Monday, October 22, 2007
Conclusion:
In regards to our study we found that the methods
informal interviews
personas
and scenarios
seemed to work well together. By no means are our personas and scenarios complete as there is room to refine then through an iterative process. Through the use of these methods our focus had been shifted on the user as appose to the underlying technologies and assumed usage of such technologies.
Interviews were ideal for the one-on-one basis. It provided enough flexibility within its structure which was needed for the potential variety in responses. However the downside to only having the data from our interviewees available, and by not relying on any other sources, is that the rest of the inquiry from personas through to scenarios might have been a little limited.
The use of personas presented itself with both risks and benefits. They have provided us with an engaging way of thinking about specific users needs. We would refer to each persona by name when discussed, and each persona was provided with a detailed prescription to which we could refer.
We conclude by stating that in the interaction inquiry we found that the current Wifi network seems to be sufficient for the average student. The current Wifi network covers roughly 80% - 86% of Ipswich campus. Most of the ‘high demand’ areas (such as library, main buildings and court area) are adequately covered by this. We would however suggest that the buildings behind the refectory ( 13-19, 22, 28 ) which are in constant use by students (and staff) and not within range of the Wifi network could be included. These rooms include multimedia related lecture rooms, and was indicated by users as areas of interest.
Most of the Wifi access is done socially, i.e not when working straight on an assignment, or a relatively short time spent accessing the UQ site and course related material. And as such, has increased the demand in access.
informal interviews
personas
and scenarios
seemed to work well together. By no means are our personas and scenarios complete as there is room to refine then through an iterative process. Through the use of these methods our focus had been shifted on the user as appose to the underlying technologies and assumed usage of such technologies.
Interviews were ideal for the one-on-one basis. It provided enough flexibility within its structure which was needed for the potential variety in responses. However the downside to only having the data from our interviewees available, and by not relying on any other sources, is that the rest of the inquiry from personas through to scenarios might have been a little limited.
The use of personas presented itself with both risks and benefits. They have provided us with an engaging way of thinking about specific users needs. We would refer to each persona by name when discussed, and each persona was provided with a detailed prescription to which we could refer.
We conclude by stating that in the interaction inquiry we found that the current Wifi network seems to be sufficient for the average student. The current Wifi network covers roughly 80% - 86% of Ipswich campus. Most of the ‘high demand’ areas (such as library, main buildings and court area) are adequately covered by this. We would however suggest that the buildings behind the refectory ( 13-19, 22, 28 ) which are in constant use by students (and staff) and not within range of the Wifi network could be included. These rooms include multimedia related lecture rooms, and was indicated by users as areas of interest.
Most of the Wifi access is done socially, i.e not when working straight on an assignment, or a relatively short time spent accessing the UQ site and course related material. And as such, has increased the demand in access.
Exec Summary
The University of Queensland’s Information Technology Services (UQ ITS) is interested in expanding wifi coverage around the the Ipswich Campus. We need to find out how the current network is being used and where the greatest demand for it currently is.
We will be developing our conclusion using the following methods: Informal and contextual interviews, personas and scenarios.
We will be developing our conclusion using the following methods: Informal and contextual interviews, personas and scenarios.
intro bit off poster
For this assignment we have chosen to conduct an interaction inquiry on how the current wifi facilities are being used among the students at Ipswich campus UQ,
As UQ ITS is interested in expanding wifi coverage around the Ipswich campus, we needed to find out how the current network was being used and where the greatest demand for it currently is. In order to do this we needed to establish who exactly our so called “users” are and what their social routines and work habits are.
The Ipswich campus has a wide range of Wi-fi hotspots, located in both internal and external areas on the campus. Wireless connections can be currently connected from the library, refectory and Buildings 1, 2 and 12 as indicated on the campus map. (map) Students, of the Ipswich campus are our main focus for this inquiry, however it is noted that other staff are obvious users of such technologies and as such will be taken into account.
As a team we have chosen to conduct our inquiry using the following methods:
Informal and contextual interviews. Personas and scenarios.
Interviews give designers the opportunity to question users on a one-on-one basis. The technique allows users to not only receive responses to their pre-ordained inquiries, but gives them the opportunity to ask follow-up questions. We have done semi-structured interviews (as opposed to structured interviews) so that the flexibility these allow will give us the opportunity for new ideas and topics that we may not ordinarily have envisioned when considering the user requirements.
We approached students who we noticed were using Wi-Fi around the Ipswich campus, as well as the general student body, who were in the same areas but not specifically using that technology.
In using methods such as interviewing, probes or participatory design, it is important to make the person(s) feel at easy and reassured that they are free to leave when they wish. It was initially difficult to find users who were able to take the 15 minutes to participate in the study, though the offer of a free drink helped considerably.
