[Sigia-l] NH UX October Meeting: Tues Oct 30, Carolyn Snyder - "Bias in Usability Testing"

[Kyle Pero Soucy]

Topic: Bias in Usability Testing
Speaker: Carolyn Snyder
When: Tuesday, October 30, 2007
          6:30 - 7:00pm Food, Beverages & Networking
          7:00 - 7:15pm NH-UX Info Update
          7:15 - 8:15pm Presentation
Where: Fidelity, 2 Contra Way, Merrimack NH (Directions to Follow)
RSVP: Please RSVP to Amy Cueva: amy at madpow.net

Abstract:
In usability testing, we strive to eliminate bias so that the results will
be accurate. But what is bias anyway? How does it affect our results? What
can we do about it? And are we, as usability specialists, truly objective?
Usability consultant Carolyn Snyder will lead a stimulating discussion about
bias in usability testing - something we encounter on a daily basis but may
not consciously think about. There are many sources of bias in usability
testing, from users to tasks to reporting. Every testing methodology is
biased, and so are we as facilitators. But bias is not something to be
shunned. Instead, we need to understand its sources and weigh its effects.
Sometimes, bias can even be harnessed to serve our purpose. Come to this
presentation and you'll never look at your testing methods the same way
again!

Bio:
Carolyn Snyder is an independent usability consultant in the greater Boston
area. In the past 15 years she has conducted hundreds of usability tests on
dozens of products and interfaces. Carolyn is the author of the book Paper
Prototyping (she'll give away a copy at this presentation) and co-author of
two books on web site usability. She has a BS in Computer Science and an
MBA, both of which have biased her perspective :-). More information
concerning Carolyn's consultancy is available at Snyder Consulting
(http://www.snyderconsulting.net ).

--
Kyle Pero Soucy
Founding Principal, Lead Consultant
Usable Interface
Usability and Interface Design Consulting

Phone: (603) 205-0315
Email: kylesoucy at usableinterface.com
Website: http://www.usableinterface.com