Every solution needs a user that wants it, but it can be a challenge to find the perfect match. In a user-based process, we have the perfect solution for a user, but it can be hard to implement and find the right technology to do so. In a technology-based design process, it can be a challenge to find the user that fits the solution we developed from a technology. When I talked to Pascal Gemmer, he described it as follows:
“I think matching, showing that the solution has a user base, is important. But this approach is more complex. You have an idea and you test it with 15-year-olds, you test another one in Asia, and the third one only with cyclists. That is a complex process.” (36)
While we aim to find perfect matches between the solutions we discovered and possible users, we will not find them at first. The user and prototyping phases of this process are not straightforward. We will go back and forth between each phase and iterate to create a better result each time.
That is also why we choose three solutions at the end of the last phase. We might never find the perfect match for some solutions, even if we refine them while we iterate.
With this in mind, this phase must be practical since it can become overwhelming. We will gain a lot of insights and might adapt our solutions or users.
In this phase, we will use two methods that fit our needs the most; they are practical and tackle user research from a technological perspective. There are many other methods you can use when we research users. You probably already know many of them. Feel free to include them in this phase if fit.
Both the designers and the scientist should repeatedly reflect on the progress they made during this phase. If your client already has a user group they can address, try to find a solution that fits.
36 Gemmer, P., 2.2.2022, Interview, Translation by Emrich M.