Tests for Screening Product Designs Prior to User Testing by People with Functional Limitations

Abstract

A set of inexpensive to implement usability ‘screening tests’ are proposed which would be administered by designers on their colleagues or acquaintances. Test subjects, who have no prior knowledge of a product, conduct every day use tasks while having their sensory, physical and cognitive capabilities limited through various techniques. The tests have been assembled to provide minimum set which cover a wide range of functional limitation experiences. For each test the concept, usability questions, and suggested procedure and materials are given. A hierarchy of test priorities is suggested. The tests should be conducted by experts who are aware of the safety and ethics issues concerning inducing sensory, physical, and cognitive limitations. The set of tests incorporate new, existing, and exploratory ideas A number of outstanding research issues are introduced, which are discussed briefly.