使用者經驗設計

This course will introduce USER RESEARCH methods, how to apply them, and how to effectively communicate the results of user research. What is user research? It is about learning to effectively elicit information from people -- whether subject matter experts, project stakeholders, or the general public. Effective user research draws out credible and actionable information from people who matter to your projects. Whether you think you want to do customer-facing work in a startup or learn to negotiate the workplace and engage co-workers to support your projects, learning to gather great information from people is a serious task that requires forethought, planning, and analysis. This class will provide an overview and introduction to various user research techniques. Class time will include hands-on workshops, and time for you to work on and receive feedback on assignments. Throughout the quarter you will be introduced to a variety of user research methods, including field research, interviews, and surveys. We will study samples of each of these methods, and review the circumstances that are appropriate for each method. In addition, we’ll discuss the process one follows when conducting research such as selecting research sites, sampling, and interacting with study subjects. We will also talk about ways to convey user research that are effective and informative. Additionally, we’ll discuss issues of research ethics. By the end of the course, you will have learned to: 1. Understand how user research applies to engineering contexts 2. Identify a range of user research methods and the associated instruments 3. Ask the right questions to determine which kind of user research is best suited to different circumstances, including the scope and timeline of a study 4. Create user research instruments

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Major Assignments: In this course, our work will revolve around four major assignments. The goal for each of these assignments is to have you practice the method; understand human needs, skills, and desires as they relate to your chosen domain; and communicate your findings. Project 1: Field observation, Individual project Project 2: Interviews, Individual project Project 3: Collecting data at scale (surveys/online repositories), Individual or group project Project 4: Communicating user research results, Individual or group project Preparedness Pecha-Kucha Participation (required)