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The
Users are Here! What Do I Test? |
More Perspectives |
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Readiness to Evaluate Key Features with Users Saves Time and Costs |
Designing Usable Devices |
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Many times, marketing departments will hold "key stakeholders" meetings with clinical leaders that represent the customer base for the device. Usually, these meetings are for showcasing new product concepts and influencing long-term partnerships, but they can also be a valuable source of usability information. We've found that short, semi-formal usability tests of new product features under consideration can be conducted with end users if the sessions are well organized with clear objectives (i.e. evaluation of a new menu scheme, data visualization concept, etc.) Having these test protocols ready in advance and being portable are big advantages. We use scripts for evaluating interactive concepts (i.e. "you are trying to set up the following parameters for delivery of XYZ therapy", etc.) and have found that laptop prototypes can serve the purpose of simulating the interaction with the device. These opportunities with customers can also be useful in evaluating the existing usability of products on the market. The key to success, however, is orienting the discussion around actual task contexts. Going from screen to screen or focusing the discussion on particular tasks provides the necessary context for isolating particular usability issues.
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How much Human Factors is necessary or required by the FDA? Can I talk to the FDA about my usability issues during design? "Fly on the Wall" Observations: Seeing Your Product in Action Provides Vital Design Context |
