Designing for “Context” Is Tricky Business

“Designing for context” is a popular phrase these days, and it makes me a little antsy. Designers often conflate device context with user context—or worse, with user intent. “This is mobile, so they’ll never want to do that.” ”This is mobile, so it’s aimed only at users on the go.” Friends, this is hooey.



I shared a few thoughts about this on Twitter last night, and Scott Klein helpfully gathered them into a single view at Storify. For what it’s worth, I thought I’d post ‘em here, too:





'Designing for context' a popular phrase lately. Go gently. The device someone uses gives only modest hints about their intent, wants, needs. Never confuse device context with user intent. A small screen is only that. It doesn't necessarily mean in a hurry, on the go, distracted or rushed (though it can). Mobile mindsets are more useful for designers than trying to divine user intent. Try these 3 mobile mindsets: microtasking, local, bored. The best mobile apps/sites tend to accommodate all three mindsets (microtasking, local, bored).


View the story "Mobile Mindsets" on Storify



Tags:

design,

mobile,

psychology

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Published on March 08, 2012 19:54
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