Personas naturally fit in with the other chosen methods: interviews and scenarios, and can be seen as the middle step in our interaction inquiry. The construction of our personas will be based on the information gathered during the interviewing phase. When enough data is collected we will aim at developing 3-5 different personas or casts, which will then be used as a basis for our scenario construction.
A persona is a fictional character that can be used by interaction designers as a design tool. Personas are given a name, age, sex and often include some family background and occupational information. The aim is to try to replicate a precise image of what a typical user/s will be and by doing so, help designers to focus their attention on specific needs and goals. This benefits will us as a team as a whole as it provides a shares basis for communication. .
In order to effectively establish our personas are we need to find out more about who the users are that use the wifi connections around Ipswich campus by conducting a series of contextual interviews and general observations. These personas reflect the data found during the observation/interview phase and observational anecdotes used where possible, as this will help the fleshing of the characters out.
Scenarios are the descriptions of how users interact with a system. Scenarios are important when designing for users as they can be used to predict how different personas will interact with the system from the user’s perspective. For the Wi-fi Hotspots inquiry, using the scenario method is suitable as it helps explore all the possible aspects of interaction.
As UQ ITS is interested in expanding wifi coverage around the Ipswich campus, we needed to find out how the current network was being used and where the greatest demand for it currently is. In order to do this we needed to establish who exactly our so called “users” are and what their social routines and work habits are.
The Ipswich campus has a wide range of Wi-fi hotspots, located in both internal and external areas on the campus. Wireless connections can be currently connected from the library, refectory and Buildings 1, 2 and 12 as indicated on the campus map. (map) Students, of the Ipswich campus are our main focus for this inquiry, however it is noted that other staff are obvious users of such technologies and as such will be taken into account.
As a team we have chosen to conduct our inquiry using the following methods:
Informal and contextual interviews. Personas and scenarios.
Interviews give designers the opportunity to question users on a one-on-one basis. The technique allows users to not only receive responses to their pre-ordained inquiries, but gives them the opportunity to ask follow-up questions. We have done semi-structured interviews (as opposed to structured interviews) so that the flexibility these allow will give us the opportunity for new ideas and topics that we may not ordinarily have envisioned when considering the user requirements.
We approached students who we noticed were using Wi-Fi around the Ipswich campus, as well as the general student body, who were in the same areas but not specifically using that technology.
In using methods such as interviewing, probes or participatory design, it is important to make the person(s) feel at easy and reassured that they are free to leave when they wish. It was initially difficult to find users who were able to take the 15 minutes to participate in the study, though the offer of a free drink helped considerably.
Personas naturally fit in with the other chosen methods: interviews and scenarios, and can be seen as the middle step in our interaction inquiry. The construction of our personas will be based on the information gathered during the interviewing phase. When enough data is collected we will aim at developing 3-5 different personas or casts, which will then be used as a basis for our scenario construction.
A persona is a fictional character that can be used by interaction designers as a design tool. Personas are given a name, age, sex and often include some family background and occupational information. The aim is to try to replicate a precise image of what a typical user/s will be and by doing so, help designers to focus their attention on specific needs and goals. This benefits will us as a team as a whole as it provides a shares basis for communication. .
In order to effectively establish our personas are we need to find out more about who the users are that use the wifi connections around Ipswich campus by conducting a series of contextual interviews and general observations. These personas reflect the data found during the observation/interview phase and observational anecdotes used where possible, as this will help the fleshing of the characters out.
Scenarios are the descriptions of how users interact with a system. Scenarios are important when designing for users as they can be used to predict how different personas will interact with the system from the user’s perspective. For the Wi-fi Hotspots inquiry, using the scenario method is suitable as it helps explore all the possible aspects of interaction.
Scenario Three
Dave
Dave is the type of student who brings his laptop with him everywhere; he uses it in lectures to take notes and uses it in tutorials to do the tutorial work. Being a multimedia design student he spends the majority of his time on the computer. He uses his laptop for everything Uni related and never uses the computers on campus, therefore he is used to connecting to the Wi-fi connection network.
Like he does at the beginning of each lecture, he turns on his computer, waits for everything to load and immediately connects to the wi-fi network through UQ Connect. He opens up his word processor and gets read for the lecture to begin and take notes. The lecturer is a little late, so Dave decides to go onto the course website, and look up the lecture slides to get a better idea of what the days lecture is focused on.
Dave is the type of student who brings his laptop with him everywhere; he uses it in lectures to take notes and uses it in tutorials to do the tutorial work. Being a multimedia design student he spends the majority of his time on the computer. He uses his laptop for everything Uni related and never uses the computers on campus, therefore he is used to connecting to the Wi-fi connection network.
Like he does at the beginning of each lecture, he turns on his computer, waits for everything to load and immediately connects to the wi-fi network through UQ Connect. He opens up his word processor and gets read for the lecture to begin and take notes. The lecturer is a little late, so Dave decides to go onto the course website, and look up the lecture slides to get a better idea of what the days lecture is focused on.
