What the New Class Learned-Part 2

Last week we heard from four of the folks that took part in the Certified User Experience Professional Class. 

This week, we hear from the second group of folks on what they learned and what they took away from the experience.  

Kristi, Design Coordinator

One thing that struck me most about this class was that papaper prototypes don’t need to be complicated or a finished product…they can be simple and still be useful tools to capture information about your product.

I expected the class to be…intense and somewhat difficult, and it was, but it was, surprisingly exciting and fun too! What really hit home for me during the class was that even though some of the testing processes can be daunting, if you break it down it is doable and very worth the time and effort.
  

 

Mara, Image Researcher

Something I realized from this class is that we will never have all the answers. It is a continuous process of learning and discovering new opportunities for improvement. Knowing what I learned from usability, I will always keep an open mind to change and flexibility in design.

Andy, Web Applications Developer

There are several things that I took away from the class, but here are the ones that stuck out the most. First even simple tests can have a huge impact on design of a product. 

A simple paper prototype can tell a developer/designer what a user expects to happen instead of assuming a user will expect something different to happen.

Second the way you phrase a question or a task is just as important as the task itself. You want to get as much information  as possible from the user, but keeping the phrasing of the task simple keeps the user focused on completing the task and not trying to decipher what it is the tester is really asking them to do. Finally, observation is the most powerful tool you have when user testing. Watching the user work through a task can often tell more about what the user is thinking than they will ever tell you.

  

PJ, Marketing Director

In the near future, I’ll have the chance to represent the company on a team at a local charity golf tournament.  Some who know me fairly well have said, “You? In a tournament?” 

 The great thing about this chance I’m given is that I will not be alone in my efforts – I’ll be a member of a team on that course.  Our collective ‘swings’ will enable us to be successful and have a great time.

In much the same way, as a member of a recent CUEP team, I found that one should never underestimate the power of true teamwork! One of the most valuable things that I took away from this class was the impact of varied personalities and talents on a team. It was great to have the opportunity to see and experience how collective wisdom grows an idea, improves a product and nourishes excitement.

In a world where we often find individuals who yearn to have something be “all about ME” – the notion of giving it your best shot and letting another carry the idea, improve upon it, teach you something or ask for help brings energy and excitement. In the end, you can’t help but appreciate the things you learn, the fun you share and the score you maintain for customers!

Just like in a golf game…our CUEP team will share what we learned iteratively…not just the ‘hole in one’ discoveries, but the birdies, times we missed all together and the hundreds of perfect swings along the way! –and the more we play with user-centered design strategies, the better we’ll fulfill our mission…