Take the Challenge

If you have never tried user testing before, take the challenge and try it. Identify three or so features in your program that you are most concerned about and create a quick test with tasks that use those features. Get three test users (try to get target users, but take anybody you can get—don't worry too much if they're not target users), and follow the procedures outlined in this chapter. Don't bother with videotaping, question forms, or any nonessential detail. Try to do the whole process in an afternoon. Greet any problems found with extreme enthusiasm. Then draw your own conclusion about the effectiveness of user testing.

Remember, some user testing is better than none.