Evaluation for iterative design : methodological and software support
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Date
1992
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Abstract
This research describes a comprehensive approach for applying end-user feedback in the context of iterative software design. The approach describes both a methodology, called EVIDENCE, and a complementary software tool. The EVIDENCE methodology provides a set of steps and guidelines for gathering, interpreting and applying end-user data to refining a software prototype. The software support tool integrates evaluation information, including video-recordings and related structured annotations, into a software development environment. Together the methodology and supporting software improve the ability of small development teams to efficiently learn from end-users during iterative design. The approach fills a methodological gap in the software engineering field. Detailed results are presented through an extended case study. The case study involved two design cycles for a moderately complex graphical design environment. Results from six end-user sessions are presented. Complete transcripts and summary results produced according to the methodology are provided in appendices. In the case study, the first iteration identified 32 end-user problems and implemented design solutions to nine problems. The second iteration identified 64 problems, 32 of which were selected for implementation. EVIDENCE prescribes a simple rating system for the user impact of problems and a classification system for proposed solutions. A new concept of "implementation depth" is introduced for classifying solutions. Classification by implementation depth gives an indication of how fundamental a design change is and guides the search for more fundamental changes where practical. The research describes a software design and prototype to capture and manipulate information developed while applying EVIDENCE. The software design provides a simple but adequate data model. The prototype shows how a user interface can provide convenient access to the evaluation information through workstation software. This approach to software support coupled with the EVIDENCE methodology shows how the technological marriage of computers and television can be harnessed to provide more user-centeredness in a software development environment.
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Major subject: Computer Science
Major subject: Computer Science
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Major computer science