linuxaudio.org

2011/8/4 Fons Adriaensen :
> LOL. 'Usability architects' ?

quoted text
> Is that what they call themselves today ?

> The bright types that decide that every application should have 'File',

> 'Edit' and 'View' menus even if that doesn't make any sense ?

What's a "usability test" ?

Make some non-introduced users install,configure,use a (new) software

and see how far they come.
There's the hitch: Depending on which users you choose, results will differ.

Take a long MS Windows user and as a result, you're software is

unusable without a File MenuItem ;)
Anyway: Since this is something that actually happens, if any user

foreign to your software tries it,

the results might even be valuable !
Actually the conclusion for a usability test is somehow pre-known:

If you introduce anything new, unknown to the user, you have to

- explain it

- make it obvious

- use pop-up hints

- add context help and description

- all that, without steeling to much time from the user

- show only task-related items

- hide complexity

- ...
The usability test is a kind of indication then, how much you've

managed to strike

that requirement. (.. of explaining the software to the user, so

he/she is capable to install,configure,use it)
"True" usability testers should be aware of the problematic/issues and

take them into account.
'Usability architect'  is a misspelling somehow:

First: The architects are the GUI designers, coders and developers.

Second: Experience shows: Usually it's NOT possible to

build/architecture usability.

** Input from the user is important, because that's a whole different view ! **
IYAM, usability tests would be a real enrichment to the open software world,

but doing them right is difficult and time-intense. Thus known, common

user feedback in forums and mailing lists appears more appropriate here.
Also:

Before you release: Never forget to let your relatives

(aunt,grandma,..) install,configure,use the product.

If she/he succeeds without help, there's hope ;)
--

E.R.

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