Scenario Two
Karen
Karen is hanging out with her friends in one of the study areas in the library, away from the computer workstations. They’re meant to be working on an upcoming group assignment, but they can’t help but get distracted. They have one laptop between the three of them, belonging to one of Karen’s friends, who recently bought a new laptop. It’s the first semester at Uni, and none of them have ever had the need to connect to the wireless at Uni as up to this point they have been using the computers in the library workstation. As nursing students they don’t tend to use computers, so they are not at all familiar with how to connect to the wi-fi. The library has strong wi-fi connections, so there are no problems with connectivity.
They don’t plan to use the wi-fi connection for academic purposes, but use it to access the social networking site, Facebook. As they’ve never connected to the wi-fi there are a little unsure about what to do to connect. They see that the wireless is connected on the taskbar, so assume that, that is all it takes to connect, but when they try to access the website, they come up with ‘can not load’ problems. It is until a few refreshes that they realise they need to log into the wireless network through the UQ Connect website.
Karen is hanging out with her friends in one of the study areas in the library, away from the computer workstations. They’re meant to be working on an upcoming group assignment, but they can’t help but get distracted. They have one laptop between the three of them, belonging to one of Karen’s friends, who recently bought a new laptop. It’s the first semester at Uni, and none of them have ever had the need to connect to the wireless at Uni as up to this point they have been using the computers in the library workstation. As nursing students they don’t tend to use computers, so they are not at all familiar with how to connect to the wi-fi. The library has strong wi-fi connections, so there are no problems with connectivity.
They don’t plan to use the wi-fi connection for academic purposes, but use it to access the social networking site, Facebook. As they’ve never connected to the wi-fi there are a little unsure about what to do to connect. They see that the wireless is connected on the taskbar, so assume that, that is all it takes to connect, but when they try to access the website, they come up with ‘can not load’ problems. It is until a few refreshes that they realise they need to log into the wireless network through the UQ Connect website.
Scenario One
Alex is trying to pass her time between her lecture and her tutorial class, she’s not from Ipswich and only spends one day a week at Ipswich as she’s mainly based at the St Lucia campus. She doesn’t really socialise with her classmates in her Ipswich class, as she’s never there long enough. In her spare time between classes she tends to hang out by herself using her laptop or Nintendo DS (portable gaming device).
She decides she wants to get something to eat while trying to get a head start on an upcoming assignment before her tutorial. Alex heads to the refectory where wi-fi is available, and sits at one of the tables and connects to the Internet. Alex finds it easier to concentrate in the refectory at Ipswich, compared to the ones at St Lucia, so she never has a problem deciding where to sit away from loud noises. But as she has a preference for working in fresh air, she tends to sit outside.
It doesn’t take long to connect; she’s connected to the wi-fi at uni, several times before through her wireless laptop, so she knows how to connect without any problems. Using the wi-fi at Uni has become second nature to her. She needs to kill time, but doesn’t want to waste it not being productive.
She decides she wants to get something to eat while trying to get a head start on an upcoming assignment before her tutorial. Alex heads to the refectory where wi-fi is available, and sits at one of the tables and connects to the Internet. Alex finds it easier to concentrate in the refectory at Ipswich, compared to the ones at St Lucia, so she never has a problem deciding where to sit away from loud noises. But as she has a preference for working in fresh air, she tends to sit outside.
It doesn’t take long to connect; she’s connected to the wi-fi at uni, several times before through her wireless laptop, so she knows how to connect without any problems. Using the wi-fi at Uni has become second nature to her. She needs to kill time, but doesn’t want to waste it not being productive.
_____________________________________
Basically with scenarios they need to have goals and objectives
we're really making assumptions on what people do..(though, with the interviews we're suppose to be able to back up our 'assumptions') and I think by using these scenarios we're suppose to have a better idea and understanding of those needs and goals by exploring them.. and to update our assumptions, test them out with more interviews?? or what ever and refine them. ... also identify possible problems....solutions..
we're really making assumptions on what people do..(though, with the interviews we're suppose to be able to back up our 'assumptions') and I think by using these scenarios we're suppose to have a better idea and understanding of those needs and goals by exploring them.. and to update our assumptions, test them out with more interviews?? or what ever and refine them. ... also identify possible problems....solutions..
_________________________________________
(This is just a suggestion)
Hi Corrine,
for the senarios I suggest pasteing one up at a time, then each person can respond to that scenario via the comments thing. Just to keep the blog easy to read.
Then once thats done we could post our findings on usig that scenario up, and do a discussion/conclusion/or itterative thing.
Hi Corrine,
for the senarios I suggest pasteing one up at a time, then each person can respond to that scenario via the comments thing. Just to keep the blog easy to read.
