Manikin characters: user characters in human computer modelling

Design methods that support the development of a good understanding of user requirements are essential for product development. Traditional methods involve direct interaction with users but a product development team can still gain great benefit from applying what might otherwise be considered "second best" methods. Among the range of methods and tools available are User Characters and Human Computer Modelling. Why not combine them? This paper reviews the two approaches in the context of research conducted in user diversity considerations, and then discusses opportunities for integration of the two methods into a new approach that might be called Manikin Characters.