Test the Design With Users

Why
Testing the Design With Users is important because it can reveal problems that only arise when real users are using the system

What
Testing the Design With Users is a stage in task centered design that advocates giving the system to the user to play with in order to gauge their reaction to it.

Steps

 * 1) Gather users that are as similar to the target users as possible
 * 2) Put the system in front of them
 * 3) Start and videotape the test and let the users interact with the system while instructing them to think out loud about what they are trying to do
 * 4) Use these videotapes later to see why mistakes were made

Low Cost Options

 * Expert evaluations
 * Walkthroughs

High Cost Options

 * Controlled usability studies