Collection
Find the user problem before building more machinery
Ten distinct research and pilot methods for observing tasks, testing structure and delivering an initial real benefit.
10 elements · Explore in any order.
10 protocols
10 elements
Walk through the task as a first-time user
Knowing where the button is can hide how hard it is to find.
Read the idea ProtocolTest where people start, not where you tell them to click
The first wrong turn may happen before any form appears.
Read the idea ProtocolTest the navigation before polishing the page
A beautiful menu can still send people to the wrong shelf.
Read the idea ProtocolLet users group the content before naming the categories
The organisation chart is not the reader’s map.
Read the idea ProtocolSimulate the interaction without pretending the system exists
A human behind the prototype is not a production benchmark.
Read the idea ProtocolRecord the episode while its context is still available
Last Tuesday’s frustration is more useful than usually annoying.
Read the idea ProtocolObserve the workaround where the work happens
The missing requirement may be on the sticky note beside the screen.
Read the idea ProtocolInclude the people whose access needs your tests miss
An accessibility score is not a person completing the task.
Read the idea ProtocolGive the user a goal and keep your instructions out of the result
A tour proves that you can explain the interface.
Read the idea ProtocolDeliver the small service before automating its machinery
An automation plan can hide an untested service.
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