Cognitive Walkthrough
Cognitive Walkthrough is a usability inspection method used to evaluate the usability of a product or system through the lens of the user’s cognitive processes. This method involves a set of structured tasks and scenarios, where evaluators walk through the product or system to identify potential usability issues that may cause user errors or confusion. The goal is to identify possible barriers to effective interaction and to improve the user experience.
When to use
Cognitive Walkthrough can be used in the early stages of product development, as well as during later stages of usability testing. This method is useful when trying to identify usability issues that may not be immediately apparent, such as when there is a mismatch between the user’s mental model and the system’s design.
Pros
- Relatively simple and cost-effective method that can be conducted with a small group of evaluators. It can help identify potential usability issues before they become major problems, saving time and resources in the long run.
- This method can provide valuable insights into the user’s thought processes, helping designers to create products that are more intuitive and easy to use.
Cons
- Cognitive Walkthrough is a subjective method that relies on the evaluator’s interpretation of the user’s mental processes.
- Can be time-consuming and require significant expertise in the domain being evaluated.
- May not be effective at identifying all types of usability issues, particularly those related to user behavior and preferences.
Learn more in the User Research: Comprehensive Guide article.