The ten user centred design methods described here are based on the principles of ISO 13407, and are recommended when developing software for interactive systems. Most of the methods are simple to plan and apply, and can easily be learnt by developers.

0. Maturity assessment can be used to identify the additional skills you need to apply the techniques

1. A Stakeholder meeting should take place as early as possible.

2. Context of use and

3. Task scenarios should take place during feasibility and prior to requirements.

4. Evaluating an existing system and

5. Usability requirements should be part of the requirements process.

6. Paper prototyping and a

7. Style guide should be used during requirements and design.

8. Evaluation of machine prototypes and final

9. Usability testing should take place during implementation.

10. It is also important to collect feedback from users after release to inform any redesign.

These methods have been selected as an easy and convenient means of implementing the principles of user centred design and international standards for usability and user centred design. Other more specialised methods can be used in conjunction with these techniques.

A more basic set of three methods can be used when getting started with user centred design.

Applying the techniques

Get someone who has used the techniques before to show you how to apply them the first time. (If you don't know anyone suitable you could contact one of the European Usability Support Centres.) Most of the techniques are applied common sense and easy to learn.

Last updated 11-Jul-00