B1.1 User-Centred Design
B1.1.4 Usability Objectives
Usability objectives help designers analyse products from the user's perspective and identify opportunities for improvement.
They are important because they help create products that are:
- easier to use,
- more intuitive,
- more efficient,
- safer,
- and more enjoyable for users.
Key Idea
Usability objectives help designers improve the interaction between products and users.
Main Usability Objectives
| Usability Objective | Main Focus |
|---|---|
| Learnability | How easily users learn to use the product |
| Efficiency | How quickly users can perform tasks |
| Memorability | How easily users remember how to use the product |
| Errors | How many mistakes users make and recover from |
| Satisfaction | How pleasant and enjoyable the product is to use |
1. Learnability
Products with high learnability are:
- intuitive,
- easy to understand,
- simple for first-time users.
Key Aspects
- intuitive design,
- clear instructions or labeling,
- logical layout of controls or features.
Evaluation Methods
Designers may evaluate learnability by measuring:
- time needed to complete a task,
- number of attempts required,
- frequency of referring to instructions.
Example: Coffee Maker
A coffee maker with clearly labelled buttons and a simple step-by-step brewing process would score highly in learnability.
Key Idea
Products with good learnability reduce confusion and improve first-time user experiences.
2. Efficiency
Efficient products:
- reduce wasted time,
- simplify interactions,
- improve productivity.
Key Aspects
- streamlined processes,
- minimal steps required,
- well-positioned controls and features.
Evaluation Methods
Designers may analyse:
- task completion time,
- number of steps needed,
- user productivity metrics.
Example: Professional Camera
A professional-grade camera with customizable buttons for quick access to common settings demonstrates high efficiency.
Key Idea
Efficient products allow users to complete tasks quickly and effectively.
3. Memorability
Products with good memorability:
- are consistent,
- use familiar layouts,
- avoid unnecessary complexity.
Key Aspects
- consistent design patterns,
- logical organisation of features,
- memorable icons and labels.
Evaluation Methods
Designers may measure:
- task success after periods of non-use,
- relearning time,
- user recall of functions.
Example: Microwave
A microwave with clear and familiar buttons for common functions such as popcorn or defrost demonstrates good memorability.
Key Idea
Good memorability reduces the need for users to relearn how products work.
4. Errors
Good product design aims to minimise user mistakes and improve recovery processes.
Key Aspects
- error prevention features,
- clear warning messages,
- simple recovery processes.
Evaluation Methods
Designers may analyse:
- frequency of user errors,
- severity of mistakes,
- recovery time after errors.
Example: Washing Machine
A washing machine with a child lock feature and warning messages before irreversible cycles demonstrates good error management.
Important
Products should minimise user mistakes and make recovery from errors easy and safe.
5. Satisfaction
This objective focuses on the emotional response users experience while interacting with the product.
Key Aspects
- aesthetic appearance,
- comfort,
- positive emotional experience,
- sense of accomplishment.
Evaluation Methods
Designers may use:
- satisfaction surveys,
- recommendation likelihood,
- emotional response analysis.
Example: Office Chair
An ergonomic office chair that is both comfortable and visually attractive would likely score highly in satisfaction.
Key Idea
Products that create positive user experiences are more likely to be successful and appreciated by users.
Quick Recap
- Learnability focuses on how easily users understand a product
- Efficiency measures speed and productivity
- Memorability evaluates how easily users remember the product
- Error analysis helps improve safety and usability
- Satisfaction focuses on comfort and positive user experiences
B1.1.5 Task Analysis
Task analysis helps designers understand:
- how users interact with products,
- what steps users follow,
- what difficulties users experience,
- and where improvements can be made.
By studying user behaviour, designers can create products that are more intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly.
Key Idea
Task analysis helps designers understand the user’s experience when completing a task.
What is Task Analysis?
Task analysis involves breaking a complex activity into smaller and manageable steps.
This allows designers to study:
- the sequence of actions,
- user behaviour,
- decision-making processes,
- and potential usability problems.
Why is Task Analysis Important?
Task analysis helps designers:
- develop empathy for users,
- understand user needs,
- identify pain points,
- improve efficiency,
- discover opportunities for redesign.
Example: Using a Coffee Machine
A designer may analyse how users prepare coffee using a coffee machine by observing every action performed during the process.Key Idea
Designers must understand not only the product, but also how users interact with it.
Main Objectives of Task Analysis
| Objective | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Understand user behaviour | Identify how users interact with products |
| Identify difficulties | Detect usability problems and frustrations |
| Improve efficiency | Reduce unnecessary actions and complexity |
| Develop empathy | Understand the user’s experience and needs |
| Support redesign | Discover opportunities for improvement |
Conducting a Task Analysis
Task analysis usually follows a structured process.
1. Identify the Task
Designers first define the specific activity they want to analyse.
Example
Preparing a cup of coffee using a coffee machine.2. Gather Information
Designers collect information by:
- observing users,
- conducting interviews,
- recording user actions,
- analysing existing instructions or documentation.
