ABSTRACT
The challenge of “Bridging the Design Gap” is examined in a case study of the design of a new wireless personal communication product. This chapter discusses applicable design methods, their relative strengths and weaknesses, how much information is needed before proceeding, and how to get that information.
A multidisciplinary team used an iterative design approach to (1) explore, (2) discover, (3) define, (4) design, and (5) evaluate new product opportunities. A three-stage design transformation process is recommended: Exploratory, Refinement and Analysis, and Formal Design. Scenarios are a key device used to bridge the stages. User feedback is solicited to guide the evolution of the design in all stages.
The purpose of the Exploratory Design Stage is to identify and conceptualize potential new high-value products and services that will satisfy key user needs not being met by today’s solutions. The goal of the Refinement and Analysis Stage is to verify the key user values and define the attributes required of successful product. The Formal Design Stage is characterized by the design of the users’ conceptual model, which is communicated in the interface through dialog design as well as the use of metaphors. At this stage, low- and high-fidelity prototypes are built and subjected to usability testing. High-fidelity prototypes are also used to capture the design intent and communicate it to product implementation partners.
