|| Contents:
|| 1. Model-Building in Crunch-Mode
|| 2. Discounts for Training Extended
|| 3. User Interface Patents

= = = = =

Do your colleagues a favor; forward this issue to them. They can
join over 2000 leading professionals who subscribe. To join, click
here: <http://foruse.com/forms/subscribe.htm>.
Browse archives: <http://foruse.com/newsletter/>.
= = = = =

1. Crunch-mode Modeling Shortcuts

For months we've been in crunch-mode on a user interface design project for a Web-based application [for classroom teachers], and we have learned a lot about doing usage-centered design when there is hardly time to think. Of course, it's always best to finish and polish your models, but we found that we could get by with some simplifying assumptions and could take particular shortcuts in modeling user roles and use cases. On the other hand, when it comes to designing the content navigation, you need to make sure the architecture is complete and should fully validate it with users. We also found that ready and continual access to real users and people with a thorough knowledge of the domain could go a long way in making up for the inevitable stumbles from rushing ahead. [We call this JITR, for just-in-time-requirements. It's not a substitute for thinking it through, but it helps catch mistakes early.] For more details, check out <http://foruse.com/articles/shortcuts.htm>. You may be surprised at what we learned about [the disadvantages of] prototyping!

2. Extended Discounts

We've extended until 21 January the deadline for getting deep discounts (up to $500) on our upcoming week-long training in usage-centered design. We'll be covering new material on design innovation, accelerated modeling, and large-scale applications, among other things. Details at <http://foruse.com/seminars/>.

3. Patently Innovative

We have long argued that abstract modeling with essential use cases and content models facilitates creative innovation in user interface design. Now one European team we have been mentoring has generated a string of EU software patent applications from a single large project. And we have several HMI (human-machine interface) patent applications in process ourselves based on our work on Web-based applications. We think we know why the process works and how you can do it, too. Our tutorial on breakthrough design at User Interface 2000 in Boston was a sold-out smash hit. We've incorporated the materials into our week-long training (see <http://foruse.com/seminars/>) and will be reprising the tutorial at User Interface 2000 West in San Francisco 17 April 200.

= = = =
forUse is published 9 times a year by Constantine & Lockwood, Ltd., trainers, consultants, and innovators in usage-centered design. On the Web at <http://foruse.com/>. © Copyright 2000, 2002, Constantine & Lockwood, Ltd.

To unsubscribe, send email with the word "unsubscribe" (no quotes) in the subject and message to: <mailto:unsubscribe@foruse.com>