"Not only will different groups of users have different needs, but sometimes those needs will be in direct opposition."
The Strategy Plane
The strategy plane sees the confluence of the user needs and the product objectives. As designers, we approach our latest project with our own expectations. Take this site, for instance, the main objective upon entering into design is to present the information I have gleaned from ENGH 507 since February 2016 and present it to Dr. Eyman, as well as current and future students. Knowing this, I have endeavored to present a brief summary of Garrett's principles in an accessible way to the user.
One of the main points I have coded to ensure continuity is the menu on the left, as well as the resources section to the right. These two elements are set into the CSS. This is to set expectations with the user. They will always be able to access the other pages from whatever page they are on. I have essentially, entered into an understanding with the user to provide them with consistent information and access.
Garrett's Strategy Plane Key Terms:
Demographic: criteria evaluated based on gender, age, education level, marital status, income, religion, ethinic origin
User Segmentation: dividing audience into smaller groups to better identify common characteristics and needs.
Stakeholders: senior decision-makers who are responsible for parts of the organization that will be affected by the ultimate strategic direction of the product.
"The most productive source for requirements will always be your users themselves."
The Scope Plane
Building off of the strategy plane, the scope plane sits at the intersection of functionality and content. Using the personas created in the strategy plane to try and identify who the users will be, the scope plane uses scenarios to build a fictional environment to test the usability of their site. By defining the users and their intentions, the scope can be modified to suit their needs. Garrett notes throughout his book that asking the user can solve quite a few catastrophes before they arise--if only someone would ask.
Garrett's Scope Plane Key Terms:
Content Inventory: taking stock of the current content on a site and using it and new content to develop those items that are essential to the new site.
Scenario: fictional stories created to test the needs of personas created.
