Standardizing 'workflow' terminology improves human-computer interaction design.
Inconsistent definitions of 'workflow' across disciplines lead to varied research methods and potentially flawed design assumptions.
Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association · 2010
Key Findings
- 01Ethnographic observation and interviews were the most frequently used methods for studying workflow.
- 02Descriptive workflow research requires a significant time commitment.
- 03Triangulation was the most common technique for evaluating study quality.
- 04Definitions of 'workflow' and chosen study methods varied widely across research areas and perspectives.
Application
Design takeaway
Before designing, clearly define what 'workflow' means in the context of your product and user. Use consistent terminology throughout your design process and documentation.
How to apply
When starting a design project, conduct a mini-literature review or user interviews to understand how stakeholders define and experience the 'workflow' your product will affect. Document these definitions.
Project actions
- 01When defining user tasks for your project, be explicit about what 'workflow' means in that context.
- 02Consider how different users might have different 'workflows' for the same task.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive systematic review of a large number of studies.
- +Development of a conceptual framework to address terminology ambiguity.
Limitations
The scope of 'workflow' can be vast; this study's framework might not cover every niche application. The time commitment for detailed workflow analysis can be a practical barrier for student projects.
Reliability & validity
The systematic review methodology enhances reliability through rigorous inclusion criteria. Validity is supported by the broad scope of industries and methods analyzed, but the interpretation of 'workflow' remains a potential area for subjective variation.
Think critically
How might the 'variety of industries' mentioned in the abstract lead to fundamentally different interpretations of 'workflow' that a single framework might struggle to encompass?
Design Principles
"Clarity in terminology leads to clarity in design."
Understanding how users perceive and interact with systems (workflow) is crucial for designing intuitive and efficient interfaces. Ambiguity in terminology can lead to misinterpretations of user needs and system functionality, impacting the overall usability and effectiveness of a product.
What This Means for Your Design
People use the word 'workflow' differently, which can confuse designers. This study suggests we need to agree on what it means to make better products.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the concept of standardized terminology to justify your choice of user research methods and how you define user tasks.
- 2.Discuss how a lack of clear workflow definition could have negatively impacted your design if not addressed.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
(2010). Traversing the many paths of workflow research: developing a conceptual framework of workflow terminology through a systematic literature review. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. https://doi.org/10.1136/jamia.2010.004333 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/377b09fb-5865-4689-b746-0d287a85ee54/standardizing-workflow-terminology-improves-human-computer-interaction-design
Paragraph starter
This research underscores the critical need for standardized terminology in understanding user workflows. The variability in how 'workflow' is defined and studied, as identified by Unertl et al. (2010), can lead to design assumptions that do not accurately reflect user needs. By adopting a clear and consistent definition of workflow relevant to the project's context, designers can ensure more effective and user-centred system development.
Source
Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association
Traversing the many paths of workflow research: developing a conceptual framework of workflow terminology through a systematic literature review
journal · 2010
View sourceQuestions about this research
- What does the research say about standardizing 'workflow' terminology improves human-computer interaction design?
- Before designing, clearly define what 'workflow' means in the context of your product and user. Use consistent terminology throughout your design process and documentation. Evidence: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (2010).
- Why does "Standardizing 'workflow' terminology improves human-computer interaction design." matter for design?
- Understanding how users perceive and interact with systems (workflow) is crucial for designing intuitive and efficient interfaces. Ambiguity in terminology can lead to misinterpretations of user needs and system functionality, impacting the overall usability and effectiveness of a product.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Before designing, clearly define what 'workflow' means in the context of your product and user. Use consistent terminology throughout your design process and documentation.
- What were the main findings?
- Ethnographic observation and interviews were the most frequently used methods for studying workflow.. Descriptive workflow research requires a significant time commitment.. Triangulation was the most common technique for evaluating study quality.. Definitions of 'workflow' and chosen study methods varied widely across research areas and perspectives.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Literature Review with 127 articles.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2010 journal from Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When starting a design project, conduct a mini-literature review or user interviews to understand how stakeholders define and experience the 'workflow' your product will affect. Document these definitions.
- What are the limitations?
- The review focused on published research, potentially missing informal or industry-specific definitions of workflow. The conceptual framework is a tool for researchers and may require adaptation for direct design application.
- Is there evidence that workflow affects design outcomes?
- The study found that 'workflow' is defined and studied in many different ways, making it hard to compare research and apply findings consistently. Common methods include observation and interviews, and ensuring study quality often involves triangulation. Understanding how users perceive and interact with systems (workf Source: Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (2010).
- Where does this workflow terminology research apply?
- Healthcare Informatics (but applicable to any industry involving complex processes) It sits within human factors research on designdex.org.
Related research topics
workflow design research · evidence on workflow · does workflow improve design outcomes · workflow terminology studies for designers · workflow and workflow terminology findings · human factors research evidence