Tech Prompts

Design strategy can be overwhelming. Given the vast breadth of technology, how are we supposed to get it all into our heads, to know what tools we have in our backpack to solve user problems? In addition to that overwhelming breadth, each technology can be an overwhelmingly deep pool of increasing technical detail.

In my workshops about user-centered design, I try to help attendees get a grasp on these problems with tech prompts. I print these on handouts or cards that can be shuffled and considered individually or as a set in the context of a given persona’s problem.

For each one, I provide a name, a distinguishing icon (thank you, Noun Project), and a simple set of plan language questions related to that technology. This helps the technology choices be more understandable from a user experience perspective.

They’re not perfect of course. Technology keeps changing and I’m far from an expert on each one. If you think of something that’s missing, let me know and I’ll consider it at the next iteration.

Nor is it an exhaustive set (given their author, notably missing mention of agentive tech) but I’m happy to share them. If they wind up helping you or your team, please comment and let me know.

As the last card says, don’t forget these are just idea starters. The point is as always to understand users and help them solve their problems. Sometimes it can be the smart application a technology, sometimes the smart combination of technology, and even sometimes, the absence of a technology.

I hope they help!