| Every
project uses usability testing. Unfortunately, much of it is done by
unsuspecting users. |
|
Development
projects carry significant risks. The longer you wait to do usability
testing, the greater that risk. Our design and evaluation services
can reduce that risk by finding and correcting design problems early.
This helps to get your project in on time and cuts down on costly reworks.
A properly done usability test will:
- identify
navigation problems
- reduce
errors
- improve
the user experience.
And, it
is important to start early.
|
 |
| It
is important to find issues as early as possible. Not only does this
reduce the cost of any change, it allows the freedom to implement real
solutions. If you wait too long, the freedom to change is restricted
and you are forced to compromise. |
| |
|
| User
profiles |
What
is your target population really like and which characteristics should
be considered in your design? With an increasingly diverse work force
it is important to define this target audience accurately. We can help
you make certain you are designing for the correct range of users. |
| |
|
| Task
analysis |
Ask
an employee how they do their job and they will usually describe how
they are supposed to do it. We all know that this is rarely how
it is done and the difference can lead to serious problems. Our skilled
staff can do a detailed formal task analysis at a stage that will save
you money. This will reduce the risk from poorly defined or overlooked
tasks. |
|
|
| Early
evaluations of the design |
In
highly competitive markets, such as e-commerce, even small design issues
can be very costly. It is much safer to evaluate a prototype to test
design alternatives before you build. This can actually save development
time by reducing costly changes later in the process. We use compact
self-contained recording equipment which can be set up in a few minutes,
the evaluations take a few hours to several days depending on the size
of the project and/or the number of users tested. For projects of any
size we recommend alternating the two types of formative evaluation.
Expert evaluations reveal deviations from guidelines and principles.
Our training and experience reveals problems that others overlook.
User evaluations reveal business related problems. Events are logged
with detailed explanations. |
|
|
| Evaluations
prior to delivery |
These
should be scheduled towards the end of a project to look at the total
package: installation and training, navigation and support services.
Observation and recording equipment is used to make sure that nothing
is missed. The equipment requires about half a day to set up. This evaluation
usually runs for a week during which the development team observes remotely
on special monitors. They watch the users struggle with the system and
can discuss problems while being recorded in real-time. Typically, over
100 problems are logged per day, results surprise even the most experienced
developer. Correcting them will determine the ultimate success of your
project. Schedule this evaluation with enough time to correct.
This investment always produces satisfaction. |
|
| Evaluations
of completed systems |
Our evaluations
of existing systems produce unbiased assessments of design issues and
highlight the potential for improvement. We will develop a practical
and effective action plan to help improve the system:
- meet
business requirements
- be easy
to use and train on
- have
a low error rate
- be as
efficient as possible, etc.
- and
meet delivery and budget targets.
|
| |
|
Evaluations
of the work place
 |
Our
experts will examine your work place and equipment to ensure optimal
performance with minimal risk. Repetitive strain injury (RSI or CTD)
can be significantly reduced through choice of equipment and proper installation
and adjustment. There is a liability risk if an RSI or CTD hazard is
left until workers complain of injury. Computer assisted analysis of
people doing their work discloses problems which can affect performance
and lead to debilitating musculoskeletal injuries, lowered productivity
and possible corporate liability. |
| |
|
| Standards |
Our
documentation and help specialists can assess your needs, develop a plan
for you or even design and produce help and documentation. Corporate
standards documents are a specialty. If you have already developed your
own, we can assess and suggest how to improve it. |
|
| Product
and proposal evaluations |
We
can provide usability evaluations of computer software or equipment before
you make a major purchase or award a major contract. |