Then once thats done we could post our findings on usig that scenario up, and do a discussion/conclusion/or itterative thing.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Personas
Dave (18):
Full time student at Ipswich campus. Dave lives and works in Brisbane in Corinda so drives to uni himself. Dave works as a casual stores person at Dick Smiths.
He owns a laptop and mobile phone, which he usually takes with him everyday. Dave is pretty knowledgeable when it comes to technology, but isn’t really much of a ‘games person’. He is a bit of a nerd and generally does really well in his subjects. Dave finds that “accessing the internet/wifi in Ipswich isn’t really a problem…”
Is happy as long as:
He can access when ever he needs it, which is usually in lecture rooms and main buildings including the library.
The space/area can comfortably accommodate one and more persons working together.
The space/areas provide a good atmosphere (i.e. temperature, lighting)
The connection isn’t “crap”
Karen(19):
Full time student at Ipswich. Does the nursing degree here and lives 10 minutes away when commuting via local bus service. Karen is more social than tech savvy and most of her friends are scattered around different campuses and universities. She doesn’t have a laptop but carries around her mobile. “don’t use the wifi really…mostly go to the library..” apart from using the internet for study related purposes she accesses messenger, email and Face Book. Most of here internet usage is social or used to interact/communicate with others. Likes to share links (yourtube/facebook/misc) with other people.
Alex (22):
Fulltime student at uq. Has one subject running at Ipswich campus. Lives in Brisbane Hamilton and she commutes via train and bus. Has a mobile, laptop, and DS which she uses often “..especially on public transport…” Access wifi at campus while waiting for lectures/pracs to start. Not that familiar with other areas as she only goes to this campus once a week. She is familiar with the library, refect, building12, and the outdoor areas surrounding these.
Michael (23):
Full time student at Ipswich, lives near campus at (cumquat). Walks to uni. Has a second-hand laptop and PSP. Michael relies on internet access at uni as there are issues with the net where he lives. “…low band width…restricted access”. Uses internet for both work and social, but doesn’t like spending much time in the library, as its on the opposite side of campus as hiss lec/tut rooms. Has accessed the wifi connection with his PSP and laptop often.
Full time student at Ipswich campus. Dave lives and works in Brisbane in Corinda so drives to uni himself. Dave works as a casual stores person at Dick Smiths.
He owns a laptop and mobile phone, which he usually takes with him everyday. Dave is pretty knowledgeable when it comes to technology, but isn’t really much of a ‘games person’. He is a bit of a nerd and generally does really well in his subjects. Dave finds that “accessing the internet/wifi in Ipswich isn’t really a problem…”
Is happy as long as:
He can access when ever he needs it, which is usually in lecture rooms and main buildings including the library.
The space/area can comfortably accommodate one and more persons working together.
The space/areas provide a good atmosphere (i.e. temperature, lighting)
The connection isn’t “crap”
Karen(19):
Full time student at Ipswich. Does the nursing degree here and lives 10 minutes away when commuting via local bus service. Karen is more social than tech savvy and most of her friends are scattered around different campuses and universities. She doesn’t have a laptop but carries around her mobile. “don’t use the wifi really…mostly go to the library..” apart from using the internet for study related purposes she accesses messenger, email and Face Book. Most of here internet usage is social or used to interact/communicate with others. Likes to share links (yourtube/facebook/misc) with other people.
Alex (22):
Fulltime student at uq. Has one subject running at Ipswich campus. Lives in Brisbane Hamilton and she commutes via train and bus. Has a mobile, laptop, and DS which she uses often “..especially on public transport…” Access wifi at campus while waiting for lectures/pracs to start. Not that familiar with other areas as she only goes to this campus once a week. She is familiar with the library, refect, building12, and the outdoor areas surrounding these.
Michael (23):
Full time student at Ipswich, lives near campus at (cumquat). Walks to uni. Has a second-hand laptop and PSP. Michael relies on internet access at uni as there are issues with the net where he lives. “…low band width…restricted access”. Uses internet for both work and social, but doesn’t like spending much time in the library, as its on the opposite side of campus as hiss lec/tut rooms. Has accessed the wifi connection with his PSP and laptop often.
Contextual Interviews
Users
Our 10 contextual interview subjects varied in age from several 17 and 18 year olds in their first year of study to a tutor of 25 who had completed his undergraduate degree. All had experience of using wi-fi on campus whether through their own connection or through using a peer's laptop to access it. All except three of the students attended course lectures and tutorials at UQ's St Lucia campus.
All of the subjects interviewed expect wi-fi to be available in all buildings on campus. Growing up around this technology has made it ubiquitous and they are very comfortable with its usage. Several expressed surprise when shown the map of the Ipswich campus coverage and one even noted that "the room where we have DVP isn't covered!"
Spaces
The spaces used by the subjects were mainly internal. All students had used theirs or a friend's laptop in a lecture to check the subject's lecture notes online, as well as checking newsgroups and course websites for their other subjects. The majority of this activity was study related though each user did admit to having used the wireless network for personal web surfing during a lecture if their interest had waned.
