Digging through UX

USER EXPERIENCE

ARCHAEOLOGY

The study of how PAST people interact with their (PHYSICAL) environment,

through an examination of artifacts

The study of how PRESENT people interact with their (DIGITAL) environment,

through an examination of artifacts

Archaeology is:

Human Computer Interaction is:

What can archaeology

(and anthropology)

contribute to UX?

1. You don’t see the complete picture.

1. You don’t see the complete picture.

So what does this mean?

Use multiple methods.

Be comfortable with the incomplete picture.

Trust your judgment to fill in the gaps. We are

professionals!

2. Context is Paramount

2. Context is Paramount

So what does this mean?

Never forget the context of the experience

Try and prepare for new contexts

Anticipate patterns of use

3. By observing something, you change it

3. By observing something, you change it

So what does this mean?

Be aware of the differences between ‘real life’

and the testing environment

Minimize disruptive technologies and settings

Try to mimic ‘real life’ whenever possible

4. What you see in an instant was created

over time

4. What you see in an instant was created

over time

So what does this mean?

Understand the purpose and function of legacy

components

The context of creation is important, but does

not overshadow the context of use

‘View in an instant’ is a powerful tool

5. Iteration is messy, but important.

5. Iteration is messy, but important.

So what does this mean?

Embrace it!

Be comfortable with the madness.

Nothing exists within a vacuum. Something

came earlier. Something will come after.

6. Remember to have fun!

Archaeology can be dirty, exhausting, and

frustrating (UX as well sometimes)

Working with a good group of people can make

it so much easier

Hold on to the big victories and ‘a-ha’ moments