In the latest issue of the journal of usability studies Alex Genov published a paper about the idea that the control systems theory may “highlight and frame” the value of iterative usability testing.
“This paper argues that in the field of usability, debates about number of users, the use of statistics, etc. in the abstract are pointless and even counter-productive. We propose that the answers depend on the research questions and business objectives of each project and thus cannot be discussed in absolute terms. Sometimes usability testing is done with an implicit or explicit hypothesis in mind. At other times the purpose of testing is to guide iterative design. These two approaches call for different study designs and treatment of data. We apply control systems theory to the topic of usability to highlight and frame the value of iterative usability testing in the design lifecycle. Within this new metaphor, iterative testing is a form of feedback which is most effective and resource-efficient if done as often as practically possible with project resources and timelines in mind.
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In conclusion, control systems theory highlights and frames the value of iterative usability testing in the design lifecycle. It can be regarded as a form of feedback which is most effective and resource-efficient if done as often as practically possible with project resources and timelines in mind. The CST metaphor can be used by usability professionals not only as a way of thinking about iterative usability testing, but also as a metaphor for communicating its value to development teams and management.”
Internetverweis
Iterative Usability Testing as Continuous Feedback: A Control Systems Perspective
