Human-Computer Interaction

Lecture 29
Evaluation – Part I
Introduction to Evaluation
Evaluation

The process of systematically collecting data that informs us about

what it is like for a particular or group of users to use a product for a
particular task in a certain type of environment
Design should progress in iterative cycles of
design-evaluate-redesign

Save money

Save time
 “Iterative design, with its repeating cycle of design and testing, is the
only validated methodology in existence that will consistently produce
successful results. If you don’t have user testing as an integral part of
your design process you are going to throw buckets of money down the
drain”

- Tognazzini (Usability Consultant)

Some good reasons

1. Problems are fixed before product is shipped, not after.

2. The team can concentrate on real problems, not imaginary ones.
3. Engineers code instead of debating.
4. Time to market is sharply reduced.
5. Good product design that works for sales pitches.
- Tognazzini
Evaluation paradigms and
techniques
Types of evaluation

• Also known as evaluation paradigms

• 4 core evaluation paradigms
1. quick and dirty
2. usability testing
3. field studies
4. predictive evaluation