Efficient development of user interfaces – Services and offer structure for USEWARE development at ZMMI

The level of acceptance and efficiency of a modern user interface are determined by the ease of use of the interface. The realization of optimal operability has been advanced by the Center for Human-Machine Interaction (ZMMI) at the German Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) by the development of a comprehensive process and by its application in numerous successful joint ventures with mechanical engineering partners. However, the applicability of the development process for user oriented systems is not limited to the field of mechanical engineering; rather, it can be universally employed, as demonstrated in a number of joint projects with various companies.

The primary consideration in this evolutionary development process is always the requirements and needs of the user, for whom the user interface is being developed. This is the only guarantee for an efficient use of the end system. The process consists of the following phases: analysis, structural design, rough and detailed design, implementation, and evaluation. The individual phases are not to be viewed in isolation from one another, but rather, as overlapping. The evaluation occurs in parallel to the development.  

This methodical procedure has been used in the design of single technical devices as well as for the unification of the control philosophy for entire product lines. Many years of experience in the design of user interfaces for the international market is also available. Here, cultural differences among the global target markets have been revealed by user surveys and taken into account in the development process.

Overview of the service offer

The work phases presented here are normally offered in a practical combination depending on the initial situation of the respective client.

• The basic package includes a national analysis phase and concludes with a rough design of the future system.  
• The standard package includes the same modules as the basic package, but extends into the detailed design of the system to provide an optimal start basis for a company internal implementation. An international user analysis is optional.
• The complete package includes the products of the standard package but also provides the international user analysis as well as final development of a style guide.

The international user analysis is performed in close coordination with the client in the most important target markets. Experience has shown it to be practical to divide the international markets into: a. Europe, b. North America, c. Far East, and d. other markets. This depends on the agreed scope of performance and costs.

The optional style guide and coaching modules may be combined with all packages.

The modules Expert Evaluation, Ergonomic Check and Usability Test are intended more as an evaluation of the existing systems and are less suitable for new development. However, they may be ordered on an individual basis according to the specified test environment.