Formative Usability Testing Discussion

Date and time:
August 25, 2004 (Wednesday)
6:00-7:00 p.m. Dinner: Sandwiches and wraps are available in the cafe
7:00-8:30 p.m. Discussion

Location:
Borders Books, Music, and Cafe (in the cafe)
5333 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC

Description:
Formative usability testing answers the question "can we make it better?" This is the type of testing we conduct (sometimes iteratively) during the early stages of product design and development, when the goal is to identify potential problems and inform recommendations for design improvements. (This different than the goal of summative usability testing, which generally evaluates a finished product to determine whether it meets a previously agreed standard.)

Formative usability tests are great for helping us clarify user requirements and improve our understanding of how users perform their tasks. Sometimes formative tests are used in making decisions regarding design options and tradeoffs (for example, comparing two different designs), in obtaining new information from users, or in evaluating a new or novel approach (for example, a completely new ballot layout). One of the challenges of formative testing is how to document and present the results efficiently, in a way that helps the project team quickly redesign the problem areas.

This discussion will provide an opportunity for practitioners to share their experiences in conducting formative usability tests, and to learn from each other's experiences. We will brainstorm about best practices for conducting tests and for documenting the results in a way that doesn't interfere with a rapid, iterative process. The results of our discussion will be summarized and provided as input to the NIST Industry Usability Reporting (IUSR) project, led by Mary Theofanos, which is planning to define a standard for formative testing.

Registration:
Advance registration is recommended. You can register using our online registration form.

Cost:
Free

Directions to the Program:
The Borders cafe is located on Wisconsin Avenue.
View the MapQuest Map

By Metro:
Take the Red Line to Friendship Heights.

By Car:
Borders is across from Mazza Gallerie, near the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Western Avenue. There is street parking as well as Mall parking for Chevy Chase Pavilion.

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