Task analysis

The main objective of task analysis is to develop a reliable portrait of the user’s experience while carrying out a task. This technique is used to master complex interaction, and allows us to:

• 1. Identify the critical tasks associated with specific product functions (website search engine, on-line payment process, text messaging on a cell phone, watching an on-demand movie, etc.).
• 2. Understand the physical actions and cognitive processes involved in performing these tasks.
• 3. Design the product interface by integrating important functions as well as those that cause issues, in order to maximize user success.

This analysis involves breaking a task down into multiple segments in order to gain a better understanding of how the user approaches various aspects of the task and determines which critical points should be taken into consideration.