ABSTRACT
What are the common elements of a usability test? Although each usability test is unique, most of them share a common structure. Typically, a test session begins with the review and completion of an informed consent form and an introduction to the test facility and staff as well as the medical device under evaluation. Next, the test administrator might solicit the test participant’s first impressions of the device (only during a formative usability test) and then direct him or her to perform specific tasks. Test sessions usually wrap up with an interview focused on what the participants liked and disliked about the device, the cause and effect of use errors, and opportunities for design improvement, followed by participant compensation and dismissal.