The users that had attended the St Lucia campus all commented on how the wireless network coverage isn't as necessary in Ipswich. All mentioned the difficulties that they had experienced at St Lucia of being able to check emails and newsgroups (let alone research) on a computer due to the larger student body at that campus. The Ipswich campus size and the smaller number of the student body meant that none of the subjects had experienced any difficulties with this in Ipswich.
Besides the obvious use in lecture rooms, the next most popular space for study usage was the library. The most popular location for personal usage was the refectory where the majority of users surfed the web or connected to the wireless network to show a site of interest to their friends. A commonly expressed opinion was that of a strict delineation between these two spaces.
All of the subjects expressed an interest in more spaces being available throughout the campus for both study and social interactions. Suggestions included covered tables (for sun and rain protection as well as enabling them to read the screens) in green spaces (specifically the areas in front and between building 8 and 2). All agreed that these areas would require electricity and have comfortable seating.
Technology
All of the respondents had used laptops when accessing the wireless network at the Ipswich Campus. When questioned about accessing the network with pdas all were interested in using this technology but considered it a luxury item when compared to a laptop.
Several of the interviewees responded that they had also used Nintendo DS in their personal life to play games via a wireless connection. One student also showed how they had used their PSP (Playstation Portable) to connect to the wireless network to surf the internet.
I procrastinated a bit before writing it. Think its kind of keeping in line with what you want Mish, but let me know if not and I can re-write at uni tomorrow. See you all about 10:30.
Our 10 contextual interview subjects varied in age from several 17 and 18 year olds in their first year of study to a tutor of 25 who had completed his undergraduate degree. All had experience of using wi-fi on campus whether through their own connection or through using a peer's laptop to access it. All except three of the students attended course lectures and tutorials at UQ's St Lucia campus.
All of the subjects interviewed expect wi-fi to be available in all buildings on campus. Growing up around this technology has made it ubiquitous and they are very comfortable with its usage. Several expressed surprise when shown the map of the Ipswich campus coverage and one even noted that "the room where we have DVP isn't covered!"
Spaces
The spaces used by the subjects were mainly internal. All students had used theirs or a friend's laptop in a lecture to check the subject's lecture notes online, as well as checking newsgroups and course websites for their other subjects. The majority of this activity was study related though each user did admit to having used the wireless network for personal web surfing during a lecture if their interest had waned.
The users that had attended the St Lucia campus all commented on how the wireless network coverage isn't as necessary in Ipswich. All mentioned the difficulties that they had experienced at St Lucia of being able to check emails and newsgroups (let alone research) on a computer due to the larger student body at that campus. The Ipswich campus size and the smaller number of the student body meant that none of the subjects had experienced any difficulties with this in Ipswich.
Besides the obvious use in lecture rooms, the next most popular space for study usage was the library. The most popular location for personal usage was the refectory where the majority of users surfed the web or connected to the wireless network to show a site of interest to their friends. A commonly expressed opinion was that of a strict delineation between these two spaces.
All of the subjects expressed an interest in more spaces being available throughout the campus for both study and social interactions. Suggestions included covered tables (for sun and rain protection as well as enabling them to read the screens) in green spaces (specifically the areas in front and between building 8 and 2). All agreed that these areas would require electricity and have comfortable seating.
Technology
All of the respondents had used laptops when accessing the wireless network at the Ipswich Campus. When questioned about accessing the network with pdas all were interested in using this technology but considered it a luxury item when compared to a laptop.
Several of the interviewees responded that they had also used Nintendo DS in their personal life to play games via a wireless connection. One student also showed how they had used their PSP (Playstation Portable) to connect to the wireless network to surf the internet.
I procrastinated a bit before writing it. Think its kind of keeping in line with what you want Mish, but let me know if not and I can re-write at uni tomorrow. See you all about 10:30.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Friday, October 19, 2007
Ideas for direction
(Please read the post below this one too...that means you Corrine)
This might just be for clarification really, or just to check if we are all on the same page. this is just what I've gathered from the lectures and reading the news groups:
what we need to get out of these methods essentially seems to be along these lines.
Who are the users
this obviously includes, age, if student, even backgrounds if possible (how long they've been studing at that campus/course) etc. Also what are the users habbits.
what are their expectations?
spaces
how are these spaces used, how often, what for specifically, frequency and really, which spaces are actually beeing used. Also physical space and the environment - outside/inside issues like weather, noise, comfort, acces, safety etc
technology used
what technologies are beeing used. What techs are preffered (laptop vs pda) Could a new tech be used in this context. How are techs currently used more specifically.
I think that these would be great points to consider for the methods. especially since we're concentrating on methods that really need alot of data! Aslong as we back up our conclusions on this sort of thing we should be ok. Let me know what your opinons are. Also, Vic would you like us to help you with ahh 'aquiering' ;) data?
