The use of theatre in requirements gathering and usability studies

Abstract

This paper discusses the use of theatrical techniques to communicate to designers the user requirements for IT interfaces -particularly those of ''extreme users'' such as older people. The methodology and processes of producing such material in a video form are described, together with the strengths and weaknesses of this approach. The paper concludes by suggesting the various roles live theatre can play in user centered design. Although the research, on which this paper is based, focuses on the challenges presented by older and disabled users, the techniques described are applicable to a wider range of users.

Theatre as a Discussion Tool in Human-Robot Interaction Experiments - A Pilot Study

“…Of the above stipulations, the first two are common to previous experiments in HCI [9,12,14]. Utilizing the actor in character after the event helps to make the audience believe that the experiment was a true representation of an owner and robot.…”

“…The theatre audience should become absorbed by the demonstration and they can be comfortably guided through post-enactment discussions by a neutral actor as the main go between for the audience and the design team [14]. Method actors can also improvise to the situation as required [12], though this is not something that can often easily be achieved with pre-scripted robots.…”

Enhancing the Design Process with Drama-Related Methods

“…Moreover, designers felt that this method would work best when designing a complex system, as these can be hard to prototype but can be experienced in this drama-based approach. Newell et al (2006) propose the use of theatre and performance as a particularly effective participatory design method for the inclusion of diverse user groups, such as older people. While acknowledging the use of ethnography and personas in eliciting useful feedback from participants, they point out limitations of these methods, referencing Strom's (2003) claims that 'traditional scenarios are very narrow and superficial'.…”

Anticiper et évaluer l'utilité dans la conception ergonomique des technologies émergentes : une revue

“…Les prototypes sont également un moyen pour projeter les utilisateurs dans un contexte d'usage potentiellement futur intégrant l'artefact en cours de conception. Les utilisateurs sont alors en capacité de proposer des fonctions de l'application future jusque-là latentes et nonconscientes (Sperandio, 2001), et contribuent de fait à améliorer l'utilité-destination en intégrant ces nouveaux besoins au cours de la conception (Newell, Carmichael, Morgan & Dickinson, 2006). Les utilisateurs sont également capables de se projeter dans la situation future incluant l'artefact et d'en mesurer les avantages ou les béné ces potentiels par rapport à la situation existante.…”