research and evaluation techniques Flashcards
What are surveys?
A survey is both the set of questions and the process of collecting, aggregating and analysing the responses from those questions. A survey involves gathering data to use for analysis and forecasting Surveys look for trends, behaviour, and the bigger picture.
What are questionnaires?
A series of questions about people’s opinions on a product. Answers are given on a scale and there should be opportunity for people to give comments to explain their answer. A questionnaire works best with people who have used or are familiar with the product being evaluated. The more people you get to answer your questionnaire the more valid your results will be.
What are user trip?
During a user trip the designer uses a product and records their impressions. There could be a pre determined series of issues that information is going to be gathered for.
What are user trial?
During a user trial, groups of people from the target marker use a product. The target market are observed using the product then asked several questions on it.
What are comparison?
The product being evaluated is compared to one or more similar products by someone who uses them all to perform the same tasks. The products should be evaluated against the same performance criteria. Some websites and companies specialise in comparing products and are widely available.
What are testing?
A product can be tested to destruction in order to assess how durable it is and how long it would be expected to last. Testing can be used as a way of finding specific information about a product (i.e. how quickly does it heat up). It is also possible to find out what materials a product is made from by performing certain tests (Burning, scratching, sound tests).
What are test rigs?
These are mechanical systems that are designed to perform the same operation repeatedly over a period of time. This allows designers to check how many times a button can be pressed or how often a hinge can be opened and closed before it will break.
What are the key stages of questionnaires?
Preparation
Consider target market, identify what information is required
Conducting
Ensure questionnaires are completed, ensure sufficient questionnaires have been completed.
Collating
Record and analyse information from questionnaire.
What are the key stages of surveys?
Preparation
Consider target market, identify what information is required
Conducting
Ensure survey is completed,
Collating
Record, identify trends and analyse information from survey finding
What are the key stages of user trip?
Preparation
Consider the purpose of the user trip, what information is required, identify the important stages in using the product
Undertaking
Use at each stage, use in all possible conditions and environment,
Collating
Record and analyse information from User trip.
What are the key stages of test rigs?
Preparation
Consider the purpose of the test, what information you are looking for, identify the important stages in using the product. Identify period of time to conduct test over
Conducting
Begin testing the product to find out the relevant information / stages identified.
Collating
Record and analyse results from Testing
What are the key stages of testing?
Preparation
Consider the purpose of the test, what information you are looking for, identify the important stages in using the product
Conducting
Begin testing the product to find out the relevant information / questions identified.
Collating
Record and analyse results from Testing
What are the key stages of comparison?
Preparation
Identify performance criteria, find similar products
Undertaking
Use the performance criteria to evaluate how your product compares to the same performance criteria
Collating
Record and analyse information found from Comparison.
What are the key stages of user trial?
Preparation
Consider the purpose of the user trial, what information is required, identify the important stages in using the product
Undertaking
Observe the target market using at each stage and in all possible conditions and environment. Ask questions during the process.
Collating
Record and analyse information from User trip.
How are questionnaires presented?
Information from a questionnaire can be presented in a bar graph to show averages for answers or as a pie chart or spider web diagram to show more detailed results. Graphical information should be accompanied by written explanation which could include people’s comments.
