Checking whether it works.
WHAT YOU NEED
A prototype or a working version A realistic task Five or so people Somewhere to observe
WHAT TO PREPARE
The tasks, written down What you want to learn
WHAT TO SAY AT THE START
That you are testing the design, not them That thinking aloud helps That there are no wrong actions
WHY THAT MATTERS
People blame themselves and stop reporting problems.
WHAT TO DO DURING
Watch. Do not help. Do not explain.
WHAT TO ASK
"What are you thinking?" when they go quiet.
WHAT TO RECORD
Where each person hesitated, went wrong, or gave up.
WHAT NOT TO RECORD
Opinions about appearance.
WHAT TO DO AFTERWARDS
List problems by how many people hit them Fix the common ones Test again
HOW LONG IT TAKES
An afternoon.
WHAT IT SAVES
Rebuilding.
