Identify ICT user needs

Determine the needs and requirements of ICT users of a specific system by applying analytical methods, such as target group analysis.

ICT user needs identification techniques

skill/competence

sector-specific

Identify ICT user needs is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Software analyst: Software analysts elicit and prioritise user requirements, produce and document software specifications, test their application, and review them during software development. They act as the interface between the software users and the software development team.
Technical communicator: Technical communicators prepare clear, concise and professional communication from product developers to users of the products such as online help, user manuals, white papers, specifications and industrial videos. For this, they analyse products, legal requirements, markets, customers and users. They develop information and media concepts, standards, structures and software tool support. They plan the content creation and media production processes, develop written, graphical, video or other contents, generate media output, release their information products and receive feedback from the users.
Instructional designer: Instructional designers develop instructional material for training courses using multimedia technology and authoring tools. They aim to create instructional experiences which make the acquisition of knowledge and skills more efficient, effective, and appealing.
E-learning developer: E-learning developers design and develop simpler forms of digital learning content including reference materials, slides, assessments, screen-casts, interview videos and podcasts. They write and provide content for a computer based learning application.

Identify ICT user needs is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Search engine optimisation expert: Search engine optimisation experts increase the ranking of a company’s web pages with regard to target queries in a search engine. They create and launch SEO campaigns and identify areas of improvement. Search engine optimisation experts may conduct pay per click (PPC) campaigns.
Online community manager: Online community managers provide and maintain an interactive environment facilitated by applications such as social media, forums and wikis. They maintain the relations between different digital communities.
Digital literacy teacher: Digital literacy teachers instruct students in the theory and practice of (basic) computer usage. They teach students digital literacy and, optionally, more advanced principles of computer science. They prepare the students with knowledge of software programmes ensure that computer hardware equipment is properly used. Digital literacy teachers construct and revise course content and assignments, and update them according to technological developments.
ICT documentation manager: ICT documentation managers are in charge of managing the documentation development process in accordance with legal requirements, standards, organisational policies and goals. They schedule, control and direct the resources, people, funding and facilities of the documentation department (including establishing budgets and timelines, risk analysis and quality management). They also develop documentation standards, structuring methods and media concepts to effectively communicate product concepts and usage.
Marketing manager: Marketing managers carry out the implementation of efforts related to the marketing operations in a company. They develop marketing strategies and plans by detailing cost and resources needed. They analyse the profitability of these plans, develop pricing strategies, and strive to raise awareness on products and companies among targeted customers.
ICT account manager: ICT account managers build business relationships with customers to facilitate the sale of hardware, software, telecommunications or ICT services. They also identify opportunities and manage sourcing and delivery of products to customers. They achieve sales targets and maintain profitability.
ICT trainer: ICT trainers conduct training-needs analysis and design programs to train students in the use of software packages and information systems accordingly. They produce and update existing training materials (content and method), deliver effective training in classroom, online or informally, monitor, evaluate and report effectiveness of training. They maintain and update expertise on specialised ICT subjects and evaluate and report on students’ performance.
ICT consultant: ICT consultants provide advice on how to optimise the use of existing tools and systems, make recommendations for the development and implementation of a business project or technological solution and contribute to project definitions. They raise awareness on information technology innovations and their potential value to a business. They also participate in the assessment and choice of ICT solutions.
ICT buyer: ICT buyers create and place purchase orders for ICT products and services, handle receiving and invoice issues, assess current procurement practices and effectively apply strategic sourcing methodologies. They build relationships with strategic vendors and negotiate price, quality, service levels and delivery terms.
Software manager: Software managers oversee the acquisition and development of software systems in order to provide support to all organisational units. They also monitor the results and quality of the different software solutions and projects implemented in the organisation.
User experience analyst: User experience analysts assess client interaction and experience and analyse users’ behaviours, attitudes, and emotions about the usage of a particular product, system or service. They make proposals for the improvement of the interface and usability of products, systems or services. In doing so, they take into consideration the practical, experiential, affective, meaningful and valuable aspects of human–computer interaction and product ownership, as well as the person’s perceptions of system aspects such as utility, ease of use and efficiency, and user experience dynamics.

References

1. Identify ICT user needs – ESCO