Incorporating contextual factors in back-end design stages: development and pilot testing of the Contextual Product Testing protocol | CU Experts

Overview

ABSTRACT:Designing products for diverse stakeholders and environments requires understanding contextual factors, as neglecting them often leads to design failures. However, guidance on integrating context during back-end design phases is limited. To address this gap, we developed the Contextual Product Testing (CPT) protocol, which involves testing prototypes in stakeholders’ contexts of use, gathering data through observations and interviews, and analyzing insights based on contextual factor categories. To evaluate the protocol, we conducted a case study using an interactive toy chest prototype that encourages children to clean up after playtime. Results from ten families revealed contextual barriers, enablers, and actionable recommendations. Our findings suggest the protocol offers a structured approach for incorporating context into back-end design, improving products for real-world use.