User research enabled by makerspaces: bringing functionality to classical experience prototypes. Issue 3 (11th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jensen, Matilde Bisballe; Steinert, Martin
• Is Part Of: AI EDAM. Volume 34:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 315
• Page End: 326
• Publication Date: 2020-08-11
• Subjects: Action research, -- human–computer interaction, -- innovation, -- makerspace, -- user research; Engineering design -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Artificial intelligence -- Periodicals; Expert systems (Computer science) -- Periodicals; 620.00420285
• DOI: 10.1017/S089006042000013X
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0890-0604

Abstract

Abstract: This paper sheds light on the new possibilities for user research activities facilitated by access to makerspaces. We present four case studies of user research conducted in two university-based makerspaces as examples of makerspace-driven user research. Further, by comparing the cases to three classical user research activities, namely observation, prototyping, and user journey mapping, we highlight the main aspects of this new context of user research. We find that accessibility to makerspaces enables user researchers to build low-fidelity yet high-functionality prototypes for exploring users' preferences and motivations in controlled and repeatable ways. These prototypes fall into the category of experience prototypes, but they have greater functionality than the prototypes previously used in this field. Thus, a user researcher can explore a topic more systematically and in a more hypothesis-driven manner. In summary, this study encourages stakeholders in the early stages of product development to consider a makerspace as a resource for user-related requirement elicitation rather than for only specific product iteration.