You're testing a new product. How can you use problem solving skills to improve its usability?

1)- Clearly define what the product aims to achieve. 2)- Identify specific features or functionalities that align with the overall goals. 3)- Understand the expected outcomes and benefits for users and the business. 4)- Understand their demographics, behaviors, and characteristics. 5)- Identify the different user roles and their specific needs. 6)- Understand their preferences in terms of user experience, design, and functionality. 7)- Identify pain points or challenges users might encounter. 8)- List the critical tasks users are likely to perform with the product. 9)- Define common user scenarios and workflows. 10)- Clearly define what success looks like for the product. 11)- Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.

I would like to remind you that each product and/or service is unique and has its own process. However, if I make a general evaluation: 1.Gather Information: Collect data from various sources, including user feedback, usability testing, analytics, and stakeholder input. 2.Analyze User Feedback: Review user feedback collected through surveys, interviews or feedback forms. 3.Review Usability Testing Results: Analyze the task success rates, error rates, qualitative feedback etc). 4.Consider Business Goals and Constraints: Consider the business goals, objectives, and constraints. 5. To Define the Problem Statement: Craft a clear and concise problem statement. 6. To Validate the Problem Statement: Share the problem statement with stakeholders.

1) Write down all the product goals and the respective problems it's trying to solve. Use the appropriate approach - Jobs to be done, SMART, Goal and Problem statements. 2) Make sure your metrics are shareable within the team - The numbers should be democratically available before and after the tests. 3) Understand all you can about product's personas, identifying their specific user needs, behaviour, goals and pain points. 4) Analyse and compare your users jobs and needs to the product journeys. Identify possible pain points and take note for improvement. 5) Test. If you already have a live product, use tools like Hotjar or Smartlook to watch your users doing their tasks. If you don't, use prototypes and tools like Maze. 6) Iterate!

We used to work on our Customer Journey Map and identify the most important Job to be Done, which JTBD are we covering well? Which we are not answering at all? Where are the difficulties, the main pain points? How is the emotional curve? Where can we find opportunities for the company regarding our OKRs?

Imagine you're watching friends try out your new invention. By observing where they get stuck or confused, you can become a usability detective! 1. Ask them about their thought process to understand the goals & challenges. Then, put on your creative hat and brainstorm solutions – maybe clearer instructions or a simpler layout would help? The best ideas get tested with a small group to see if they make things smoother. Based on their feedback, you can fine-tune your solution or try a new approach. This back-and-forth with real users is the secret weapon to making your product truly user-friendly and enjoyable!

Combine your product ideas and shape them into a preliminary vision everyone can understand — even in text. Accomplish your hypotheses with visuals like whiteboard sketches, stickers, digital wireframes, or whatever to picture your customers’ journey. The clearer and more tangible it is, the better others can grasp it and offer suggestions for improvement. Bring in your product team and seek outside opinions. Brainstorm before sharing your thoughts. Discuss your ideas collaboratively and empathetically, imagining yourself in the user’s shoes. Pinpoint the most promising solutions for upcoming tests, prioritizing them on practical considerations like feasibility, dependencies, and risks such as technological, business, and legal challenges.

Once problem has been clearly defined, the next crucial step in product development process is brainstorming possible solutions to enhance usability. This phase is instrumental in fostering creativity & innovation, aiming to address the identified issues and improve the overall user experience. Various techniques can be employed in brainstorming process, each offering a unique perspective on how the product can be optimized. Key methodologies include sketching, prototyping, wireframing, and mockups, complemented by tools such as user personas, user stories, user flows, and user journeys. The ultimate objective is to unleash a multitude of ideas, fostering a creative environment without prematurely judging or filtering potential solutions.

Engage in a brainstorming session with team members to generate innovative solutions to the identified usability problems. Encourage out-of-the-box thinking and explore unconventional approaches.

Here are some points to consider: - First, come up with ways to simplify the user interface and make it more user-friendly. - Then we need to brainstorm some creative ideas for onboarding users, so they can easily understand how to use the product. - It's important to make sure everyone can use our product, so let's think of ways to improve accessibility for users with disabilities. WCAG standards is a good place to start. - Lastly, we want to make sure users have a great experience with our product, so we should enhance feedback mechanisms to provide timely and actionable feedback by exploring ways to personalize their experience based on their preferences and past interactions with the product. Surveys and feature review requests.

Generate solutions: Engage cross-functional teams in brainstorming sessions to generate a variety of potential solutions. Encourage diverse perspectives, considering input from designers, developers, and end-users to foster innovation.

Since it’s a Agile world, so it’s quite manageable to make/design the product in a way that is easy to understand and use. While developing/ designing , everyone needs to give valuable, honest points from requirements perspective, from designing perspective, from integration perspective and functionality perspective. So that everyone should be in sync and output or desired product should be understandable easily

Agree, the aim of evaluating potential solutions is to determine which solutions are most effective. This can be done by following methods: - creating prototype - Conducting usability tests - analysis the data to determine the effectiveness of each solution.

Evaluate Solutions Critically assess each proposed solution for its viability, impact, and cost-effectiveness. This might involve weighing the pros and cons, considering user feedback, and looking at resource allocation. Example Continues: After the brainstorming session, the team evaluates each idea. They consider factors like development time, the potential learning curve for users, and how each solution aligns with user needs. The interactive tutorial and menu reorganization seem promising and feasible.

