Service Blueprint Components - 2.2.2 | Unit 2: User Research & Problem Definition | IB Grade 8 Product Design
Students

Academic Programs

AI-powered learning for grades 8-12, aligned with major curricula

Professional

Professional Courses

Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design

Games

Interactive Games

Fun games to boost memory, math, typing, and English skills

Service Blueprint Components

2.2.2 - Service Blueprint Components

Enroll to start learning

You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.

Practice

Interactive Audio Lesson

Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.

Understanding User Actions

πŸ”’ Unlock Audio Lesson

Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson

0:00
--:--
Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Today, we are going to discuss the first component of service blueprinting: User Actions. Can anyone tell me what user actions are?

Student 1
Student 1

Are they the steps users take when interacting with a service?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! User Actions are the specific steps a user engages in to achieve a goal while using a service. Why do you think understanding these actions is important?

Student 2
Student 2

So we can identify what they go through from the start to finish?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Right! By mapping these actions, we can pinpoint pain points and improve the overall experience. Now, let’s remember the acronym 'AUC'β€”Actions, Understanding, Context. It can help us recall why user actions are vital.

Exploring Frontstage Interactions

πŸ”’ Unlock Audio Lesson

Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson

0:00
--:--
Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Next, let's move on to Frontstage components. What do you think we mean by Frontstage?

Student 3
Student 3

Is it everything the user can see during their experience?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Correct! Frontstage interactions are crucial as they form the face of the service. Can you think of some examples from your own experiences?

Student 4
Student 4

Ordering at a restaurant when the waiter takes my order.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! Frontstage moments are critical for user satisfaction. Remember the acronym 'VIP'β€”Visible Interactions Matter? This can help us emphasize the importance of frontstage components.

Understanding Backstage Processes

πŸ”’ Unlock Audio Lesson

Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson

0:00
--:--
Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Now let’s dive into Backstage processes. Who can explain what they are?

Student 1
Student 1

They are the processes that users don’t see but are necessary for the service.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Precisely! These are crucial for ensuring that frontstage interactions run smoothly. What are some backstage processes you can think of?

Student 2
Student 2

Like the database system that stores user information?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! Another helpful mnemonic could be 'BTS'β€”Behind The Scenesβ€”to remember the importance of backstage tasks.

Identifying Support Processes

πŸ”’ Unlock Audio Lesson

Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson

0:00
--:--
Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Lastly, let's cover Support Processes. What do you think these are?

Student 3
Student 3

They are the resources and tools that help deliver the service?

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Correct! Support processes may include software systems, team coordination efforts, and policies that help the frontline staff. How does understanding support processes benefit us?

Student 4
Student 4

We can ensure that everything is in place for a good user experience.

Teacher
Teacher Instructor

Exactly! For memory, think of the acronym 'STP'β€”Support Tools & Processes. This can help us focus on ensuring all systems are functioning well.

Introduction & Overview

Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.

Quick Overview

Service blueprinting involves mapping user actions, frontstage, backstage processes, and support processes to enhance understanding of user experiences.

Standard

The service blueprint components focus on outlining user actions, frontstage interactions, backstage processes, and support processes. This comprehensive mapping enhances the understanding of user journeys, revealing critical touchpoints and areas for improvement in user experience.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

Service blueprinting is an essential aspect of user experience design that helps visualize the interactions and processes involved in delivering a service. In this section, the key components of a service blueprint are outlined:

  1. User Actions: These are the external steps taken by the user while engaging with the service. It includes everything that a user does to complete a task.
  2. Frontstage: This part of the blueprint illustrates the visible interactions between the user and the service staff or system. It encompasses elements that the user can see and directly interact with.
  3. Backstage: These are the internal processes that support the service, which users may not see but are crucial for facilitating the service delivery. This may include team coordination, data processing, etc.
  4. Support Processes: This includes the tools, systems, and policies that provide the necessary support to the backstage processes and ensure a seamless user experience.

Together, these components form a comprehensive view of the user experience, allowing for better analysis and improvement opportunities.

Audio Book

Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.

User Actions

Chapter 1 of 4

πŸ”’ Unlock Audio Chapter

Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience

0:00
--:--

Chapter Content

● User Actions: Steps taken externally.