Observation
Observing real users often reveals problems that may not appear during technical testing.
3. Break Down the Task
The activity is divided into smaller sequential steps.
Example: Coffee Machine Task Steps
1. Fill the water container2. Insert coffee capsule
3. Close the machine
4. Select coffee type
5. Press start button
6. Pour coffee into cup
Key Idea
Breaking tasks into smaller steps helps designers understand user interactions more clearly.
4. Analyse Each Step
Designers evaluate:
- time required,
- physical effort,
- mental effort,
- possible confusion,
- potential errors.
Example
Users may struggle to correctly insert the coffee capsule because the compartment design is unclear.5. Identify Critical Points
Critical points are steps where:
- users frequently make mistakes,
- tasks become slow,
- frustration occurs,
- safety risks appear.
These areas often become priorities for redesign.
Example
Users may accidentally spill hot coffee when removing the cup due to limited space below the machine.Important
Critical points often reveal the best opportunities for product improvement.
Benefits of Task Analysis
Task analysis helps designers create products that are:
- easier to use,
- safer,
- more efficient,
- more intuitive,
- better adapted to user needs.
Quick Recap
- Task analysis studies how users complete tasks
- Complex activities are divided into smaller steps
- Designers observe user behaviour and difficulties
- Task analysis helps identify pain points and inefficiencies
- The process supports empathy and product improvement
Case of Use: Marcos’ Assignment Submission
Marcos has finished his document at 21:30 and needs to upload it to the school platform. However, the process creates uncertainty because:
- he has several files with similar names,
- the platform contains many subjects and assignments,
- the submission process is not completely clear,
- he is not fully sure whether the file has been submitted correctly.
Objective for the Student
Carry out a task analysis for this use case and identify opportunities for improvement.
User Context
Marcos has saved his assignment as:
“Historia_final_definitivo_v3.pdf”
However, he also has other similar files, such as:
- “Historia_borrador”
- “Historia_final_BUENO.pdf”
This creates confusion and increases the risk of uploading the wrong file.
Task Analysis Application Step by Step
1. Define the Task
| Stage | User Action |
|---|---|
| Before | The student completes the assignment |
| During | The student uploads the file |
| After | The student checks that it has been submitted |
2. Observe Users
When observing students using a school platform, designers should analyse how they actually complete the task.
Students usually:
- search for the assignment,
- upload a file,
- sometimes upload the wrong file,
- do not always check if the file has been submitted.
Important Things to Observe
- whether students use a phone or computer,
- internet speed,
- clarity of the platform interface,
- file organisation habits,
- how students react to confirmation messages.
Typical Problem
Students may upload the wrong file because several documents have similar names.3. Break Down the Steps
The task can be broken down into smaller sequential actions.
Actual Steps
- Log into the platform
- Find the subject
- Locate the assignment
- Click “Submit”
- Select the file
- Upload the file
- Confirm submission
- Check that the submission was successful
Key Idea
Breaking the task into steps helps designers identify where users may experience confusion or frustration.
4. Create a Visual Map
The process can be represented as a storyboard or sequence map.
Example: Storyboard Sequence
1. Marcos opens the school platform2. He logs in
3. He enters the History subject
4. He searches for the correct assignment
5. He clicks “Submit”
6. He selects a file from his folder
7. He uploads the file
8. He confirms the submission
9. He checks whether the assignment appears as submitted
Important
The order of actions must be clear so designers can understand the user journey.
5. Analyse Each Step
Designers analyse the task to identify usability problems and areas for improvement.
| Problem Area | Issue Identified |
|---|---|
| Efficiency | Too many clicks are needed to reach the assignment |
| Ergonomics | The platform may be difficult to use on a mobile device |
| Cognitive Load | It is not clear whether the file has been submitted |
| Errors | The student may upload the wrong file |
6. Identify Key Moments
Critical points are the steps where users struggle the most.
Critical Points in Marcos’ Task
- searching for the assignment,
- selecting the correct file,
- uploading the file,
- confirming the submission,
- checking whether the file has been submitted.
Important
Critical points are the moments where design improvements can have the greatest impact.
7. Suggest Improvements
Based on the task analysis, designers can suggest improvements to reduce confusion and improve usability.
Possible Design Solutions
- make the “Submit” button more visible,
- show a clear message: “SUBMITTED SUCCESSFULLY”,
- provide a file preview before final submission,
- add a double confirmation message,
- highlight the selected file name clearly,
- show a checklist before submitting.
Design Improvement Focus
A good redesign should reduce user errors, lower cognitive load, and make the submission process clearer and more efficient.Quick Recap
- Task analysis breaks a user activity into smaller steps
- Marcos’ goal is to submit the correct assignment online
- The main risks are confusion, wrong file upload, and unclear confirmation
- Critical points include finding the assignment, selecting the file, and confirming submission
- Design improvements should make the process clearer, faster, and safer