ABSTRACT
Design methods that support the development of a good understanding of user requirements are essential for product development. Traditional methods involve direct interaction with users but a product development team can still gain great benefit from applying what might otherwise be considered “second best” methods. This chapter reviews the two approaches in the context of research conducted in user diversity considerations, and discusses opportunities for integration of the two methods into a new approach that might be called Manikin Characters. To design products that meet or surpass the range of future product user needs, designers can gain from utilising methods that support the development of a good understanding of these requirements. The User Characters (also known as Personas) method is aimed at evoking user consideration among designers, ultimately to the benefit of both the company and future product users. A common approach in contemporary industry is to move product development work into virtual environments.
