Test & Measure
analysis | diagnostic evaluation
| expert evaluation | participatory
evaluation | performance testing
The purpose of testing and measuring is to assess the degree
to which user and organisational requirements have been achieved,
and to provide feedback in a form that can be used by designers
and developers to improve the user interface design.
There are a number of different evaluation methods that vary
in terms of formality, rigidity and the degree of user participation.
The most suitable method will depend on the product being
developed, the availability of representative users and financial/time
Evaluation can be user based or expert based. User based
testing will provide information related to the task at hand
- does this design support the user in their work. Expert
inspections tend to identify lack of conformity to standards,
interface design guidelines and expert comments based on experience.
There are two objectives for testing and measuring:
1. Diagnose usability problems
These methods should be used to improve early machine prototypes.
2. Evaluate whether usability objectives have been achieved
These methods should be used to test final prototypes. The
methods will also provide diagnostic information that can
be used to make last minute improvements, or provide requirements
for the next release.
In addition to evaluating for usability it can also be beneficial
to evaluate the product for pleasure.