This class is a practical and in-depth review of the methods used in user testing as it pertains to design prototype evaluations and trade studies. The class includes lectures covering the types of usability testing that can be used to assess design prototypes, review of the various measures and metrics that can be collected.  Essentially this is a class on how to perform trade study evaluations and use the collected data to inform final design selection and decision making.

The course is based around a class project which demonstrates how to evaluate and pick the best of different hypothetical design prototypes. It is a fun example which is done using video games and different types of video game controllers.

The three different prototypes of video game controller will be evaluated by having students perform a task (such as playing a video game) while using each type of controller, and collecting human factors metrics such as time on task, error rates, and more.

The class goes over how to analyze the data collected, reach design decisions on which prototype to move forward with, and finally how to present the data to a customer or manager.

This class is designed to be practical, fun, and interactive, with a directly translatable skill set to real-world design and human factor related challenges.