Getting real with Jakob 04 May 2005
16 comments Latest by Joe
We’ve talked a lot about getting real while building a web app but the same principles can apply to a variety of aspects of usability. In a recent column, Jakob Nielsen advises readers that quick-hit, less-mass usability reports are often a better solution than formal reports.
To move rapidly and conduct the most tests within a given time frame and budget, informal reports are the best option…Preparing a formal slide-based presentation will simply slow you down, as will using videos or statistics. Instead, simply hold a quick debriefing immediately after the test, structured around test observers’ informal notes on user behavior. Follow this meeting with a short email to the entire team (the shorter the email, the greater the probability that it will be read).
When you’re moving at the speed of web, formality isn’t always an option. If you want to keep up, you need to get your ideas out there ASAP.
16 comments so far (Jump to latest)
Matt Kaufman 04 May 05
Eh, I’m sorry .. I just linked back to this article …
It’s a whole new internet :)
Adam Michela 04 May 05
I’m gonna agree with Kaufman and say instead of forming more “do or die” rules we just need to get back to basics and remember that the only important thing is to do it the right way… your way.
People are more productive by their own means in their own circumstances.
What might work easily for 37signals, as logical as it might seem, may very well not work at all for the next guy. You have to work around your own circumstances.
Matthew Oliphant 04 May 05
Given , what is the solution to choose?
Should have been: Given (constraint(s)) , what is the solution to choose?
Darren James Harkness 04 May 05
Y’know, it occurs to me, having read 6 posts by 3 people, that it may be better to take a little extra time to clarify your message before sharing it.
dm 04 May 05
Y�know, it occurs to me, having read 6 posts by 3 people, that it may be better to take a little extra time to clarify your message before sharing it.
hahahahaha
Matthew Oliphant 04 May 05
Um, it’s called iteration…
rick 04 May 05
It’s the speed of the web. Several web-hours have passed between comments, even if it it’s just mere minutes for humans.
Bob Loblaw 04 May 05
Is 37signals becoming the new Jakob Nielson? Their new website sure looks the part. And now they are directly quoting him, too!
How did they make Jakob ‘cool’?
Pretty soon they are going to show up at the Webby’s together…
8500 04 May 05
“Is 37signals becoming the new Jakob Nielson? “
Um. No. 37signals actually build tools to help people be productive. They are not self appointed “gurus”, like our old friend Nielson.
Adam Michela 04 May 05
Darren: Now we know why most blogs have a preview button :)
markku 04 May 05
If you keep “incubating” your thoughts and ideas trying to put them in some sort of organized form, more sooner than later someone else will have the same idea and beat you to it.