Evaluate existing system
Summary
Evaluation of an earlier version or competitor system to
identify usability problems and to obtain baseline measures
of usability.
Benefits
- Identifies problems to be avoided in the design of the
new system.
- Provides measures of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction
which can be used as a baseline for the new system.
Method
Select the most important tasks and user groups to be tested
(based on the context of use study).
If possible, evaluate the system using the method for usability
testing.
Variations
If resources are limited, use a simplified evaluation process
such as that used to evaluate a prototype.
Outputs
- Produce a list of usability problems, categorised by importance
(use post-it-notes to sort the problems), and an overview
of the types of problems encountered.
- Arrange a meeting with the project manager and developer
to discuss how important it is to avoid each problem in
the new system.
- If measures have been taken, they can be used as a baseline
for the new system, and will enable the usability
requirements to be refined.
Next steps
Use mock ups and paper prototypes
to clarify the requirements for the new system.
Case studies
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