A01: Preparation

Prior to the introduction of new technologies, coordination meetings are conducted within the scope of the project with representatives from the development, sales, services, marketing, and training departments of the client company and the detailed plans for the follow-on phases are developed. The choice of companies to be surveyed is generally left to the client.  The scope of the user survey is based on a consideration of the product portfolio and the target groups of the client company in various sectors and markets. The research and survey data collected is used to prepare the major themes for the interviews. Further, on occasion, additional survey techniques (for example, icon tests, structure building, observation, etc.) can be prepared.

A02: User survey - national

The user survey in Germany is divided into the phases shown below:

• Interviews with identified user groups in the primary businesses in the sector of interest, etc. within Germany. This is followed by a validation of the interview topics, pre-assessment of the interviews, and optimization of the interview themes.

• Conduct remaining interviews with users in other companies in Germany expanding on the optimized interview topics. To the extent possible, observations at the work place are recorded on video so as to be available for review during the assessment phase.

All information regarding functionality collected up to this point is no expanded with statements about the issue of control and the requirements for new display and control functions. These user statements are critical because such information is not obtained solely from an analysis of a user interface and its functions.

A03: User survey - international

In the event the technical systems under review are also to be delivered to an international market, experience has shown that unique cultural factors have to be considered in the use concept. These are best identified immediately after the national surveys under the framework of an international analysis of the most important target markets. Generally, these surveys are conducted in the same manner as the national surveys.  

The planning and preparation at ZMMI primarily encompasses changes to the survey documents as required to adjust to the cultural differences and permit an international comparison. Sometimes, an introduction to the regional markets and client specific distinctions is necessary (especially, Asian countries).

A04: Assessment

In this phase, the analysis is evaluated on the basis of the requirements established for the future user interface, the area of employment, and past user experience. This work includes compiling the collected data and characterizing the various user groups on the basis of their tasks. Additional results include an analysis of weaknesses identified in the existing user interfaces and documentation of the “wish list” expressed by the users. The results of the user analysis are prepared as a document and delivered to the client during an interim presentation.