[Sigia-l] User research not usability testing. Was RE: Finding and Choosing a Consultant

[Listera]

Jared M. Spool:

> Usability testing is a tool, like a saw.

Then we agree: saws don't think. ;-)

I can see that usability testing may have multiple activities, protocols and
outcomes. But I can't see it operating in the "Why" realm. I see the
*interpretation" of the multiple activities, protocols and outcomes of
usability testing in the domain of design. The difference is not semantic.
In fact, I correlate the potential success of usability testing with how
much devoid of thinking it is in its activities, protocols and outcomes. And
thus I see its downfall in the degree to which it gets tangled up in
interpretation of the "Whys". IOW, I see usability testing as an
"informative" tool that feeds an "interpretive" process called Design.

> Otherwise, I think we'll just end up talking in circles.

We are here, aren't we? :-)

----
Ziya

Usability >  Simplify the Solution
Design >  Simplify the Problem