Exploration of Operational Aspects - Architectural Factors in Development
In the realm of product design, understanding the evolving relationship between users and products is crucial. This relationship, as outlined by Alan Dix, a renowned HCI professor and expert, follows a dynamic cycle of use.
Initial Learning marks the first encounter between a user and a product. It's the stage where users learn how to navigate and utilise the product. This phase is essential as it sets the foundation for the user's future interaction with the product.
As users become more familiar with the product, they transition into Routine Use. The product becomes integrated into their regular activities, and use becomes more efficient. At this stage, the product is seamlessly integrated into the user's daily life.
The cycle continues with Exploration and Adaptation. Users start to explore new features or adapt the product to their specific needs, leading to deeper or varied usage. This phase is crucial for maintaining user engagement and ensuring the product remains relevant and useful.
Over time, Evolution of Use occurs as the user's goals or context evolve. Usage patterns change, reflecting the user's changing needs and preferences. This phase underscores the importance of designing products that can adapt and grow with the user.
Eventually, the product may reach the stage of Abandonment or Discontinuation. This doesn't necessarily imply a fault with the product or that it has been superseded in the market. A user might simply move on to another product that better suits their current needs.
It's important to note that a user in the state of disuse may transition back into a state of "no use" or "pre-use" if given an incentive. This underscores the potential for re-engaging users with products they have abandoned.
Designers play a pivotal role in each part of this cycle. At the point of use, they seek feedback on the user experience and look to iterate their designs to better satisfy users in the future. During the pre-use phase, they wait for feedback for further iteration and support marketing efforts.
Two upcoming courses that delve into these aspects are "Affordances: Designing Intuitive User Interfaces" and "Gamification - How to Create Engaging User Experiences." For those interested in learning more about the dynamics of use, Alan Dix's foundational texts, such as "Human-Computer Interaction," provide exact terminology and detailed models.
In conclusion, the dynamics of use model, presented by Alan Dix in 2008 at the University of Technology in Berlin, provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolving interaction between users and products. This model highlights the importance of considering each stage of the use cycle to create products that are not only useful and usable but also sustainable in the marketplace.
[References] - Dix, A. (2008). The dynamics of use: a model for understanding the lifecycle of interaction. University of Technology, Berlin. - Battagler, C. (2011). [Hero Image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/cameronbattagler/5346678339 (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
User experience and technology play significant roles in each phase of the dynamic cycle of use. The user experience, being a crucial factor, is evaluated and improved by designers during routine use, exploration and adaptation, and even after abandonment or discontinuation to re-engage users. UI design, specifically, focuses on creating intuitive interfaces for seamless integration during routine use and exploration, as displayed in upcoming courses like "Affordances: Designing Intuitive User Interfaces." Understanding how technology intertwines with user experience throughout the use cycle is essential for designing products that are not only useful and usable but also sustainable in the marketplace.
