Drivers of usability in product design practice

Drivers of usability in product design practice: Induction of a framework through a case study of three product development projects

van Kuijk, J.I. (TU Delft Applied Ergonomics and Design)
Daalhuizen, J.J. (Technical University of Denmark)
Christiaans, H.H.C.M. (Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology)

2019

In a case study of the development of three electronic consumer products, we traced the origins of usability issues. Based on the data collected, an initial, explanatory framework was induced of important drivers of usability in product design. We conclude that – while usability methods mostly focus on gaining knowledge about users and usability issues – in many instances the primary cause of usability problems seems to be a lack of design freedom to implement usability-improving design changes. In addition, the organisational context seemed to influence the design process considerably. Thus, it can be concluded that to conduct user-centred design effectively, the design process should be considered holistically and the organisational context should be taken into account.

case study
design practice
product development
usability
user centred design

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:06fa059c-c934-4114-b222-998510f60e7e

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2018.06.002

2021-01-09

0142-694X

Design Studies, 60, 139-179

Accepted author manuscript

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2019 J.I. van Kuijk, J.J. Daalhuizen, H.H.C.M. Christiaans