User context
This section will summarize user context. User tips and scenario's found throughout the guide can also be found here.
What do I mean by user context?
Quoting the book Advancing Educational Research With Emerging Technology, user context can be described as "any relevant information that can be used to characterize the situation of a user." (Kennedy, 2019). Basically, we are talking about the "where, who and what" of the user. I am particular to these categories because they are drawn from an educational perspective. (Kennedy, 2019).
Where is the user?
Who is the user with?
What resources are nearby?
For example, the tip below (taken from the "Too many assets/tasks" section) is meant to get you to think about user context. When designing with the goal of reducing the risk for cognitive overload, you are keeping in mind who your end user is.
Cognitive Overload - Too many assets/tasks - user scenario: Take time to consider multiple scenarios where you are designing an AR storybook for, let's say, an age group of 5-8 years old. At the young end, this group could include early readers. It's of utmost importance to build an experience that caters to all users in your age group, focusing on not overwhelming them. Good thing there is oodles of research on early reading, and some of the studies even include technology. Have a look!
User(s?)
Keep in mind that if you are designing an AR storybook for children, chances are that they will not be using the experience alone. We need more research on this type of user experience. We need to learn more about how parents and children will interact with both the book and the app. Does the child hold the book and the parent the device? Or vice versa? Do they take turns? While the book is made for the child, a parent or caretaker will almost certainly end up as an end user.
It will be important when designing this type of experience to think about various user context scenarios. I plan to continue to do user research and gain that valuable feedback, but anyone can talk to end users! Reach out to people you know who are in your target audience or who know others in your target audience and talk to them. You can conduct formal interviews, or have a conversation over coffee. User insight is valuable!
Last updated