This might just be for clarification really, or just to check if we are all on the same page. this is just what I've gathered from the lectures and reading the news groups:
what we need to get out of these methods essentially seems to be along these lines.
Who are the users
this obviously includes, age, if student, even backgrounds if possible (how long they've been studing at that campus/course) etc. Also what are the users habbits.
what are their expectations?
spaces
how are these spaces used, how often, what for specifically, frequency and really, which spaces are actually beeing used. Also physical space and the environment - outside/inside issues like weather, noise, comfort, acces, safety etc
technology used
what technologies are beeing used. What techs are preffered (laptop vs pda) Could a new tech be used in this context. How are techs currently used more specifically.
I think that these would be great points to consider for the methods. especially since we're concentrating on methods that really need alot of data! Aslong as we back up our conclusions on this sort of thing we should be ok. Let me know what your opinons are. Also, Vic would you like us to help you with ahh 'aquiering' ;) data?
Intro for poster
I've attempted to combine our three intro bits together into one. It does seem abit lengthy to me, but only because I think we really need to focus on the findings rather. But let me know if its sounds ok. Feel free to revise it :)
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The Ipswich campus has a wide range of Wi-fi hotspots, located in both internal and external areas on the campus. Wireless connections can be currently connected from the library, refectory and Buildings 1, 2 and 12 as indicated on the campus map. (map) Students, of the Ipswich campus are our main focus for this inquiry, however it is noted that other staff are obvious users of such technologies and as such will be taken into account.
As a team we have chosen to conduct our inquiry using the following methods:
Informal and contextual interviews. Personas and scenarios.
Interviews give designers the opportunity to question users on a one-on-one basis. The technique allows users to not only receive responses to their pre-ordained inquiries, but gives them the opportunity to ask follow-up questions. We have done semi-structured interviews (as opposed to structured interviews) so that the flexibility these allow will give us the opportunity for new ideas and topics that we may not ordinarily have envisioned when considering the user requirements.
We approached students who we noticed were using Wi-Fi around the Ipswich campus, as well as the general student body, who were in the same areas but not specifically using that technology.
In using methods such as interviewing, probes or participatory design, it is important to make the person(s) feel at easy and reassured that they are free to leave when they wish. It was initially difficult to find users who were able to take the 15 minutes to participate in the study, though the offer of a free drink helped considerably.
Personas naturally fit in with the other chosen methods: interviews and scenarios, and can be seen as the middle step in our interaction inquiry. The construction of our personas will be based on the information gathered during the interviewing phase. When enough data is collected we will aim at developing 3-5 different personas or casts, which will then be used as a basis for our scenario construction.
A persona is a fictional character that can be used by interaction designers as a design tool. Personas are given a name, age, sex and often include some family background and occupational information. The aim is to try to replicate a precise image of what a typical user/s will be and by doing so, help designers to focus their attention on specific needs and goals. This benefits will us as a team as a whole as it provides a shares basis for communication..
In order to effectively establish our personas are we need to find out more about who the users are that use the wifi connections around Ipswich campus by conducting a series of contextual interviews and general observations. These personas reflect the data found during the observation/interview phase and observational anecdotes used where possible, as this will help the fleshing of the characters out.
Scenarios are the descriptions of how users interact with a system. Scenarios are important when designing for users as they can be used to predict how different personas will interact with the system from the user’s perspective. For the Wi-fi Hotspots inquiry, using the scenario method is suitable as it helps explore all the possible aspects of interaction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Ipswich campus has a wide range of Wi-fi hotspots, located in both internal and external areas on the campus. Wireless connections can be currently connected from the library, refectory and Buildings 1, 2 and 12 as indicated on the campus map. (map) Students, of the Ipswich campus are our main focus for this inquiry, however it is noted that other staff are obvious users of such technologies and as such will be taken into account.
As a team we have chosen to conduct our inquiry using the following methods:
Informal and contextual interviews. Personas and scenarios.
Interviews give designers the opportunity to question users on a one-on-one basis. The technique allows users to not only receive responses to their pre-ordained inquiries, but gives them the opportunity to ask follow-up questions. We have done semi-structured interviews (as opposed to structured interviews) so that the flexibility these allow will give us the opportunity for new ideas and topics that we may not ordinarily have envisioned when considering the user requirements.
We approached students who we noticed were using Wi-Fi around the Ipswich campus, as well as the general student body, who were in the same areas but not specifically using that technology.
In using methods such as interviewing, probes or participatory design, it is important to make the person(s) feel at easy and reassured that they are free to leave when they wish. It was initially difficult to find users who were able to take the 15 minutes to participate in the study, though the offer of a free drink helped considerably.
