Cognitive walkthroughs

Cognitive walkthroughs are an inspection technique that can be done using a strong description of the end user and a few use-case style task scenarios. In the article linked below, usability expert Tim Altom provides the following advice for performing a cognitive walkthrough: "The interface is inspected slowly and deliberately. During inspection, the tester answers four questions at each action."

Those questions include:

• Will the users try to achieve the right effect?


• Will the user notice that the correct action is available?


• Will the user associate the correct action with the effect to be achieved?


• If the correct action is performed, will the user see that progress is being made toward solution of the task?

More in this interview/article on usability testing.