[Sigia-l] Usability testing into the dustbin?

[Lord, Ralph]

> Hm. And here I thought that testing tests the usability so 
> that we'll know how to design the usability to design in.

Goal: I want to create a piece of software that is as useful and usable as
possible.

What I know: I done got some powerful learnin' up at the college, I've done
lots of testing, I've worked to create lots of software before, and along
the way, I've learned some things about what makes software usable and
useful.

Moving forward: So, I'm going to use my training and experience to DESIGN
the software as best I can.  I may indeed (probably) test the software with
users at various points along the way from "idea in my client's head" to
"delivered product".  

Important Point: BUT, I'm not going to just chuck all that I know about
making software useful and usable and say "Oh, testing will tell me how it
ought to be designed".

Repeat: I'm going to use my training and experience to DESIGN the software
to be as usable and useful as I can.

Analogy: After a doctor has been practicing for a while, she doesn't need to
run a battery of tests to confirm a diagnosis when she sees symptoms that to
her are "obviously/clearly/unequivocally" caused by disease X.  She
diagnoses, prescribes treatment and moves on.  IF the condition doesn't
improve, perhaps tests are needed.

Application: If you've been testing and focusing on usability for a while,
you should have some knowledge about making software usable that can be
brought to bear during the DESIGN of an application. Take advantage of that
knowledge.