Software User Evaluation

["Michelle J. Nolan" <mjn -at- NOLANGROUP -dot- COM>]

A client I am working with has contracted out for a web-based version of
an MS Access tracking database.  The program is slated to be on-line this
Monday.  Though the contractor has provided assurance that the program is
production-ready, the client has decided to undergo a month-long user
evaluation period before deciding whether the program is ready to be
deployed.

There are approximately 12 core users scattered across the country.  They
have not received formal training on the program, though a User's Manual
with exercises has been provided.  The users have been instructed to
become familiar with the program on their own and provide feedback and
comments.  The users will gather for 2 days of related meetings (halfway
through the evaluation period), and provide comments and report problems.

I am responsible for putting together the program and materials for the
user evaluation meetings.  I am wondering what would be the best use of
time during those 2 days.  Frankly, I am not very hopeful that the users
will spend much (if any) time becoming familiar with the program before
reporting to the meetings.  So, I will have to provide some very basic
training, but cannot afford to spend much time on this.

Any ideas on how I might best structure these evaluation meetings would
greatly be appreciated.  A central goal here is to get user feedback.
Please respond directly to me off-line.  I've checked the archives, but
haven't come across anything specific I can use.

Thanks in advance-


Michelle J. Nolan
The Nolan Technology Group, Inc.


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