There has been a strong drive for testing services in South Africa. What has been overlooked is the need for more testable requirements and user friendlier systems. When we explain to a client that testing cannot improve the quality they looked amazed. “What it can do,” we continue, “is report on current levels of quality.” These levels of quality may be established early through more testable requirements and user focused requirements definition.
System usability (user focused requirements and testing) is one of the most under utilised methodologies in the South African software quality context. It holds the power to optimise business processes and to reduce redundancies. By identifying user design flaws before system implementation end-users typically reach their desired results quicker and easier.
Other benefits from system usability include:
* Minimising risk of releasing the poor quality products with major usability deficiencies and having the end-user (customer) find the flaws.
* Minimising costs relating to service and support calls.
* Becoming reputable for your products as high quality and easy to use.
The impact of poor system usability
Poor system usability has the ability to damage an organisation's reputation and credibility by frustrating end-users and promoting lengthy business processes. Research has shown that most Web site users never visit the same page if they are unable to achieve their intended goal within the first seven seconds of browsing.
Why is usability essential for user acceptance?
In South Africa it appears that few key project stakeholders have an understanding of the importance of introducing a usability approach. By employing simple but efficient usability techniques during the design and build phases, users can then focus on system functionality. Thus reducing costly design flaws and difficult to use systems.
Adopt an effective usability solution
System usability does not need to be a costly and lengthy exercise. System usability efforts can be run parallel to the typical software development cycle. This will have no impact on tight implementation schedules and may yield more results than anticipated.
By implementing an independent view on usability at each stage of system development will not only increase profitability, but put you on par with world-class systems.
For more information about QA Consultants and its solutions and services, visit www.qualityassuring.co.za.
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