Capturing better data: The potential for better insight into user's requirements through iterative prototyping

This article aims at introducing to a wider circle a complementary research approach in user oriented work. Its most fundamental part is the use of technology as a tool for capturing the needs, wishes and dreams of a user.

The incitement for us to start developing this method was an experience based, serious, questioning of conventional methods such as interviews, questionnaires, etc, and their capability of revealing user requirements without the users and the researchers being familiar with the technology in question.

Mental models developed through iterative prototyping is a key factor in our approach. We consider it necessary to focus on the mental models of the user as well as of the researcher, and on the interference between these models. Unless they produce similar predictions and observable results, their value is limited.