Apple Computer Network Router 2 User Manual download pdf (Page 39)

CHAPTER 1

Newton and Its Users

Involve Users in the Design Process 1-15

more speciﬁc tasks. These tasks can be based on the task analyses that you

performed earlier in the design process. After you determine which tasks to

use, write them out as short, simple instructions. Your instructions to the

participants should be clear and complete but should not explain how to

do things you’re trying to test. See the following section, “Ten Steps for

Conducting a User Observation,” for more information; it includes a series

of sample steps on which you can base your own user observation.

During the user observation, record what you learn about your design; you’ll

be using this information to revise your prototype. Once you’ve revised your

prototype, conduct a second user observation to test the workability of the

changes you’ve made to your design. Continue this iterative process of

creating prototypes and conducting user observations until you feel

conﬁdent that you’ve fully addressed the needs of your target audience.

Ten Steps for Conducting a User Observation 1

The following steps provide guidelines that you can use when conducting a

simple user observation. Remember, this test is not designed as an experiment,

so you will not get quantitative data that can be statistically analyzed. You

can, however, see where people have difﬁculty using your product, and you

can then use that information to improve your product.

Most of these steps include some explanatory text with sample statements

that you can read to the participant. Feel free to modify the statements to suit

your product and the situation.

1. Introduce yourself and describe the purpose of the observation (in very

general terms). Most of the time, you shouldn’t mention what you’ll be

observing.

Set the participant at ease by stressing that you’re trying to ﬁnd problems

in the product. For example, you could say something like this:

“You’re helping us by trying out this product in its early stages.”

“We’re looking for places where the product may be difﬁcult to use.”

“If you have trouble with some of the tasks, it’s the product’s fault, not

yours. Don’t feel bad; that’s exactly what we’re looking for.”

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Apple Computer Network Router 2 User Manual Page 39