What information can ethnographic tools give you to improve the interactivity of an online banking website? (pp. 48-54)
By understanding the habits and customs of a user, a bank can design its website to most quickly serve the greatest number of users. For example, the majority of visitors to a bank’s website will be looking for their personal account. They need to be able to get into it immediately. The rest of a bank’s visitors are probably either looking for information on the bank, or for a service the bank offers that solves a problem they have. Therefore, the site should also have helpful features that help users determine what products they need.
At what point is a design finished? What makes it a success? What is its purpose? (pp. 54-62)
Since a design exists in the context it is designed to be used in, and the context is always changing, no design for a given product category can be regarded as final. A successful design is one that seamlessly and elegantly integrates into the cultural context and solves a users needs in an intuitive manner.
Identify a product family you use regularly (can be anything from technology to consumables except for coffee). How has its branding effected your use, relationship and experience with the product? (pp. 78-84)
I recently bought a camera, and in the process of making the purchase decision, evaluated many variables and brands to choose one. Ultimately I went with a Pentax camera, because they were known as rugged, affordable, and played nicely with older lenses. The branding of being reliable gives me confidence that I can use the camera in most situations and not have to worry about it.