Usability test for… can't say

Posted on Apr 9, 2007 in Design, IT | 0 comments

Last Thursday I participated in a usability study for a local, well-known software developer. I’d tell you, but they asked me not to in an NDA. While I don’t mind talking a bit about something to my wife, posting about it on my blog is a much more egregious violation. So forgive my allusions to these companies and products.

The test was well-done, I felt. While studying technical communication in college, I often participated in usability tests and even designed one so I feel somewhat knowledgeable about the process. I’d been screened on the phone so I knew the test would revolve around the Macintosh and media. Needless to say I was pumped.

What I found interesting about the physical setup was the division of the test between two “rooms” in my “house,” an office and a living room. I was directed to go between the rooms as I would normally while completing the tasks. The tasks themselves were nothing amazing; in fact, they were rather easy. But if they help this big software company provide better media products for folks, I’m all for it.

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