InfoCentre - Latest Articles

Research Paper - Real or Imaginary: The effectiveness of using personas in product design

Tue, 19 May 2009 13:44:57 +0100

The use of personas as a method for communicating user requirements in collaborative design environments is well established. However, very little research has been conducted to quantify the benefits of using this technique. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using personas. A design experiment was conducted with students over a 6 week timeframe. The results showed that, through using personas, designs with superior usability characteristics were produced. They also indicate that using personas provides a significant advantage during the research and conceptualisation stages of the design process (supporting previously unfounded claims).

Tips for Creating Online forms

Fri, 15 May 2009 09:36:14 +0100

Usability is central to the successful completion of online forms. Whether applying for insurance, completing tax returns or simply making an online purchase, a poorly designed or confusing form can lead to users abandoning the process. The following are some tips when designing online forms:

Remote User Interface (RUI) - Control almost anything with your phone

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:34:44 +0100

At Frontend we get to work with a lot of cutting-edge technology, recently we got to work on some stuff, so new in fact, that its actually just a great idea bundled into a set of specifications. As its in a formative stage, there are no commercial products to provide an interaction template or paradigm. It's called Remote User Interface (RUI) and it could, if widely adopted, change the way that we interact with consumer electronics by blurring the boundary between computing, audiovisual and mobile technologies. Your next remote control could be your phone.

5 ways to reduce costs with User Centred Design

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:04:01 +0100

User centred design can be a useful and speedy way of increasing efficiency and hence reducing costs. More often that not, design is seen as a way of increasing sales, attracting eyeballs or retaining customers. However at Frontend we've noticed that some of our most successful projects concentrate on cost-reduction and business efficiency. Here's a few ways we've used user centred design to help our clients save money:

Out of Box Experience: Getting it right first time

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 11:10:28 +0100

The out of box experience (OOBE) describes the users first interaction with a product or service. In the technology sector this first experience invariably involves plugging stuff in, installing some software and crossing your fingers in the hope that the product will work. The problem is that, in far too many cases, it doesn’t.

The Benefits of Viewing User Tests

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The benefits of user testing have long been established. It is still important however to try and maximise these benefits. One way in which this can be done is by viewing the user test yourself.

The Experience is Key

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0100

It is important to remember that the experience a person has using a product or service is every bit as important as that product or services usability.

Emmotive Factors in UX Design

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0100

It is important to remember that the experience a person has using a product or service is every bit as important as that product or services usability.

Emmotive Factors in UX design

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0100

It is important to remember that the experience a person has using a product or service is every bit as important as that product or services usability.

Focus Groups - Advantages and Limitations

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Focus groups are a great way to collect information from several people very quickly and cost effectively. They are mainly used to gauge people’s reactions and feelings to items, however when used appropriately they can also be used as part of user requirements gathering.