Kari Hanson

[benrudolph]

"Culture plays a big part in the design process. Be ever conscious of cultural differences and seek to learn and understand more – this will help in the interview process as well as in prototyping. You may find the amazing color you just added to your prototype has a negative connotation in another culture." - Kari Hanson