Valerie Williams HCI 522X

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Diary of a Mad User
Testing without money
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Question Without much money or resources, how
does a single developer or a small company test a
product and maintain relationships with customers?
Problem statement Can a single developer engage
the user to test a product?
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Hypotheses
Hypothesis 1 Users recognize the need for
specific software and are willing to contribute
to its development.
Hypothesis 2 Developers spend all their time on
design and implementation and are not
interested in extensive testing.
Hypothesis 3 Single developers may have no
budget for any comprehensive testing and do
their own testing.
Hypothesis 4 Alternative means can be used to
test for usability.  Use internet think
creatively.
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Logic
Hypothesis 1 Users recognize the need for
specific software and may be willing to
contribute to its development. Logic If users
truly need unique, specific software, they will
contribute to its development.
Hypothesis 2 Developers spend all their time on
design and implementation and are not
interested in extensive testing. Logic If
they spend all their time on design, they dont
do testing.
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Logic
Hypothesis 3 Single developers may have no
budget for any comprehensive testing must do
their own testing. Logic If developers lack
financial resources for testing their product
early in the development, they will not test it
they will use only friends for testing they
will only test critical features .
Hypothesis 4 Alternative means can be used to
test for usability.  Use internet think
creatively. Logic If developers lack resources
for testing their product, they will find
alternative means for testing .
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Methods - Participants
internet savvy   performing artists vjs   comp
osers All volunteer subjects
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Methods - Equipment
Users own   Troikatronix lends some equipment
during workshops
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Methods - Procedure
Free download of reduced function
program Workshops Word of Mouth Direct
Observation Workshops Good system for bug
reporting
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Experimental DesignCan there be an experiment
design in a situation like this?
      List servs       Wiki       Forum Lack of
control Trust reliability of users?
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Results
Developers are interested in a good product, even
if they dont have the resources for extensive
testing. In this ongoing experiment Specific
problems are documented and communicated. Testing
the product during application. But Unless
users report in, problems arent communicated.
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Inferences
Iterative refining of software comes from the
ongoing relationship between Mark Coniglio and
the Isadora users. Refined software keeps the
users interested in Isadora.
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Take Home
Responsiveness makes for good relationships. Creat
ive responses frequently work. Troikatronix is
making money.
Valerie Williams HCI 522X
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CoMotion Dance Theater
Five Fictions
Special Showing April 23, 5pm Toman
Studio/Theater ISU - Forker Building, 196
Free
April 28, 8pm April 29, 3pm Ames City Auditorium
 
CMDT is in residence at ISU dept of HHP Thanks
COTA Thanks Focus
Tickets available at Chocolaterie Stam and at
the door Limited seating 15/10
Valerie Williams HCI 522X
www.comotion.org