Adapting User-Centered Design Methods to Design for Diverse Populations

Title:Adapting User-Centered Design Methods to Design for Diverse Populations
Authors: Cynthia Putnam, Emma Rose, Erica J. Johnson, Beth Kolko
Pages: 23 pp.
ISSN: 1544-7529
Source: Information Technologies & International Development; Volume 5, Number 4, Winter 2009, 51–73, (Special Issue: HCI4D)
Publisher: USC Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism
Date (published): 17/12/2009
Date (accessed): 18/12/2009
Type of information: peer-reviewed article
Language: English
On-line access: yes (pdf)
Abstract:
User-centered design (UCD) methods such as personas and scenarios are useful tools for communicating extensive user research to design teams. However, the intensive data collection and onsite fieldwork required to create personas and scenarios can present barriers for user researchers and design teams working on technology innovations for diverse populations, including those in developing regions. This article presents a model that demonstrates how user researchers and design teams can use data collected for other purposes to source personas and scenarios and to substantively adopt user-centered design approaches. We demonstrate our methods based on research conducted in a case study in Kyrgyzstan, a country in Central Asia.