Using Beekeeping History to Predict the Future of UX
This presentation will explore a quantitative research approach to identifying
the effectiveness of UX design models such as "cores and paths" and epicenter
based design. By measuring the effectiveness of these methods through click
data and eye gaze patterns, we have the potential to create a predictive model
of user behavior that could dramatically alter the trajectory of user research.
The effectiveness of qualitative user research has led to its wide adoption,
but interface improvements made through qualitative study and iteration are not
always systematically implemented within organizations. Models such as
epicenter based design which identify key interface components are easy to
communicate to business stakeholders and clients. Providing quantitative
evidence of their effectiveness through predictive models of success will
strengthen the business case for UX.
By calling upon the history of American beekeeping as a backdrop for
understanding insight gained through quantitative measures, I hope to show that
incremental improvement comes from qualitative observation, while giant strides
can be achieved through quantitative insight. Beekeeping enjoyed incremental
linear improvement until the dramatic events of 1851 which introduced "bee
space". All modern bee hive equipment can still be traced back to the events of
1851. Using the lessons of historic events in beekeeping and the idea that
measurement and prediction can help foster great insight and innovation, we
lean on the next generation of user researchers to apply quantitative methods
to our study of user behavior on the web.
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