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

[Todd R.Warfel]

On May 26, 2004, at 9:05 AM, BJ Cook wrote:

> [...] we are advocating usability as an issue with our site and have 
> been for the past 2 years. Well, our IT
> manager doesn't believe in usability and testing, he believes in blind 
> deployment of his software and apps.

So, how's that working? I'm sure he thinks it's working fine - since 
they're "his" apps.

That can usually be resolved by either having the person observing some 
actual usability testing (behind the mirror or in another room via 
closed circuit TV - you don't want the participant hearing the IT 
manager yelling how stupid they are for not being able to figure out 
his software).

If they're not available for that, then showing them video vignettes 
will typically help. And if that doesn't work, then putting some actual 
dollar figures on the costs associated with poor usability will 
typically do the trick - since managers traditionally deal with 
budgets, playing the numbers game is a way to break into their sense of 
reason.

You might be in an uphill battle with this one, BJ, but the fight is 
well worth it in the end. Even if you never get through to the IT 
manager, you're going to be influencing your fellow team mates.

Cheers!

Todd R. Warfel
User Experience Architect
MessageFirst | making products easier to use
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