Users’ participation in requirements gathering for smart phones applications in emerging markets

• DOI: 10.1007/s10209-013-0344-x
• Publication Date: 2013-11-27T10:50:07Z
• Authors: Bijan Aryana; Torkil Clemmensen; Casper Boks
• Keywords: 0202 electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering; 02 engineering and technology; 650; 16. Peace & justice

This study presents insights from using requirements gathering techniques for country-specific customization of smart phones in two emerging markets, Iran and Turkey. In each country, a group of users participated in requirements gathering sessions that were aimed at developing design ideas for overcoming country-specific usability problems. Using qualitative content analysis, it was found that in each country some specific interaction activities were considered more when participants generated design ideas for country-specific usability problems. It was also found that even for similar usability problems, participants suggested country-specific solutions. Therefore, it is suggested that participation of local users in the design process should not be limited to identification of usability problems, but should also include the problem-solving phase that is usually a phase in design and development processes in which requirements gathering techniques are being used.