ABSTRACT
Back in the opening chapter of this book, the assertion was made that user-centered design was arguably a company’s best bet for designing a successful product. Cen tral to the concept of user-centered design is, of course, working with users. Ideally, users should be involved actively throughout the design and development process, whether taking part in user trials, as full members of the design team, or simply chip ping in with ideas and opinions. This is the “gold standard” approach. However, not all companies have the resources to support such close and continuing contact with users over what could be a considerable period of time. Under these circum stances, companies are much more likely to focus on critical “gateway” user trials, i.e., trials that determine whether the product has met its objectives and can proceed, or is deficient somehow and needs modification.
