Y11 Design Study Guide End of Year Exam

What content will be assessed? Knowledge of different types of testing strategies (see below) and when they should be used. Which skills will be assessed? Ability to develop detailed testing methods that could be used to evaluate the success of a product against specific parameters and constraints Ability to develop detailed yet concise instructions that another person can follow and generate the same data Ability to correctly select the appropriate testing strategy Ability to clearly describe the testing methods to ascertain the level of success Ability to write a success criteria for each parameter and constraint Which criteria and strands will be assessed? Criterion D: Evaluating - design detailed and relevant testing methods, which generate data, to measure the success of a given product

Field Research

Field research is used to observe and understand how people interact with a product in its intended environment. It is the most authentic way of understanding how the target market will interact with a product. The tester does not provide any instructions for how the product should be used, other than those provided with the product in the user manual. The tester is a passive participant in the process, they can not help the user or answer any questions. For example, field research for a vacuum cleaner would involve the tester observing someone from the target market using the vacuum cleaner to clean their own apartment. This contrasts with observing someone using the product in a testing laboratory or walking a user through a step by step process.

User Observation

In a user observation, a tester gives people in the target market an outcome to achieve with a product, but does not give specific instructions and explain how to actually use the product. This test is carried out in a laboratory setting. User observations are used when the tester wants to understand how intuitive a product is to use. The tester does not usually ask questions during the user observation.

User Trial

In a user trial, the tester gives a specific set of instructions to people in the target market and asks them to use the product while following the instructions. While they use the product, any difficulties they experience are noted down. The tester might ask questions during or after the test. The test would be carried out in a testing laboratory, not in the intended environment the product would be used in.

Performance Test

Performance tests are similar to a science experiment where quantitative data is collected. These tests are carried out in a testing laboratory. If a tester wanted to check the property of a material (toughness, hardness, tensile strength,  or confirm a measurement (size, weight, etc.) then a performance test would be carried out. The result of the test would give data to the tester to confirm what they are trying to find out.

Expert Appraisal

Expert appraisals are used when the opinions and views about a product are sought from a person with specific knowledge and understanding about a subject. This person or organisation needs to be highly trained, experienced and qualified in this specific area. For example, a vet (veterinarian) might be asked for their opinion on a new product aimed at pets. Their opinion would then be used to substantiate claims made about the product and to develop consumer confidence.

Questionnaires / Survey

Questionnaires and surveys are used to gather qualitative data about feelings and opinions from a target market. They are useful for collecting a large swath of data from multiple users. Using a Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) helps to assess opinions, attitudes, or behaviors.