Applying User-Centered Design to U.S. Military Acquisition Requests

Abstract

This study presents the concept testing results of a low-fidelity user-centered design (UCD) tool applied to the U.S. military acquisition request process. A purposive, random, small-sampled population of United States Marines used a UCD-based Design Worksheet to aid their own design process as they prepared a simulated acquisition request for equipment modifications. The results indicated that Marines engaged in the robust discovery and design exploration while using the Design Worksheet. While Marines had some challenges with understanding how to navigate the Design Worksheet, they found it valuable as a prompt for a useful, more productive thinking process. Importantly, Marines indicated that they would adopt the Design Worksheet to complete a real acquisition design request. Considerations for how the Design Worksheet supported their equipment modification analysis, and whether similar HCI or UCD tools could be pursued and adopted in comparable design environments are discussed.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sarah Martin

Sarah Martin is a business communication Lecturer and UX project manager who studies UCD thinking and methods. Her research explores connections between UX/UCD and organizational culture, processes, and professional communication. She earned her Ph.D. in Technical Communication and Rhetoric from Texas Tech University and MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School.