case study Unwrapping the Computer

	see Chapter 9 Evaluation In the early 1990s, IBM UK had a usability lab, which was advanced for the time. The lab had two-way mirrors, video recording equipment etc., things that are now standard. However, it was the videos of real use that were most fascinating. In one example they had the lab set up like the couner ina parts-depot, and were testing out some form of new inventory software. Another was even more memorable. The lab was setup like a standard office, with desk, chairs, etc. and a box ... with a brand new computer in it. Behind the glass was the tester, the engineers and designers. In the lab, a test user attempted to open the box. The designers initially laughed and joked as the user failed to get the computer even out of the box. Eventually the laughter gave way to embarrassment, and the designers went into the lab and themselves struggled for ten minutes before eventually cutting the box away. They then retired back into the anti-room, while the user began to read through the installation instructions. "remove the floppy disk from the envelope" This was the days of old 5 1/4 " floppy disks: the user carefully peeled the black envelope open, and removed the round shiny magnetic disk from its cover.       The next instructon read: "insert disk into slot in computer" As the thin disk buckled, too late the user realised his mistake, and began to stuff it back into the black plastic casing ... The designers learnt a lesson they would never forget.   Alan Dix © 2017