User Validation and Impact Measurement

The systematic evaluation of information and communication technology applications from the user perspective permits the precise and quantitative assessment of a number of relevant quality dimensions with the objective

  • to recognise shortcomings, to identify options, and to determine priorities for improvement
  • to compare the adequacy of different applications and designs for specific user tasks
  • to define reference values for new developments, for example by benchmarking against existing solutions.

Validation is carried out during product development. The goal is to recognize quality defects or conflicts with user requirements as early as possible, and to indicate options for improvement. Defects in products when they come on the market must be avoided: The most effective strategy is early prototyping and testing of the product concept, and fast, repeated iterative testing throughout the development process.

Validation results are often summarized and visualized in a quality profile. A detailed analysis indicates which quality dimensions are most important for each function, and the functions and design features which make a differences in quality and offer potential for improvement. In addition to traditional "quality of use" criteria (as defined for devices and traditional IT applications in ISO 9241-210), further aspects are important for the user experience with content-centric www services, among these information quality, trustworthyness and hedonistic aspects.

Impact measurement is carried out when a product comes into use. The objective is to measure the success with customers and users regularly. Continuous impact analysis has been longstanding standard practice in classical media for assuring the value of advertising and customer information. It is indispensable for advertising and information services, especially when no direct customer responses can be observed.

What can we do for our clients?

Available methods for evaluation, assessment and impact measurement for interactive applications and digital media differ considerably in respect to cost, preconditions and validity of results. Experts will select appropriate methods and tools for a given case. We have long-standing experience with the application of a very wide range of relevant methods and procedures, and are available for consulting, knowledge transfer and training.

User research projects start with the definition of objectives and the development of a project plan, which will then be implemented, results analyzed, recommendations derived, reported and presented to decisionmakers. We will provide extensive support for the planning, project management and analysis aspects. It is also possible to implement the data collection and prototype evaluation tasks, but these are frequently integrated with ongoing development and marketing activities.

Contact us for discussing Your needs, and for a quotation for an initial analysis and project proposal!