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Related Tools

Related Tools.

These tools are not evaluation methods. However, when used in tandem with inquiry, inspection and testing they are great for trying out new ideas. They are a crucial part of an iterative design process.



Affinity Diagrams


  1. Form a team (four to six people).
  2. Describe the issue/purpose statement.
  3. Generate idea cards...PostIt notes.
  4. Tack cards to wall in no particular order.
  5. Sort cards into group. Just use your gut reactions for where the cards should go. No one speaks during this phase of the process.
  6. Create header cards.
  7. Draw the Affinity Diagram. Connect related groups with lines.

Blind Voting

Blind voting is when everyone participating in a voting session cannot view the votes of other participants, until all votes have been cast. It is a way for groups to vote on issues without the votes influencing others. Blind voting is often implemented as an electronic meeting system.



Thinking Aloud Protocol

Thinking aloud is when users speak out their thoughts, feelings, and opinions while they are performing an assigned task. Thinking aloud helps you understand how users use your Web site and what considerations users keep in mind when using it. Thinking aloud gives insight into cognitive processes.

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