Creating prototypes or models and putting them in the hands of the target audience will always give a good measure of whether a design is successful or not, or in other words, putting the product ‘in context’
Analysis of the target audience is crucial; this can be conducted through the use of surveys, focus groups and even through the study of ethnography
Tests using prototypes allows for the designer to determine usefulness and usability
Types of data collection to help generate ideas and make design decision . >Precedent research i.e. studying existing products >observing behaviour and reactions to designs, asking questions accordingly to observations >test prototypes
Context – context for use & contexts of use
When designing an interaction, the designer will need to know more than just what information to collect and display; it is necessary to understand: >What people are trying to do >How they may try to do it >What gets in the way or helps >Where they might be doing it
Context is very important; in order to define the situation and understand people and their needs, so that interaction designs can be created to facilitate their behaviour
Interactive Digital Media 