user centered thinking in higher ed communications
TRANSCRIPT
Let’s talk about
• Using research and data to establish a user-centered strategy
• Determining the tools and team needed
• Recognizing and exploring how to approach potential challenges
User-centered design Designing a product or service around how users want or need to use it, rather than forcing them to change their behavior to accommodate your product or service.
Before
flickr.com/photos/remembertobreathe/14351037195
A user-centered design and content strategy reflecting students’:
1. mental model 2. priorities 3. language
Challenges you might face
• No budget/staff • Low awareness of benefits • Resistance to act • Organizational change
Overcome the challenges
• Show, don’t just tell.
• Focus on projects that produce tangible results.
• Involve stakeholders throughout the process of planning, execution, analysis, and reporting.
Emphasize what a user-centered
strategy enables
• More effectively meeting organizational objectives
• Better serving user needs
• Better accountability
Determineyour process.
InterviewsSocial Media
SurveysAnalytics
BrainstormingCard sorting
Surveys Analytics
Usability tests
Tips for user tests
• Use social media and email to create a pool of participants.
• Offer desirable incentives.
• Run small tests often.
• Aim to make things better, not perfect.
To be more user-centered…
Get management support and sponsorship.
Build the right team.
Involve users early in the design process.
Measure and communicate results.