Participatory Design
Time: 15 – 30 minutes
When you Might Use This
If you want to get a raw sense of how a user looks at a problem, how they imagine an interface to work, or want to understand more about their psychology (Mental Model). Use this technique to have them draw the solution in a crude way and explain it to you while they are putting it together. This pairs great with meetings where you are already going to show some concepts, do this BEFORE you show the concepts. This exercise is always paired with some other research.
Materials Needed
- Blank Paper and Pen – in person
- Online drawing tool – if remote
- https://awwapp.com/
Instructions
- Prework: Have a clear problem you want to discuss with the user.
- Setup: Have a short discussion about the problem with the user. Ask them if they would be willing to participate in the this drawing process. Be sure to stress that their drawing skills will not be evaluated.
- Ask the user how they think they UI might look for this? What components would be on this page.
- Let them draw their ideas out
- Ask them questions about what each item is and why it’s important
Tips
It’s important to be warm and friendly and have an open mindset. You need to broadcast that to make sure they feel comfortable. Many people are uncomfortable drawing with complete strangers.
Take these drawings back to the team to demonstrate where to begin, what they mindset of the user is or to convey the boundaries of what to do, what not to do.