Planning Usability Tests For Maximum Impact
http://www.stc.org/ConfProceed/2004/PDFs/0073.pdf

McDaniel, Scott M. and Laura Snyder
STC Proceedings
2004

Abstract:

Usability tests make products better. Those of us who have seen their results understand their value, but we sometimes have difficulty convincing managers or developers of their worth. The pay-off of a usability test depends on its context. Both the type of test you perform and the timing of that test influence what you can do with the results. At best, you can guide the design of a product or clearly demonstrate its usability. At worst, you can ruin your credibility and have no effect on the product whatsoever. This paper explores what you get from a usability test at each stage of the user interface design process. It also provides advice on selling testings to management.