Actual users are not involved in this process. Scenarios may be utilised in the early phases of a development cycle as a means of defining end user requirements. The method may also substitute for user and task analysis which is rarely carried out in practice. Typical Application Areas Scenarios have generic relevance for the design of a broad range of systems. Benefits Scenario building encourages designers to consider the characteristics of the intended users, their tasks and their environment.
Scenarios can help identify usability targets and likely task completion times.
Scenarios can also be used to generate contexts for evaluation studies. Only minimal resources are required to generate scenarios. The technique can be used by developers with little or no human factors expertise. Limitations Scenarios are of particular relevance when considering user and task characteristics rather than the detail of interface design and layout. An experienced moderator is recommended for the sessions in which the scenario is explored, and up to 2 hours per session may be required.