|
|
 |
 |
What we do:
To answer the question "Will this design meet the needs of the users?", HSI® Human Factors consultants conduct User Tests and Trials. This may involve a range of techniques: simple, inexpensive temporary mock-ups or artists conceptions to let people visualise design concepts, 3D computer simulations based on CAD software to permit interaction with the worksite layout and configuration, display or interface, or live trials with whole or part proto-types under laboratory or field conditions.
HSI® Human Factors consultants answer questions that users or their employers are likely to ask about a new technology or product. These questions may arise during development, at the time of purchase, or during the life-cycle of the product. Examples of such questions include:
- Does it work better than its predecessor did?
- Does it achieve expected performance improvements?
- Is it useful? Is it safe?
- Is it easy to use -how can we improve it?
- Is it easy to learn to use? How much training will be needed?
- Is it compatible with other products required for this task?
- Is it reliable - can I trust it not to fail?
How we do this:
HSI® Human Factors consultants offer several different approaches. Each approach requires a systematic assessment of users' characteristics, previous training and experience, and the key user tasks for the product or technology.
- A desk top review can quickly and economically verify whether a product meets established Human Factors Standards.
- Focus groups of experienced users can walk through key tasks - and identify usability, performance and safety issues of interest.
- Questionnaires and surveys can tap into answers from a cross-section of potential users face to face, by phone, by mail, or over the internet.
- Part task laboratory trials gather performance data using a prototype or 3D simulation of displays and controls in a controlled laboratory setting with a representative sample of trained users.
- Field trials are complex, more difficult to control and require careful planning to ensure collection of data under representative conditions.
The type of data will vary with the goals of the evaluation. Examples of these include:
- Rating scale responses for ease of use of different product features.
- Expert assessments of different products or likely task difficulties.
- Performance data such as errors, task speed and accuracy.
- Physiological data to show levels of effort required.
- Musculo-skeletal data on stress on the spine.
Why we do this:
User Tests and Trials help clients make informed choices. The data from user tests and evaluations enables clients to buy or develop products that better suit their organizational goals, the needs of the users they employ, and the customers they wish to serve.
Examples of benefits include:
- Preferred options identified earlier in the design or procurement cycle.
- Procurement decisions more closely linked to end user needs.
- Systematic input from users during development or procurement.
- Make better use of product development time and dollars.
- Less unforeseen human factors challenges late in the design cycle.
- Reduce belated patchwork solutions to user related challenges.
- Identify unnecessary or solely cosmetic features.
- Trade-off capital vs. life-cycle costs better (e.g. maintenance and training).
- Identify likely training challenges and embedded solutions earlier.
- Reduce the incidence of human error.
- Increase customer satisfaction and product marketability.
- Improve user safety and performance.
CLICK here to view examples of our work in Trials and Evaluations. |
|
|
|
| * Source: Reproduced with the permission of National Defence and the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2005. |
|
|
|
