Putting the User into YOUR User Interface: A case study of constructive change

This session will be a case study of a user interface redesign project, with before and after pictures, focusing on the processes of identifying user needs, designing and refining the new UI, overcoming resistance to change, and creating visual personality. The example is a touch screen point of sale system for quick serve restaurants, but the issues presented will be completely general. In too many cases, interface redesign is seen as just a cosmetic makeover, and does not include the needed functional analysis and contextual inquiry that really puts the "user" into "user interface." We will explore the role users can have in the design/refine process, and common pitfalls that can get in the way. An interface redesign can dramatically improve system effectiveness, increase user acceptance, and (for commercial products) drive sales.