User Needs Assessments

Why User Needs Assessments are Beneficial

They are used to:

• Determine the scope and significance of users' needs
• Investigate the ways in which differences in user characteristics might affect their ability to successfully use a web site or software product
• Design curriculum and technology that enable intended users to achieve educational standards and goals
• Answer such questions as:
  • Who are the target users in terms of demographics?
  • How will the product or site be used? How often? Under what conditions?
  • What do users need to know to use the product or site effectively? What are the prerequisite skills, knowledge, and preparation?
  • How will the product or site be integrated into the environment for which it is intended?
  • What are the barriers, if any, to using the product or site?

When User Needs Assessments are Conducted

User Needs Assessments are conducted primarily in:

Phase 1 (Concept Exploration) of the product development life cycle.

How User Needs Assessments are Performed

They involve using:

• Surveys and focus groups to determine what users want, need, expect.
• Task analyses to determine how users accomplish actual tasks (e.g., task frequency, task importance, and workflow).
• Requirements definitions to determine what the product needs to do.