User Centered Design: Herd mentality

Tip #5 : Functions must really match tasks performed by users.

A product can have one unique function or gather several main functions. Functions are used to perform a task and achieve a goal.

Sometimes additional secondary functions can be added to facilitate usage and increase efficiency or convenience.

Connectivity (like Bluetooth, Wifi…), digital controls, display screens, associated software (embed or external)… should respect one of the of two following rules:

1- be mandatory to comply one of the main functions.

2- always bring something that really improves utility and usability (ease of use), and help users to better achieve their goal.

Those peculiar 2 points are not “what you believe that is allowing to comply or facilitate” but only what you are going to find out with users, on the site of usages, making tests and so on.

Don’t do like guys in this drawing where those guys add functions just because they are fashionable or because reselling networks say they were vital (lived experiences!):

• Observe
• Interview
• Make prototypes
• Test with users
• and iterate as much as needed up to find what is really needed and expected form potential and curent users.

Luc-Olivier Lafeuille

linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucolivier/
web: https://asitech.fr/home-en

All the tips on the Medium publication “Design Tips” or in French “Conseils de Conception”.

Drawing of Julie Lafeuille
linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lafeuille/