Re: Plain English explanation of use cases??

Subject: Re: Plain English explanation of use cases??
From: bbatorsk -at- admin -dot- nj -dot- devry -dot- edu
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2000 15:05:46 -0500

Jean,

Here's a site that I got from Jimmie Killingsworth's Information in Action,
2nd Edition (Allyn & Bacon), an excellent textbook that I use in my
technical writing class:

http://usableweb.com/items/usertesting.html

There's also this nice little exercise from the book. The students love
it, and it seems to capture the key elements of the process for the
situation of manual writing:

"Procedure for a simple usability test
1. Select people to fill four roles in the test:
n A test user. This person will try to perform the actions using the task
analysis. If
you are working in a group to produce the manual, you can select your test
user
for the initial test from among your coauthors. Choose the person who knows
least about the procedure. Use only the task analysis.
n A guide. This person will answer questions and help the user when needed.
n A recorder. This person either takes notes on user questions and the
guide?s responses
or actually tapes the session (using either audio or video equipment).
n An editor. This person takes notes on the manuscript of the task
analysis, indicating
problem spots and pointing out possibilities for further coverage and
revision.
2. Have the test user perform the tasks while the other participants
perform their various
duties.
3. After the test user has completed the work, question the user about his
or her overall
impressions.
4. Discuss the problems that became clear during the test, and consider
what you will
need to add, delete, or change to make the manual workable."

(Killingsworth 527)

Barry Batorsky







Previous by Author: RE: Future tense use in technical documentation
Next by Author: Re: Why TW Projects Fail. Was Pizza Process.
Previous by Thread: Re: Plain English explanation of use cases??
Next by Thread: Re: Plain English explanation of use cases??


What this post helpful? Share it with friends and colleagues:


Sponsored Ads