Detailed Explanation

User actions refer to the specific steps that users take when interacting with a service. This includes any observable behavior by the users, such as logging into an app, making a purchase, or requesting assistance. These actions are critical to understanding the user's journey and identifying pain points, as they can directly indicate how users are experiencing the service.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you are at a coffee shop. Your user action might be ordering a coffee. This observable behavior helps the shop understand not only what you want, but also how you feel about the ordering process and if there’s anything that could be improved, such as the clarity of the menu or the speed of service.

Frontstage

Chapter 2 of 4

πŸ”’ Unlock Audio Chapter

Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience

0:00
--:--

Chapter Content

● Frontstage: Visible system or staff interactions.

Detailed Explanation

Frontstage interactions are those that are visible to the users. This includes all the direct interactions they have with the service's personnel or the interface. Analyzing these components helps identify how well users interact with the staff or the system interfaces, thereby revealing areas where service delivery can be enhanced.

Examples & Analogies

Think of frontstage interactions like a stage performance. The actors (staff) interact with the audience (users) in a way that's visible and direct. If an actor lacks clarity or confidence, the audience will feel disengaged. Similarly, if staff interactions are unhelpful or unclear, users will have a poor experience.

Backstage

Chapter 3 of 4

πŸ”’ Unlock Audio Chapter

Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience

0:00
--:--

Chapter Content

● Backstage: Internal processes enabling service.

Detailed Explanation

Backstage processes are those that users cannot see but are crucial for enabling the service. These include all the behind-the-scenes operations, such as inventory management, data processing, and coordination among staff. Understanding these processes allows organizations to improve efficiency and ensure that frontstage experiences are seamless.

Examples & Analogies

In a restaurant, the cooking and supply management happening in the kitchen are backstage processes. Diners only see the final dishes delivered to their tables, but the efficiency of the kitchen staff directly impacts the quality of their dining experience. If the kitchen is well-organized, meals are served promptly and tastefully, leading to satisfied customers.

Support Processes

Chapter 4 of 4

πŸ”’ Unlock Audio Chapter

Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience

0:00
--:--

Chapter Content

● Support Processes: Tools, policies, and infrastructure required.

Detailed Explanation

Support processes refer to the essential tools, policies, and infrastructure that enable both frontstage and backstage operations. This includes technology, software, and the rules that guide interaction. An effective support process ensures that users have a smooth experience and that employees can execute their roles effectively.

Examples & Analogies

Consider the support process of a taxi app. The app itself, the rating system, payment processing, and customer support are all part of the support processes. If the app functions smoothly (support), users can easily book rides and pay, leading to higher satisfaction. Conversely, if there’s a glitch in the app, it can cause frustration for both the users and drivers.

Key Concepts

  • User Actions: The steps users take while using a service.

  • Frontstage: The interactions visible to users during their engagement with the service.

  • Backstage: The internal processes that support the service but are not visible to users.

  • Support Processes: Tools and systems that enable and enhance backstage activities.

Examples & Applications

In a restaurant, User Actions include placing an order, eating, and paying the bill. Frontstage includes interactions with the waiter, while Backstage involves the kitchen staff preparing the meal.

In an online shopping experience, User Actions include browsing products, adding items to the cart, and checking out; Frontstage interactions might involve customer service support, while Backstage includes inventory management.

Memory Aids

Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts

🎡

Rhymes

User actions are what we do, Frontstage shows us true, Backstage keep it flowing too, Support processes help us through.

πŸ“–

Stories

Imagine a restaurant: the user walks in, places an order (User Actions), the waiter takes the order (Frontstage), the chef prepares the meal (Backstage), and the system updates inventory (Support Processes).

🧠

Memory Tools

Remember the acronym 'FUBS'β€”Frontstage, User Actions, Backstage, Support for remembering the components.

🎯

Acronyms

Use 'BFS'β€”Backstage, Frontstage, Support to recap the mapping of service components.

Flash Cards

Glossary

User Actions

The steps taken by users during their interaction with a service.

Frontstage

Visible interactions between users and the service that they experience directly.

Backstage

Internal processes that users do not see but are essential for the service delivery.

Support Processes

Tools, systems, and infrastructures needed to enable backstage processes and support user experiences.

Reference links

Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.