Exploring how user video supports design

Abstract

Video has become a popular tool for informing designers about the people who will use a new product, and the environment where that product will be used. However, despite the popularity of video, it is not clear how designers actually make use of this video, nor how to organize a design process to use video effectively. Based on recordings of designers working with video and transcripts of their conversations we will show firstly, how the immediate act of watching the video triggers a process of focusing, secondly, how explaining what was seen and justifying why it is important leads participants to reflect on their points of focus, and thirdly, how reflections on points of focus can lead to reframing, or a new understanding of the problem at hand. This understanding is then used to reflect on the structure and organization of workshops that use video.