Phase 2: Requirements Analysis

An analysis of the requirements on an interface is helpful in elucidating the intended uses of a digital communication platform as well as the users' demands. The results of this type of analysis enable us to derive possible steps to improve the conception or rather, the optimisation of the interface.

In the phase of defining the requirements Usability Tests identify target groups and their intended uses and needs concerning products already implemented or still in the planning stage.

Depending on the test methods, among others, the following questions will be answered:

Who are the actual or rather, the potential user groups?
How do participants evaluate an existing system?
Does the product meet the respondents' expectations as to usability, utility, design, and brand loyalty?
Do users comprehend the product correctly with respect to wording and information architecture?
How do competitors position themselves on the market? What can be learned from them?

At the end of a requirements analysis you will know for certain who your users are, what they expect, and what they need. Use Cases are particularly helpful in describing definite intended uses and sequences of use as well as in ascribing them to the identified target groups.

In Phase 2, the following usability methods are predominantly used:

Card Sorting Helps in the development of comprehensible structures of an interface.	Other Card Sorting techniques These techniques help to optimise the structure of an interface.	Competition Analysis Compares the products of major competitors with the own ones with regard to common usability dimensions.
Group Discussion The opinions and attitudes of customers and users towards products are recorded.	In-Depth Interviews Provide indications of user requirements and attitudes by uncovering unconscious motives and emotions.	Market Analysis Regular observation of web sites provides decision aids for adaptation to your strategy.
Online Research Data acquisition via the internet - highly suitable for international user groups or those that are difficult to reach.	Online Survey Accompanies user experience testing to clarify requirements and measure user experience.	Personas Recognition and description of potential user groups, helps target-oriented development.
Use Cases Define typical utilisation sequences of individual target groups resulting in necessary functions for applications.

Depending on the project, further usability methods may be useful.