Personas naturally fit in with the other chosen methods: interviews and scenarios, and can be seen as the middle step in our interaction inquiry. The construction of our personas will be based on the information gathered during the interviewing phase. When enough data is collected we will aim at developing 3-5 different personas or casts, which will then be used as a basis for our scenario construction.
A persona is a fictional character that can be used by interaction designers as a design tool. Personas are given a name, age, sex and often include some family background and occupational information. The aim is to try to replicate a precise image of what a typical user/s will be and by doing so, help designers to focus their attention on specific needs and goals. This benefits will us as a team as a whole as it provides a shares basis for communication.
In order to effectively establish our personas are we need to find out more about who the users are that use the wifi connections around Ipswich campus by conducting a series of contextual interviews and general observations. These personas reflect the data found during the observation/interview phase and observational anecdotes used where possible, as this will help the fleshing of the characters out.
Scenarios are the descriptions of how users interact with a system. Scenarios are important when designing for users as they can be used to predict how different personas will interact with the system from the user’s perspective. For the Wi-fi Hotspots inquiry, using the scenario method is suitable as it helps explore all the possible aspects of interaction.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Interview Questions
Just ideas as obviously the questions can change in the interview, but basic outline below. I'll print this out and see what you guys think tomorrow.
Intro – Hello, my name is Victoria. I’d like to personally thank you on behalf of my group for consenting to participate in our study.
Everything you say in this interview will be kept strictly anonymous and will be kept confidential. Everything you say in this interview will only be seen or read by my other group members and possibly our lecturer and tutor. I hope this is all clear and that you understand. Please read and sign this form which details everything.
OK, let’s begin. UQ ITS is currently investigating the expansion of its wifi coverage around the Ipswich Campus.
- Do you currently use wifi on campus?
- If no, why not?
- Do you know where wireless networking is currently available?
- Is there anywhere that you have tried to use wireless networking that you haven’t been able to?
- Please look at this map, it shows all of the locations that wireless networking is available. Is there anywhere you can see that should have it, but currently doesn’t?
- Ask whether different locations would be more for social or for uni work, eg. Refec or library?
- Is there anywhere you think shouldn’t have wireless networking available?
Intro – Hello, my name is Victoria. I’d like to personally thank you on behalf of my group for consenting to participate in our study.
Everything you say in this interview will be kept strictly anonymous and will be kept confidential. Everything you say in this interview will only be seen or read by my other group members and possibly our lecturer and tutor. I hope this is all clear and that you understand. Please read and sign this form which details everything.
OK, let’s begin. UQ ITS is currently investigating the expansion of its wifi coverage around the Ipswich Campus.
- Do you currently use wifi on campus?
- If no, why not?
- Do you know where wireless networking is currently available?
- Is there anywhere that you have tried to use wireless networking that you haven’t been able to?
- Please look at this map, it shows all of the locations that wireless networking is available. Is there anywhere you can see that should have it, but currently doesn’t?
- Ask whether different locations would be more for social or for uni work, eg. Refec or library?
- Is there anywhere you think shouldn’t have wireless networking available?
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Scenarios - What I've written so far
The Ipswich campus has a wide range of Wi-fi hotspots, in obvious locations both internal and external. Wireless connections can be currently connected from the library, refectory and Buildings 1, 2 and 12. The Ipswich campus is considerably smaller than the main St Lucia campus.
Scenarios are the descriptions of how users interact with a system. Scenarios are important when designing for users. They can be used to predict how different personas would interact with the system from the user’s perspective. For the Wi-fi Hotspots inquiry, using the scenario method is suitable as it helps explore all the possible aspects of interaction.
Socially students, teachers, admin use the wireless system in a variety of methods. They all use the wireless system in a variety of scearios, each different from the other, depending on their persona.
Scenarios are the descriptions of how users interact with a system. Scenarios are important when designing for users. They can be used to predict how different personas would interact with the system from the user’s perspective. For the Wi-fi Hotspots inquiry, using the scenario method is suitable as it helps explore all the possible aspects of interaction.
Socially students, teachers, admin use the wireless system in a variety of methods. They all use the wireless system in a variety of scearios, each different from the other, depending on their persona.
Draft - Interview Bit
Just got this up. Not perfect, but it'll give us an idea. Written in the past tense as of course this will be alllll done in a week or so. Looking to do the interviews next Weds as don't think I'll be going in on Monday.
Interviews give designers the opportunity to question users on a one-on-one basis. The technique allows users to not only receive responses to their pre-ordained inquiries, but gives them the opportunity to ask follow-up questions. We have done semi-structured interviews (as opposed to structured interviews) so that the flexibility these allow will give us the opportunity for new ideas and topics that we may not ordinarily have envisioned when considering the user requirements.
We approached students who we noticed were using Wi-Fi around the Ipswich campus. Whilst it was initially difficult to find users who were able to take the 15 minutes to participate in the study, persistence and the offer of a free drink enabled us to get the required number of participants.
