Understanding and Representing Learning Activity to Support Design: A Contextual Design Example

Abstract

Contextual Design is a well-defined method for gathering and representing user understanding within a coherent design process. This paper illustrates the value of Contextual Design to educational system design by describing a case study involving 14 contextual inquiry sessions that were carried out in and around the Indiana University music library, in support of designing technology for student learning. Findings are presented as diagrammatic work models, an affinity diagram, and a list of insights and design ideas. The utility of Contextual Design work modeling is assessed, and some limitations in its ability to represent learning are considered.