The evaluation phase is a critical juncture in the product development process, shaping the path forward by selecting the most viable solutions. By leveraging a combination of expert evaluation methods and user feedback tools, the team can make well-informed decisions that lead to enhanced usability and overall user satisfaction. This iterative process of generating, evaluating, and refining solutions ensures that the final product is not only functional but also meets the diverse needs and expectations of its users.

Evaluate solutions: Systematically assess each proposed solution against usability goals and user expectations. Prioritize solutions based on their feasibility, potential impact on user experience, and alignment with the product's objectives.

Amidst all the data, let's not forget the human touch. User feedback isn't just numbers; it's stories. Take the time to listen to what users have to say, their frustrations, and their joys. It's these personal insights that truly drive meaningful improvements. Testing solutions isn't just a task to check off our list; it's an opportunity to connect with our users on a deeper level. So, let's approach it with curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to learn. By embracing the human side of testing, we can uncover valuable insights that shape the user experience in profound ways.

After this Phase, with Exit Criteria: - UATs Executed/Done (potential "Changes/Change Request" tracked/solved according the Stakeholders) - Bugs with Prio: Major+ are solved or accepted by Stake Holders - New "Best solution" is ready to go Live! I would keep part of Production Users - which actively use the Product/Solution. (This group may contains the New costumers which were not involved in the Product Development) Periodically reviews with this group will help you to collected feedback which can: - Improve the User Journey: - UX - Simplify the "steps/action" for the costumer, - Extend the lifetime and so on Note: If you will be lucky, you can potentially use your Problem Solving skills during those meetings :-))

Test Solutions Develop prototypes or beta versions incorporating the chosen solutions. Test these with a sample of your target audience to gather feedback on usability improvements. Example Continues: The team creates a prototype with a simplified menu structure and an engaging tutorial for first-time users. They invite a small group of existing customers to test these features, observing their interactions and gathering feedback through surveys and interviews.

Base decisions on empirical evidence gathered through usability testing and user feedback. Use quantitative metrics, such as task completion rates and error frequencies, to measure the effectiveness of the proposed solutions.

On peut également envisager de poser des questions après chaque scénario de test préalablement prévu pour creuser certains points. Et également, si l'utilisateur demande : "?a fait quoi si je clique là ?", ou "c'est là que je dois cliquer", il ne faut pas hésiter à lui demander : "qu'est-ce que vous imaginez derrière ce bouton ?" (par exemple)

Implement solutions: Collaborate with the product development team to integrate approved solutions into the product. Ensure clear communication and documentation of changes, considering the impact on existing features and user workflows.

One thing I’ve found helpful throughout this process is maintaining a user-centric mindset. It's easy to get lost in technical details or become attached to specific features or designs. However, consistently asking "How does this serve our user?" helps keep the focus on usability improvements that genuinely matter to the end-user. Communicate usability improvement rationale to all stakeholders, including users. Transparency builds trust and engagement. Encourage constructive user feedback by valuing their input.

In my experience, for Medical Devices, the No.1 essential requirement while implementing solutions are that, The device must be designed and manufactured in such way that, when used under the conditions and the purposes intended, they will not compromise the clinical conditions or safety of the patients, or safety of the health of the individual using the devices. This should include reducing, as far as possible, the risk of use error due to the ergonomic futures of the device and environment in which the device is intended for use.

Data-Driven Decision Making -> Leverage quantitative data from analytics tools to supplement qualitative feedback. Track key metrics such as conversion rates, bounce rates, and user engagement to measure the impact of usability improvements. Iterative Refinement -> Continuously refine the product based on user feedback and testing results. Prioritize improvements based on their potential to address critical pain points and enhance the overall user experience.

Implement Solutions After refining the product based on test feedback, fully implement the changes. It's also crucial to monitor the product post-launch to ensure the improvements are effective and to be prepared for further iterations. Example Continues: With positive feedback from the test group, the TimeWizard team rolls out an update to all users. They monitor customer satisfaction through reviews and support tickets, noting a significant decrease in complaints about navigation. They remain open to future adjustments, understanding that usability is an evolving challenge.

Consider usability with users of varying abilities, perspectives, and contexts. Usability is going to differ based on the situation and abilities of the users.

Many ideas fail to materialize because they don't stay grounded. Research and Ideation: After research diverges into various concepts respecting the 3P factors (people, planet, profit), it's essential to converge on the best choice. Prioritization of experience roadmap and features based on Impact vs Effort plays a crucial rule to stay focused and goal oriented. Testing: Testing with end users during brainstorming and ideation itself, enables quicker, less costly failures, ensuring a targeted scope and hence, maximized ROI.

Here’s what else to consider: Iterative testing: Embrace an iterative approach, continually refining and enhancing usability based on ongoing user feedback and testing. Accessibility: Ensure the product is accessible to users with diverse abilities, considering factors such as color contrast, screen readers, and keyboard navigation. User engagement: Foster user engagement through surveys, user interviews, or feedback forums to maintain an ongoing understanding of user needs.

Empathy and Empowerment ->Cultivate a culture of empathy towards users and empower team members to take ownership of usability challenges. Encourage open communication, experimentation, and a willingness to embrace failure as part of the learning process. Continuous Learning -> Treat usability optimization as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time task. Stay informed about emerging trends in user experience design, gather insights from competitor analysis, and remain receptive to evolving user needs over time.

Quastions I ask before even starting to solve the problem: -What's the business case to solve this? Is it even worth the effort? -What does it cost not to solve it?