The information gathered in the interviews were then used to develop the personas and scenarios used in the second and third stages of the interaction inquiry.
Interviews give designers the opportunity to question users on a one-on-one basis. The technique allows users to not only receive responses to their pre-ordained inquiries, but gives them the opportunity to ask follow-up questions. We have done semi-structured interviews (as opposed to structured interviews) so that the flexibility these allow will give us the opportunity for new ideas and topics that we may not ordinarily have envisioned when considering the user requirements.
We approached
The information gathered in the interviews were then used to develop the personas and scenarios used in the second and third stages of the interaction inquiry.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Draft01: persona discription
Description:
A persona is a fictional character that can be used by interaction designers as a design tool. Personas are given a name, age, sex and often include some family background and occupational information. The aim is to try to replicate a precise image of what a typical user/s will be and by doing so, help designers to focus their attention on specific needs and goals. This benefits the design team as a whole as it provides a shares basis for communication. (Ref: practice in theory)
Personas naturally fit in with the other chosen methods: interviews and observations, scenarios, and can be seen as the middle step in our interaction inquiry. The construction of our personas will be based on the empirical information gathered during the observation and interviewing phase. When enough data is collected we will aim at developing 3-5 different personas or casts, which will then be used as a basis for our scenario construction.
In order to effectively establish our personas are we need to find out more about who the users are that use the wifi connections around Ipswich/ St. Lucia campuses by conducting a series of contextual interviews and by observations. These personas must reflect the data found during the observation/interview phase and observational anecdotes used where possible, as this will help the fleshing of the characters out.
A persona is a fictional character that can be used by interaction designers as a design tool. Personas are given a name, age, sex and often include some family background and occupational information. The aim is to try to replicate a precise image of what a typical user/s will be and by doing so, help designers to focus their attention on specific needs and goals. This benefits the design team as a whole as it provides a shares basis for communication. (Ref: practice in theory)
Personas naturally fit in with the other chosen methods: interviews and observations, scenarios, and can be seen as the middle step in our interaction inquiry. The construction of our personas will be based on the empirical information gathered during the observation and interviewing phase. When enough data is collected we will aim at developing 3-5 different personas or casts, which will then be used as a basis for our scenario construction.
In order to effectively establish our personas are we need to find out more about who the users are that use the wifi connections around Ipswich/ St. Lucia campuses by conducting a series of contextual interviews and by observations. These personas must reflect the data found during the observation/interview phase and observational anecdotes used where possible, as this will help the fleshing of the characters out.
About the persona and scenarios
Hey,
I was just looking at the whole personas and scenarios thing in relation to Interaction Design, and I think it what we need to do (Michelle and I that is) is that Michelle comes up with the personas and I talk about the scenarios of those personas in realtion to the wifi hotspots.
I was just reading this bit of a wiki page: I think that makes what I'm trying to say more clear :)
I was just looking at the whole personas and scenarios thing in relation to Interaction Design, and I think it what we need to do (Michelle and I that is) is that Michelle comes up with the personas and I talk about the scenarios of those personas in realtion to the wifi hotspots.
I was just reading this bit of a wiki page: I think that makes what I'm trying to say more clear :)
Designers will first create personas or user profiles that are reflective of their targetted user group. From these personae, and the patterns of behavior observed in the research, designers create scenarios (or user stories) or storyboards, which imagine a future work flow the users will go through using the product or service.
Back to work....
Monday, October 8, 2007
We've Made a Start!
For the Interaction Inquiry for the assignment, we have decided to do the first option which is an investigation into social interactions at wifi hotspots. The question is -
Social interactions at wifi hotspots. UQ ITS is interested in expanding wifi coverage around the Ipswich campus. Where is wireless networking currently used? Where is it in most demand? Are there any areas it is currently not installed which would make good locations based on current student social routines and work habits?
The methods we will be using are and the person who will be organising are -
Personas - Michelle
Scenarios - Corinne
Contextual Interviews - Victoria
By Thursday 11/10 we need to have the following for each method -
- At least 200 words on why we've chosen that particular method?
- Why it works well with the other two methods?
- General description of what it is?
- How we're going to implement it?
- Drafts of what we're going to do (eg draft of my interview).
That is all.
Social interactions at wifi hotspots. UQ ITS is interested in expanding wifi coverage around the Ipswich campus. Where is wireless networking currently used? Where is it in most demand? Are there any areas it is currently not installed which would make good locations based on current student social routines and work habits?
The methods we will be using are and the person who will be organising are -
Personas - Michelle
Scenarios - Corinne
Contextual Interviews - Victoria
By Thursday 11/10 we need to have the following for each method -
- At least 200 words on why we've chosen that particular method?
- Why it works well with the other two methods?
- General description of what it is?
- How we're going to implement it?
- Drafts of what we're going to do (eg draft of my interview).
That is all.
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