User-Centered Design in Agile Software Development Pirkka Rannikko

Abstract

There are issues in traditional software development, e.g., the lack of user input and incomplete and changing requirements that can cause problems in projects. Both User- Centered Design (UCD) and agile software development are iterative approaches to software development, and they can increase the chances for delivering a successful project. UCD is a design process focusing on user research, user interface design and usability evaluation. Agile software development refers to a number of iterative and incremental software development methodologies that emphasize people, communication and the ability to adapt to change. Integrating UCD and agile development would create a comprehensive systems development methodology. They do not have inherent obstacles that could prevent such integration, but both need to change before it can succeed. While no 'unified' Agile UCD methodology has been established, there has been a growing interest in learning how to integrate these two proven approaches over the last few years. In this thesis we explore the integration of UCD and agile development through experience reports and studies that have been published in the industry and academia. We sketch a complete picture of the integrated development process and the related best practices. For example, design chunking and parallel track development are needed to fit UCD work into the fast paced life-cycle of agile development. In addition we provide some advice related to the organizational adoption of the process and its practices.