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> Task Analysis |
| Users
who are very familiar with their tasks often have difficulty verbalizing
what they do in great detail. Task analysis is the process of observing
users at work and documenting their behavior as they complete tasks.
Users' goals, actions, environment, knowledge, and culture all contribute
to an understanding of how work is done. Task analysis yields an
objective understanding of what users do, how the current system
works, and how information flows. The functions to be included within
the new system (particularly its user interface) can then be designed
and specified. Method Much like the work of developing the User Environment Design (UED), task analyses depend on the user research and design decisions for needed functionality. Identifying tasks and their relationships in the first step before defining them in enough detail to reflect design and engineering requirements. Results A task flowchart (or hierarchy diagram) documents the details of completing specific tasks. It is used to represent work processes, decision points, system inputs, etc. It may also highlight areas where task processes are poorly understood or carried out differently by individual staff members or groups. Timeframe Usually 1-2 weeks, depending on the size of the project. Task analysis should be performed early in the software development process, before design begins. Additional Reading NIOSH: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/hfg/taskanalysis.html Hackos, J., and Redish, J.C. (1998) � User and Task Analysis for Interface Design - John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 0-471-17831-4. |
