Weekend User Experience Research
What is WUER? Weekend User Experience Research, and yes I am somewhat serious. I have been a professional DJ for the last 10 years.
My definition of usability is "the science of applying best practices to a development process which is then tested by users to produce data. The data is then analyzed and used to further improve the user experience. The result of a successful user experience would look something like an amazingly packed dance floor."
From my experience, improving user experience is a combination of interpersonal and research skills. Understanding what specific groups of individuals (personas) value and expect (perception) in a product. The better my interpersonal skills are, the better I am able to structure my interaction with users to gather unbiased data to aid in the process of improving a product.
On the weekends, my usability lab is a dance floor. My study participants come in all ages, personalities and cultures. They come with various communication styles and expectations. As the principal investigator my role is to design a series of events (songs) that are grouped together (task) to test a scenario (having fun) with several simultaneous research methods (naturalistic observation, self-report). As I continue to introduce variables (songs) I am able to observe their effect on my participants' behavior. At the conclusion of the study I am able to analyze the data (bar sales, discarded clothing) and present my findings to the stakeholders (Bride and Groom).
Based on major stakeholder accolades regarding the demonstrated expertise of my skill sets, the value I bring in user experience is "amazing".
Hi Art,
Pat and I would like to thank you for an absolutely "amazing" wedding reception. From the music to the lights...(you) were so on top of things, it couldn't have been more perfect.
The first meeting, that we had, I knew you would help make our reception one to remember for the rest of our lives. Your process of planning how the music would flow with the reception made me feel confident that we would be taken care of. The online information forms and the music selection library were thorough, easy to use and straight forward. Your communication through the whole process was great.
The reception was a blast, and we owe that to you. I loved...the flow of the reception schedule and...(the) communication between the two of us. The music was exactly what we discussed and selected. You obviously listened to what we wanted.
A low key wedding reception turned into a bumping celebration. Our guests were dancing outside, because there wasn't room on the dance floor. Everyone including our caterer had nothing but compliments for you. Many of our guests said it was the best wedding they have been to. Once again, we owe a great part of that to you...we will cherish our wedding memories for the rest of our lives:)
Thanks again,
Tanya and Pat
Yes, as an advocate for the user, I am an "Amazing" leader in my field. And yes, to reiterate my opening paragraph, I am somewhat serious.
To view more case studies go to, www.artthedj.com/testimonials.asp
As part of my commitment to user experience research I am in the process of redesigning my participant recruitment web site ;)
Once I finish testing user psychological preferences for the wrapper I will move forward with development.
The mantra I have adopted regarding testing is, "test cheap and test often".
