Article Idea:
Using Axure for Heuristic Evaluation and Reporting
suggested by Ezra Schwartz on 2008/01/26
Performing heuristic evaluation can be tedious and time consuming. I found that Axure can be easily set to help reduce the time spend on documentation, and dramatically reduce the time to generate the report. Finally, a clickable html simulation helps communicate key findings (especially) to business stakeholders (Who are less likely to read the report…)
Want to see this idea turned into a story?
6 people said yes. | 0 people said no.
Patrick Stapleton
35 Reputation points
Posted 2008/01/31 @ 20:23PM with
Very nice, I am very interested in ways to lower the cost of user inputs into design processes. Even if B&A don’t pick this one up – can I get a rundown on the approach? Please :)
Ezra Schwartz
8 Reputation points
Posted 2008/02/01 @ 07:27AM with
Patrick, thank you for your feedback.
In the context of the suggested article above…creating and reporting heuristic evaluations typically documents current state of the ui -typically the troubled user interface before the redesign…
As we know, functional requirements will change during the iterative concept development process of the new UI. When I use a simulation tool I notice that stakeholders, especially on the business side, are making meaningful contributions—at sync with progress – because they experience the UI, and how the requirements were articulated. They don’t need to ‘work’ hard at figuring out wireframes, callouts and other stuff that is not user friendly. So there are less surprises (read – cost overruns) when they realize, deep into the process that things are not working as they assumed.
I notice a lot more input at ‘real time and find that capturing change and the possible impact of change on scope can help reduce the cost of such user/stakeholder input. Still, I find it is a real challenge to stay on top of things in a fast paced, simulation based process. Perhaps this should be another article…
Dana Martinelli
10 Reputation points
Posted 2008/02/18 @ 06:41AM with
I have been using Axure for over 2 years and it not only can satisfy both the usability track in regards to simulation but is a very efficient tool in iterating through functional specification documents on a daily basis. I use it primarily as an aggregate tool which captures all the wireframes and functional interactions at the object level. It is a great tool to express design patterns to a dev team. It has sped up my process by 30% since the Visio/Dreamweaver/Illustrator prototyping days. If you use Axure as your primary vehicle to communicate to dev teams – especially remote ones…it is an awesome tool and should be introduced to the UX/IA lifecycles. I find it indispensable.
Ezra Schwartz
8 Reputation points
Posted 2008/02/23 @ 07:02AM with
I agree Dana.
BTW, Once one figures out (not that difficult) how to formant a Word template for Axure’s SpecGen utility for generation of specifications, it is possible to provide the team with good-looking, extensive specifications frequently.
Holger Maassen
140 Reputation points
Posted 2008/03/05 @ 03:56AM with
according to what I have heard of Axure – I am eagerly interested to hear of your experiences
with a view to OmniGraffle, Concept Draw and Visio – other diagramm software – would you be so kind to summarize the advantages that accrued!?
I am interested in supporting examples – tia _ best regards _ holger
Ezra Schwartz
8 Reputation points
Posted 2008/03/07 @ 08:20AM with
I would highly recommend downloading their evaluation copy and experiments. There are numerous advantages over traditional drawing software you mention and they are not limited just to the heuristic evaluation process. I must stress that I am NOT affiliated with Axure in any way shape or form, and am just a practitioner who is always seeking to improve the value, quality (and yes, as a consultant, also the profitability) of my work. Best Regards – Ezra