Stop making user flows, do this instead

Introduction

This tutorial explores the concept of Object-Oriented User Experience (OOUX) design, a technique that can enhance product design by focusing on the objects users interact with rather than following traditional linear user flows. Understanding OOUX is particularly beneficial in complex environments like healthcare, where user interactions are often cyclical and multifaceted.

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Object-Oriented UX Design

• OOUX is derived from object-oriented programming and emphasizes the importance of objects (things) and actions users take with those objects.
• It contrasts with traditional user flows and journey maps, which can be overly linear and limiting.
• Key focus areas include:
  • Identifying the objects users interact with.
  • Understanding the actions users can perform with those objects.

Step 2: Identify the Objects in Your Design Context

• Start by recognizing the key objects relevant to your design. For example, in healthcare, these could include:
  • Patient charts
  • Medical records
  • Billing components
• List the objects and categorize them based on their function or role in the user experience.

Step 3: Define User Actions Associated with Each Object

• For each identified object, determine the actions users can perform. Consider the following:
  • Creating or editing sections (e.g., subjective, objective, assessment, plan in a patient chart).
  • Adding variables or preset content.
  • Incorporating rich media (e.g., imaging scans).
• Document these actions clearly to understand the user's needs better.

Step 4: Create a Structured Model of Object Interactions

• Organize the identified objects and actions into a structured model. This could be done using tables or diagrams to show relationships between objects and their respective actions.
• Example structure for a note section in healthcare:
  • Objects:
    • Note sections (subjective, objective)
    • User-entered text
    • Variables
  • Actions:
    • Add, edit, delete sections
    • Save as a template
    • Rename sections

Step 5: Expand to Include Sub-Objects and Customization

• Dive deeper into the details by considering sub-objects related to main objects. For example:
  • Under note sections, you might have types of sections like:
    • History of present illness
    • Chief complaint
• Consider actions specific to these sub-objects, such as renaming or reordering sections.

Step 6: Shift Focus from Tasks to User Goals

• Move beyond merely documenting tasks to understanding the user’s underlying goals. Ask questions like:
  • What are users trying to achieve with their interactions?
  • How can the design support these goals more effectively?
• This perspective helps in crafting a user experience that is more aligned with user needs rather than assumptions.

Conclusion

Object-Oriented UX offers an innovative approach to product design that can provide clarity and direction, especially in complex systems like healthcare. By focusing on objects and their associated actions, designers can create more effective and user-centered experiences. As you implement OOUX, keep iterating on your models and remain open to user feedback to continuously refine your design. For further reading on OOUX, consider exploring the linked articles for deeper insights.