Tag Archive for: usability testing

A Guide to Trainings

As a recent addition to the Design Science team, I know that there is a steep learning curve when it comes to the specific tools and skills needed for usability testing. There’s a lot to learn, from the nuances of interview styles and follow-up questioning to the requirements of study documentation and reporting. Thankfully, an effective training program can make all the difference when navigating this curve.

What makes a good training program? How do you prepare for one? Are all trainings created equal? Read more

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Testing Abroad: Lessons from the Field

Conducting usability studies abroad is an exciting opportunity for researchers. For those who get to travel to new places, you get to see another part of the world, eat new foods, and learn new customs. There are many resources available with tips and suggestions on how to plan an international trip—but planning a vacation abroad and planning a usability study abroad are two different things. Read more

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MDO Article: The Value Of Eye-Tracking Software In Medical Device Usability Testing

When conducting usability testing, moderators rely heavily upon observations and interviews in order to evaluate medical devices. However, as Data & Systems Analyst Mahajabin Rahman points out in Design Science’s most recent article for MedDeviceOnline, the use of eye-tracking software can support these methods with objective, real-time data. Read more

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MDO Article: Staying Dry: How To Limit Wet Injections In Auto-Injector Design

In Design Science’s most recent guest column for MedDeviceOnline, Analyst Bryon Calawa examines the challenges that researchers face when evaluating auto-injectors in usability studies. Read more

Picture: Grid of different images showing usability testing

MDO Article: “Achieving Realism In Human Factors Work: How To Stay Out Of Fantasy Land”

Designing usability studies that are “representative” is not only necessary for valid data, it’s also an FDA requirement. Chad Uy shares some methods for maintaining realism to ensure representative usability studies in his recent article for Med Device Online.

Image: Flowchart

MDO Article: “How To Know You’ve Passed Validation Testing (And What To Do If You Haven’t)”

Understanding the ramifications of less-than-perfect validation testing results can be complex. In his recent article for Med Device Online, Peter Sneeringer presents 6 questions to help companies decide if errors seen during testing indicate a likelihood that the FDA will reject their submission.
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FDA to Accept Applications for Expedited Medical Device Approval

On April 15th, the Food and Drug Administration will begin accepting applicants through its new Expedited Access Premarket Approval Application for Unmet Medical Needs for Life Threatening or Irreversibly Debilitating Diseases or Conditions (“Expedited Access PMA” or “EAP”). Read more

Now Hiring: Research Associates

Are you passionate about working collaboratively to make a felt difference in the world? At Design Science we have one mission – fitting products to people.

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Hi from Sunny California!

Design Science is so very happy to officially announce the opening of our San Francisco Bay Area office—and we have just retrieved the keys!

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Achieving Realism in HF Work—How to Stay out of Fantasy Land

We attended the HFES Healthcare Symposium in Chicago last month. Among the highlights were hearing keynote speaker Lisa Sanders talk about how the TV show House relates to Human Factors, taking a tour of the GfK facilities, seeing our own Steve Wilcox present on the future of Medical Devices, and presenting our poster on Realism in Product Design.

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