Re: [LAU] An appeal to famous artists?

2011/8/4 Fons Adriaensen <fons(a)linuxaudio.org>rg>: 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.