More about the above-listed advantages of usage field studies

• (1) Higher significance through studies of real usage situations

  

  In real situations, which are about their own work of even own money, people behave differently from laboratory tests. People have different expectations and requirements. Those are discovered by usage studies in the field.

  For instance, in preparing and carrying out a real stock market transaction with my money, I have information needs different from a fictitious test situation where my own money is not involved.

• (2) Field studies shed light upon the significance of further resources in the usual work environment

  

  Further online- and especially offline resources - including other people which can be consulted! - often are critical for success. The usefulness of an online resource can be substantially increased by integrating such findings.

• (3) Field studies shed light upon hindrances and aggravating circumstances in the real usage situation

  Only in the real usage situation it becomes clear what is really practical and efficient - and what isn't.

• (4) Uncovering overlooked and unused parts and the reasons behind

  Some things, which are used in carrying out prescribed tasks during usability tests, don't occur in self-determined usage. The reasons behind need to be understood.

• (5) Involving important customers feasible

  

  Important customers, who would not be able or prepared to leave their workplace for several hours in order to participate in a lab test, can be involved in field studies - possibly even in the design process. Their satisfaction can thus be assured.

Peter v. Savigny is always available for your questions.

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