Involve important people (part 1)
November 14, 2009It’s far too easy to forget to involve the most important people in your software design: the people who will use it.
Your users are at the front-line; you should try to involve them in the design phase, so that their needs are acknowledged and their ideas considered and perhaps incorporated into your design.
Use software prototyping to give them interactive designs they can try out for themselves and see what works for them and what doesn’t. Listen to their suggestions and preferences. Value their opinions.
They will love to be involved, as they have a personal stake in the success of your design. Do it well, it will enrich their working lives; do it poorly and they may never forgive you.
