Tutorial #4

Structured Observation: Techniques for Gathering Information about Users in their Own World

Susan M. Dray, Dray & Associates

Sunday, April 14, full-day

Benefits

You will learn powerful techniques for gathering information about users and their work. The focus of the tutorial is on learning when and how to apply the techniques of structured observation to the software development process.

Origins

This tutorial is new for CHI 96.

Features

introduction to the structured observation techniques of:
- naturalistic observation
- contextual inquiry
- usability roundtable
- artifact walk-through
how to plan for and carry out observations of users in their work-sites
what to do with the data
next steps for using the data in system design
applied tools for use "in the trenches" and practice using them

Audience

Developers, designers, and managers who are responsible for customer needs analysis and identifying user requirements, as well as anyone who wants to understand how users work in order to do a better job of system design.

Presentation

Lecture, group discussion, and small group exercises to obtain practical experience performing structured observation.

Instructors

Susan M. Dray has over 15 years experience working as researcher, manager, and consultant in the design and use of technology. She has worked at Honeywell, Inc., IDS Financial Services, and most recently, as an independent consultant.