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Understanding the Cognitive Walkthrough Process
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Today, we are diving into the Cognitive Walkthrough process, which is crucial for evaluating how first-time users interact with a system. Can anyone tell me what they think we need to focus on when considering new users?
I think we should pay attention to what they might find confusing.
Exactly! We need to identify where they might struggle. The first step in a cognitive walkthrough is to define a specific task. Why do you think this is important?
It helps us to understand what exactly users are trying to accomplish.
Right! The clearer the task, the easier it is to define the actions users need to take. Let's summarize the key steps: Define the task, identify the correct action sequence, and then step through the interface asking relevant cognitive questions.
What kind of questions do we ask during the walkthrough?
Great question! We ask about goal formation, whether users notice available actions, whether they can associate actions with outcomes, and if they receive adequate feedback. Remember the acronym 'G-N-A-F' for Goal, Notice, Associate, Feedback.
So, if the user doesn't see an action button, that's a discovery issue, right?
Exactly! You all are picking up on this quickly. Each of these aspects helps us identify usability issues that can be improved. Let's summarize our discussion: Cognitive Walkthroughs focus on the userβs perspective, defining specific tasks, identifying sequential actions, and addressing potential problems through key cognitive questions.
Questions Involved in a Cognitive Walkthrough
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Letβs explore the four key questions we ask in a Cognitive Walkthrough. Who can remind us of the first question?
Does the user understand that the action is necessary?
Correct! This is about goal formation. The next question focuses on visibility. What does this question address?
Will the user notice that the correct action is available?
Exactly! It's essential that users can find the necessary controls. Moving on, whatβs our third question?
Will the user associate the correct action with its effect?
Spot on! This connects with usersβ mental models. The last question is about feedback. Can anyone share this final question?
If the action is performed, will the user see that progress is being made?
Perfect! So, to recap, the four questions are about forming a goal, noticing actions, associating actions with effects, and receiving feedback.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The Cognitive Walkthrough process involves defining a specific user task, simulating the user's problem-solving path, and evaluating steps taken against key cognitive questions. This helps identify usability problems encountered by new users during their initial experience without prior training.
Detailed
The Cognitive Walkthrough (CW) is a structured usability evaluation method tailored to assess how easily first-time users can navigate a system to achieve specific tasks. It aims to simulate the cognitive process of users interacting with an interface by posing a series of focused questions regarding each action within a predefined task. Evaluators work in teams to outline correct sequences of actions expected from users, while systematically stepping through each interaction to identify potential usability problems. Key questions focus on goal formation, discoverability of actions, clarity of action effects, and feedback upon action completion. This process helps highlight where new users may struggle, providing valuable insights into facilitating a smoother onboarding experience for future users.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
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Cognitive Walkthrough: A step-by-step method for evaluating the learnability of a system.
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Task Definition: The importance of clearly defining tasks to evaluate usability effectively.
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User Profiles: Understanding the characteristics of intended users for better evaluations.
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Sequential Actions: Identifying the order of actions a user must take.
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Cognitive Questions: Key inquiries focusing on goal formation, discoverability, action effects, and feedback.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
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Examples
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For a task like 'Register a new account', evaluators might simulate a new user signing up and assess where difficulties might arise, such as difficulty locating the 'Sign Up' button.
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When a user tries to save a document, they should receive immediate feedback, such as a confirmation message stating 'Document Saved'. If this message is missing, it indicates a usability issue.
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
π΅ Rhymes Time
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If you want to learn the path, just follow the cognitive math: Find the goal, see the cue, make the link, feedback too.
π Fascinating Stories
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Imagine a new user entering a library without guidance. They first need a sign to guide them to the correct aisle (goal), spot the book clearly on the shelf (notice), realize that's the right book by the cover (associate), and then find out if itβs in checked out or available (feedback). Understanding this walkthrough means simplifying their experience.
π§ Other Memory Gems
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Remember the acronym G-N-A-F for cognitive walkthroughs: Goal, Notice, Associate, Feedback.
π― Super Acronyms
CW
- Clear Walkthrough - Ensure it's easy for users to follow step by step.
Flash Cards
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Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
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Term: Cognitive Walkthrough
Definition:
A usability inspection method that evaluates the learnability of a system for first-time users through a structured task-oriented approach.
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Term: User Profile
Definition:
Characteristics and assumptions about users that need to be defined to assess their interaction with a system effectively.
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Term: Task Sequence
Definition:
The ordered steps that a user is expected to take to complete a specific task within a system.
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Term: Feedback
Definition:
The information provided by the system to inform users about the result of their actions.
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Term: Discoverability
Definition:
The ease with which users can find and recognize functions available in an interface.