Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the most common questions we get from our clients.

What is Contextual Design? The Contextual Design methodology, developed by Karen Holtzblatt and Hugh Beyer, is a user-centered design process which uses extensive field data as the foundation for understanding users' needs, tasks, intents, and processes in order to design products and solutions that meet both users' and business' needs. To learn more about Contextual Design through our books and publications, see Design Resources.

How is Contextual Design different from the way others do design? We start with gathering the right data which can only be done from field interviews with appropriately targeted users. We then capture that data in a series of structured models such as an affinity diagram, consolidated sequences of work practice, flow models, personas and others which provide your organization, whether management or development, with a means to truly understand the domain of interest. From there we generate new concepts in a visioning process and then mock-up and iteratively test our ideas with real users. The result is an interactive and visual design which will work for your users or customers.

What are the advantages I get by using InContext? You'll get a design delivered at cost and on time, every time. You'll get a team of highly qualified professionals working with you collaboratively; the level of participation on your part can be tailored to your needs. Our process is highly structured and repeatable, we can teach your team(s) how to design from real user data and bring that structured process into your organization.

What kind of projects can benefit from using Contextual Design? We have used our process to generate innovative solutions for all types of business across many industries. Whether you want to re-design internal systems and processes, develop next generation products or understand a new market space, our process and highly qualified teams can do the work for you, train you in a collaborative team or coach you in how to use Contextual Design to improve your business success.

To learn how InContext can help with your project, please contact us to request more information.