Emily Anderson, a product design expert, emphasizes the importance of understanding user behavior and addressing potential risks in product development. The podcast covers topics such as users using things in unexpected ways, cutting corners, and finding workarounds. It also discusses the differences between ideal user behavior and actual app usage, the importance of observing behavior and framing research questions, and overcoming the fear of sharing one's voice.
User behaviors in real-world scenarios should be considered when designing user journeys, going beyond ideal user journeys.
Observing actual user behavior and combining quantitative data with qualitative research provides valuable insights for understanding user needs and informing design decisions.
Deep dives
Understanding User Journey Maps
User journey maps are valuable tools for product teams to gain a better understanding of how users interact with their products or services. These maps help teams plot the path from A to B that users take, providing insights and opportunities for improvement. By mapping out user journeys, teams can identify pain points, behaviors, and different personas, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of user needs. The key is to move beyond ideal user journeys and consider what could go wrong and how users actually behave in real-world scenarios. Overall, user journey maps provide a valuable framework for designing experiences that meet users' needs and deliver value.
The Importance of Behavioral Observation
Observing how users actually behave is crucial for understanding their needs and designing better experiences. By going beyond what users say and focusing on their actual behavior, designers can uncover valuable insights. Field studies and direct observation of users in their natural settings can provide deep insights into their interactions with products or services. Additionally, framing research questions in a way that encourages users to share detailed accounts of their experiences can shed light on motivations, pain points, and decision-making processes. Combining quantitative data with qualitative research allows designers to gain a holistic understanding of user behavior and inform design decisions.
Incorporating Risk Management into Design
Risk management is a vital aspect of design, ensuring that potential risks and issues are addressed. Recognizing risks in the user journey and considering them during the design process leads to better products and services. Adding a row for 'what could go wrong' in journey maps prompts designers to question assumptions and consider potential pitfalls. This awareness helps designers prioritize risks and determine the level of confidence and impact associated with each risk. Understanding and managing risks, whether related to usability, accessibility, or business metrics, enables designers to create experiences that align with business goals and deliver value to users.
If we're thinking about the ideal user journey, we're missing a trick...This week, Emily Anderson shared her sage advice with me on how we can build better products by paying more attention to risk and what users don't tell us.In her words:→ Users will always use things in ways we don’t expect.→ They cut corners, use workarounds, scan content.→ They find ways to reach their goal→ Even if it's not how it was designedSuper insightful conversation that I'll be sharing as part of the Curious Designer, later in October, but for now – here's a taster for what's to come.Take a look at Emily's Post on the matter: https://lnkd.in/ewb69WZV
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit curiousdesigner.substack.com
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