Stoitsova, K. D. (2015). Design methods for innovative software products and services [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien]. reposiTUm. https://doi.org/10.34726/hss.2015.30722
Software Design; User Experience; Design Thinking; User Centered Design
en
Abstract:
"The main goal of this master thesis is to make an overview of contemporary design approaches that exist for the development of innovative software products and services. The aspect of product design that is discussed in this work is the user-facing design (aka usability, user experience). This text does not aim to cover technological, marketing, production, operations or other aspects of the product development lifecycle. This analysis provides a general discussion of the creative process of design and introduces the concept of a 'frame' for addressing the main design paradox. It reviews various design approaches - User Centered Design, Activity Centered Design, Data Driven Design, Systems Design and Genius Design. A framework for assessing and comparing them is introduced to help the reader evaluate which one would best fit a certain context. The User Centered Design approach is analysed in greater detail. The document provides a description and comparison of five main User Centered Design methods - Participatory Design, Contextual Design, Design Thinking, Empathic Design and Lead User Method. The structure of the processes for applying them in new software product or service development is presented. A real-life case study about the application of Design Thinking at SAP is included to capture the practical aspects of applying design methods to software projects. In practice, this analysis can be used: - As a reference list of options for applying design approaches and methods, specifically for the purpose of developing innovative software products and services - To inform a decision which design approach and method would be most effective in a certain context - To provide references for further analysis of related aspects - human-computer interaction, user experience, software development lifecycle, software teams design"