Different appearance of user-centred aspects in software development

Qualitative research on the practice of domestic companies

Abstract

THE AIMS OF THE PAPER

The aim of the research is to deepen the knowledge on the production process of various software product types, including the detailed examination of how user-centered aspects are applied in software development practice. Therefore, the research aims to explore the role of the usability and User eXperience (UX) factors in the practical implementations of software development models.

METHODOLOGY

The current practice of software companies can be explored through interview series. A research performed on a sample of 15–20 professional leaders is a good starting point to learn the practice of companies and the attitude of the respondents toward the topic. This paper presents the research questions and preliminary results of this larger research through the qualitative summaries of six very different interviews.

MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS

Preliminary results show that there are significant differences in software development processes. They are implemented various ways, with the use of several tools, so that users can be involved at different points, using different methods. Developments in most cases are agile, althought, feedback was less than expected. Although in most companies the developments are already agile, but this factor does not seem to determine the UX maturity level of organizations. UX maturity is higher in companies where the user-centered approach activities have been extended throughout the organization. Besides, based on the results, it seems that medium and large enterprises using empirical methods have implemented the UX processes more consciously and successfully, regardless of their size. Based on the results, it can be stated that, according to organizational size and corporate classification, small businesses below 50 employees are those that can only apply the implementation of user-centred approaches under certain limits.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Overview and synthesis of the various UX practices are useful for future decision-makers of different companies, and a systematic overview of the methodologies used in the software market is also novel from a scientific point of view.