Category:Evaluation of product features

From WikID

Analysing the design problem, formulation of a design goal and developing product ideas and concepts are actions with the aim of providing a solution to the design problem. To verify, or test, whether the solution is the correct one, evaluation of product features is important. Generally, testing the result provides confirmation that the proposed solution is the right one. Within the design process there are different forms of testing a product idea. During the design process, ideas need to be tested whether they work. The technical functionality of a product needs to be verified. Investigations have to be made which of the proposed solutions is prefered by the user group. Also, there is a need to verify whether the proposed solution is usable, and whether the user groups understand how to use the product. In this section we differ between three general types of testing: product simulat­ing and testing, product concept evaluations, and product usability evaluations.

Product simulations and testing takes place during the design process, and is directed at gaining an understanding whether the product functions the way it is intended to do. These types of tests are simulations on paper or on a computer, or even tests with different forms of prototypes. With product simulations and testing designers try out their ideas to see whether they work as in­tended. Product concept evaluations are used throughout the design process to gain understanding of the user group’s responses to ideas and concepts developed in the design process. These types of tests investigate what ideas and concepts are preferred by the user group. Product concept evaluations are used to optimize product concept based on the user group’s responses, or to make go/ no go decisions in the design process. Product usability evaluations take place near the end of the design process, and are aimed at understanding whether the user group is able to use the designed product concept. These type of tests are more intensive, directed at verifying and optimizing the usability of the product.