Abstract: This paper describes iterative, observational test procedures for developing customer installable computer systems. Testing should begin early in product development. All the components a customer is likely to receive should be tested as a system, including packaging, hardware, documentation, instructional materials, diagnostics, software, and phone assistance. A test team should be formed to include developers from all areas of the product. Videotaping and observing participants in pairs are also recommended. Results of this test process are summarized in the form of general design recommendations for product developers.

Keywords: Case studies; Evaluation; Implementation; Installation; Natural observation; Software development

Originally published: Proceedings of the Human Factors Society 27th Annual Meeting, 1983, pp. 501-504

Republished: G. Perlman, G. K. Green, & M. S. Wogalter (Eds.) Human Factors Perspectives on Human-Computer Interaction: Selections from Proceedings of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meetings, 1983-1994, Santa Monica, CA: HFES, 1995, pp. 1-4.