IB Design Technology 7.3 Strategies for User Research Questionbank

Which of the following strategies is most effective for gathering user feedback on an early design concept during the early stages of user-centred design (UCD)?

Which of the following strategies for user research is most effective for gathering in-depth qualitative data in User-Centered Design (UCD)?

Which of the following is a primary method used in User-Centred Design (UCD) to gather user feedback?

A small team is developing HushBand, a wearable for students and apprentices who work in noisy workshops and shared study spaces. The band has two modes:

• Focus mode: the band vibrates gently when the environment exceeds a user-set noise threshold.
• Break mode: the band suggests short breaks using haptic patterns and a subtle LED.

Early prototypes were built quickly using off-the-shelf components. After a week of informal trialling, the team received mixed feedback:

• Some users liked the vibration reminders but said they were confusing (they could not tell which pattern meant “noise too high” vs “take a break”).
• One user with sensory sensitivity found the vibration uncomfortable.
• Several users said they would only wear it if it looked like a normal fitness band.
• A workshop supervisor wanted evidence that it would not distract users doing precise tasks.

The team must now plan a user research programme to guide the next iteration, justify decisions to stakeholders, and reduce the risk of designing a product that works in theory but fails in real contexts.

Figure 1: Early HushBand prototype

Which of the following strategies for user research is most effective for obtaining in-depth qualitative data in User-Centered Design (UCD)?