User and Task Analysis for Interface Design by JoAnn T. Hackos and Janice C. Redish, Wiley Computer Publishing, 1998.
(ISBN 0-471-17831-4)
User and Task Analysis for Interface Design explains the "why" and the "how" of gathering information about users in order to create usable systems and products. The book acts as an extensive and accessible reference for a wide variety of techniques.
Technical writers would use the book
- as a reference for methods to incorporate user information into effective documentation
- for ideas on addressing the core problem of incorporating user-centered techniques into the interface design
- for ammunition and inspiration on tackling management and systems people
As the table on the right shows, all roles involved in design, development, and marketing will find the book an excellent resource.
Hackos and Redish focus on how to gather and analyze user information required to create usable designs. The authors take you to the point of being ready to design and test a prototype. They present techniques that can assist you to deliver much-needed information about users, tasks, and environments. Unique in assembling such a wide range of techniques related to user and task analysis, the book includes:
- step-by-step processes for planning and conducting site visits
- advice on how to be an effective observer and listener
- methods for organizing and analyzing your data in preparation for design
- ideas for developing and prototyping the interface design
The book covers such topics as workflow analysis, storyboarding and sketching, contextual inquiry, questionnaires, and interviews. You will find tips about meeting users at trade shows, calculating the return on investment from site visits, and estimating the time you'll need. The authors also provide a template for a site visit plan, guidelines for interface elements, such as menus, windows, and dialogue boxes, and an extensive bibliography.
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The book draws many vignettes—insightful real-life examples—that bring the techniques to life. Well-drawn illustrations, effective page design, and a professional index make the material easily accessible.
While the book is sizable, at just under 500 pages, the first four chapters give you the authors' core philosophy. The remaining ten chapters detail techniques for conducting site visits and analyzing information in preparation for design.
User and Task Analysis for Interface Design — itself an excellent example of usability — will assist you in employing user-centered design principles effectively.
| Role |
Value of Book |
| interface designers and human factors specialists |
user-centered techniques to teach to design team members and software developers |
| product managers |
justification for employing user-centered techniques to ensure product usability and ideas on how to conduct user site visits |
| managers of training or documentation |
how to incorporate user information into the process of developing documentation and training |
| marketing directors or development managers |
learn that many people responsible for developing products lack critical information about users |
| business managers |
how to interact with developers, e.g., to allow design and development team members access to all client staff, not just to managers |
| instructors in software development, interface design, technical communication, or instructional design |
techniques in front-end analysis ready to be integrated into your course; excellent reference source for your students |
| authors and publishers of self-help or "how to" guides |
methods for understanding the needs of readers; the book itself illustrates many facets of an effective "how to" guide |
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