[IxDA Discuss] The bible for UCD?

[Mark Schraad]

Russell,

Depends upon your goal. I assume that by UCD, you mean User Centered  
Design and not Usability. If that is the situation, and you are  
trying to make the case for UCD, then the first three chapters of  
"the inmates are running the asylum" are as good as it gets. Though  
there is very little in the way of "how to" in either that book or  
"About Face".

There are many models you can use for analysis, the human factors  
model, Norman's design and user principles work... plus his later  
emotional component, there is Patrick Jordan's early work regarding  
Pleasurability, plus behavioral, cognitive, humanist, social and  
cybernetics theories. Then you get to ethnography and education  
theory with early work from Lorenz, Tinbergen, Frisch and Edward Hall.

Not only are we in an embryonic and evolving evolving science/ 
practice - it is way more cross disciplinary than most designers  
realize. To ask for "the bible" is a challenge. To short cut the  
learning curve of UCD, is at best a misdirection. Many of the people  
you read on this forum have had years of education, teaching and  
practice just to get to the point of understanding and discussion,  
much less those that advance the field.

Sorry for the rant, but all too many designers just want the elevator  
pitch... for that:

"Research, design, test - repeat as necessary. Results will vary"

Mark



On Jul 10, 2006, at 8:50 AM, Wilson, Russell wrote:

> [Please voluntarily trim replies to include only relevant quoted  
> material.]
>
> What would be considered "the bible" on UCD?
> (if there is such a thing)
>
> I've got a few good books, but want to recommend
> a single book to an employee.
>
> Thanks!
> Russ
>
>
>
>
> Russell Wilson | Director of Product Design
> NetQoS, Inc. | 5001 Plaza on the Lake, Austin, TX 78746
> 512.334.3725 | russell.wilson at netqos.com
>
> NetQoS: Performance Experts
> www.netqos.com
>
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