HCDE 210: User Research Sprint

For sprint this week, we looked at user research, which is different to usability testing where we observe how the product is used. Whereas, user research is more like observing the human behavior in a scenario. During the session, I and my group went out to observe the lawn in front of Husky Union Building. We chose this because there are many things that go on and we are unlikely to be noticed by the crowd as they walk through. Whereas in my assignment, I choose to observe the Starbuck’s kitchen, as I am interested in efficiency in the Starbucks workflow. While we observe the scene, we jotted the notes of what people are doing and things that I noticed, in order to help us to analyze the situation using P-cubed (Practice, people, and place). By doing analysis, we might be able to identify interesting practices and problems in the situation, in which can be turned into a design opportunity.

Seeing Inside From Outside

After my observation session, I realized that I observe is more than I have anticipated. By doing this, I did not only observe and learn from the situation, but the process helps me to see my own flow of thoughts. For example, when I see a Starbuck staff stand to talk, I feel annoyed about why aren’t they working. Then, I start to focus on that staff and assuming things, but forget to observe the scene as a whole. This is where observer’s comment comes into play and distance yourself from our thoughts. As a designer, it helps us to shy away from assumptions and rely on the observation of the following design process. Although, this process may seem to less impactful, but it can dictate how the design work is heading and save time and money in the usability testing.

Letting My Mind To Flow

In my high school, I love to switch off my brain and stare at the playground. Occasionally, I found interesting things happening. Whereas, in this project, I love the fact that I did pay attention to the surrounding. With this opportunity, I have a chance to find inspiration to new designs. I believe every designer will have times where they are blank. Sometimes, I don’t have the mindset to generate ideas. This is where observation comes in. I love the fact that I sometimes I let my mind free while observing and note the ideas or the observation down as observer’s comment. After that, I am able to reflect on my design thinking and see whether the idea is suitable or not.