A community for innovators
A central and important item in shaping the opportunity for technological innovation is a use case or a group of alternative use cases. The use case weaves together requirements from the business level, user level, and technical level to create a visual representation of the interactions between a user, a digital innovation, and other actors.
At the business level, these requirements may include the business case or business model, which outlines the objectives and expected outcomes of technological innovation. The user-level requirements involve gathering insights from the voice of the customer data, ensuring that the digital innovation meets the needs and expectations of the target users. The technical level requirements encompass leveraging the network of innovation sources or communities of practice to ensure that the digital innovation is built using the latest technologies and best practices.
By creating a visual representation of the use case, it becomes easier to understand the interactions between the user and the digital innovation. This representation can take the form of diagrams, flowcharts, or other visual aids that illustrate the user's journey and the various touchpoints with the technological innovation. These visual representations serve as a starting point for the design process, allowing designers to map out the user experience and identify potential areas for improvement.
Furthermore, the use case serves as an important reference for the development of prototypes and tests. It provides a clear framework for building and iterating on the technological innovation, ensuring that it aligns with the desired outcomes and meets the needs of the users. By referring back to the use case throughout the development process, teams can stay focused on the original vision and make informed decisions about feature prioritization and functionality.
It is important to note that when considering the user in the use case, it is essential to avoid thinking about users as averages of populations. Instead, it is more effective to conceptualize users as personas or groups of typical or extreme users. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the specific needs, preferences, and pain points of different user segments, enabling the design of a more tailored and impactful digital innovation.
To learn more about framing a use case visually and get practical tips on how to create effective use case representations, you can watch the following tutorial video:
Now apply it:
Frame a use case in a diagram for a digital innovation that helps to extinguish under water fires. Upload your sketch to the discussion board and add a few paragraphs, reflecting on the process of framing this use case.