Co-operative Evaluation

Motivation: The co-operative evaluation is a collaborative effort between the designers and users to identify difficulties with the operation of the EasyTrim. From this we can identify issues which did not present themselves in the questionnaire and also measure qualitative data regarding the usage of the product.

Planning the Session: The session is carried out in a structured way although every effort is taken to ensure the interaction is comfortable and natural.

1. Recruit user.
2. Prepare a realistic task on the user’s own premises. The user was asked not to do any pruning in their garden for at least two weeks before the session. This allows time for adequate over-growth to occur. Performing the task in familiar surroundings is pivotal to gauging how the product will perform in real life situations.
3. The user is asked a series of pre-set questions about the product before starting their task and is invited to raise any questions that they may have with the designer.
4. The gardening session is conducted and all comments are recorded for later reference. Unexpected events are also noted as well as general observations which may be useful to the design team. A break is offered if the user appears fatigued.
5. A post session interview is carried out with preset questions.
6. User discusses their likes and dislikes with the product and raises any other issues.
7. User is thanked for their co-operation.