Usability Testing a Design Prototype

User-based testing is an invaluable tool. It can be used to evaluate early design concepts, late-cycle developments, and almost anything in between. For concept validation, usability tests can answer basic questions such as:

	Does the design "makes sense" to people?
	Do we have the right functionality?
	Can they navigate easily?
	Are terms, concepts and metaphors meaningful?
	Can users anticipate device behavior?
	Where do users make mistakes?
	Can they learn quickly?

The Engagement

Iris Diagnostics manufactures and sells urinalysis systems for use in hospitals and commercial laboratories worldwide. As part of a new product development project, they asked Human Factors MD to help validate an early conceptual design through usability testing of a design prototype with prospective users.

Our Approach

To evaluate the conceptual design for Iris Diagnostics, we conducted usability test sessions with eight laboratory technologists drawn from different clinical sites in the New York area. Participants were shown paper mockups of screens of the user interface and asked to complete a set of routine (and problem) work scenarios.

(Paper mockups used for usability testing)

Results

The usability tests helped Iris Diagnostics understand both the strengths and weaknesses of their design concept. Based on actual user feedback, usability problems were identified and prioritized. Because Iris Diagnostics was still early in their development process (no software had been written), they were able to introduce necessary changes to the conceptual design at virtually no cost.

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