[Sigia-l] RE: User Test Cost - Does this sound reasonable?

[Lisa Goldberg]

Todd's suggestions for a usability report format are very helpful. I have
one more suggestion: screenshots with callouts, ideally in the executive
summary. Not every screenshot needs to be included, just the most crucial
ones. Clients have told me that they like the format. They seem to read
those pages even if they skip the detailed analysis.

In my experience I've found that the more people are exposed to usability,
the better. I do usability testing and analysis, but I also work for a Web
development company. As usability has been integrated into our process,
our overall standard of quality has improved. At the same time, I have yet
to see a dynamic interface that does not require input from the people who
are coding the back end. Unless the schedule and budget are endless, the
people who implement the project need to contribute to the discussion. The
trick is to educate them about usability early and often, so that they are
just as eager to make the product user-friendly. The same rule applies to
graphic designers.

As others have noted, when developers and designers watch people struggle
with their product, they start to care about usability. I could just tell
them the problems, but showing them is a far easier sell.

Sincerely,
Lisa Goldberg

----------------------------
WestLake Consulting Group
mailto:lisag at wlcg.com
http://www.wlcg.com