This paper describes our real life experience in designing an on-line map user interface for the Dutch farmers. The project challenge was to design a simple user interface for advanced mapping technology in a critical schedule. The domain involved understanding of several technical and legal constraints. We studied the context of use, designed the user interface concept, evaluated a prototype and provided the developers with detailed specifications during a four week period.
INTRODUCTIONIn the initial stages of new product development, designers present alternative concepts through sketches, storyboards, interactive prototypes and physical mock-up models. These representations are useful for communication with the design team, the client and for early usability testing with users. In caseof highly intemctive consumer electronic products (stereo systems,video cameras, fax machines, telephones etc.), LCD displays, buttons, sliders and other user control elements are closely integrated with the three dimensional product form. Hence, an assessment of the product interface necessarily involves the product form as well.
Prototypingis an important well accepted and compelling technique for any person dealing with the design of effective communication between people and technology. We all use some "tool" to enlive our ideas and to tell our stories to all of the other people involved during development of new and alternative riser interface concepts. The word "tool" covers all sorts of means to tell these stories. Available prototyping tools run behind the need of interaction designers in particular with the goal to invent new forms of interaction. Do they really deserve the name "prototyping" tool? Based on the experiences of the panelists the panel should discuss the current situation and proclaim thinking in the direction of more designer oriented and flexible prototyping support. Panelists should discuss their vision of an "ideal" prototyping environment useful for designers and not only suited for programmers. The discussion should include support for the whole activity of innovation (from high level conceptual design and idea sketching to detailed design activities) and support for non style guide oriented interaction designs.
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