C H A P T E R 1

Newton and Its Users

“If we can locate the trouble spots, then we can go back and improve the product.”

“Remember, we’re testing the product, not you.”

2. Tell the participant that it’s OK to quit at any time.

Never leave this step out. Make sure you inform participants that they can quit at any time if they find themselves becoming uncomfortable. Partici- pants shouldn’t feel like they’re locked into completing tasks. Say some- thing like this:

“Although I don’t know of any reason for this to happen, if you should become uncomfortable or find this test objectionable in any way, you are free to quit at any time.”

3.Talk about the equipment in the room.

Explain the purpose of each piece of equipment (hardware, software, video camera, tape recorder, microphones, and so forth) and how it will be used in the test.

4.Explain how to think aloud.

Ask participants to think aloud during the observation, saying what comes to mind as they work. By listening to participants think and plan, you’ll be able to examine their expectations for your product as well as their intentions and their problem-solving strategies. You’ll find that listening to users as they work provides you with an enormous amount of useful information that you can get in no other way.

Some people feel awkward or self-conscious about thinking aloud. Explain why you want participants to think aloud and demonstrate how to do it. For example, you could say something like this:

“We have found that we get a great deal of information from these informal tests if we ask people to think aloud as they work through the exercises.”

“It may be a bit awkward at first, but it’s really very easy once you get used to it. All you have to do is speak your thoughts as you work. If you forget to think aloud, I’ll remind you to keep talking. Would you like me to demonstrate?”

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Involve Users in the Design Process

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Apple 2 manual Tell the participant that it’s OK to quit at any time, Talk about the equipment in the room
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2 specifications

The Apple II is a defining product in the history of personal computing, first introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer, Inc. Designed by Steve Wozniak, the Apple II was one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products and played a significant role in bringing personal computers into homes and schools.

One of the Apple II's standout features was its color graphics capability. It was one of the first personal computers to provide color output, thanks to its built-in video interface. The initial model supported a resolution of 280x192 pixels with a palette of 6 colors, which allowed for vibrant visuals that set it apart from contemporaries like the monochrome Altair 8800.

The Apple II was notable for its open architecture. This design allowed users to expand the computer's capabilities easily through a series of expansion slots. Users could add floppy disk drives, additional memory, and various peripheral devices, making the system highly adaptable to individual needs. This encouraged a thriving ecosystem of third-party hardware and software, which contributed to its popularity.

Another significant feature was its use of the 6502 microprocessor. This 8-bit CPU was not only affordable but also powerful for its time, allowing the Apple II to run various applications efficiently. Along with a built-in keyboard and an innovative plastic case that housed its components, the design was user-friendly and appealing.

The Apple II also introduced the concept of “bootable software” through the use of floppy disks. The disk operating system (DOS) allowed users to store and run multiple programs without having to reload software manually, providing a level of convenience that had not been widely available before. Key software like VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet program, helped boost sales, showcasing the Apple II's utility in business and education environments.

The computer was also well-known for its early adoption of BASIC programming language. Apple provided an operating system that supported Applesoft BASIC, which enabled users, including students, to write their programs, further fostering a community of developers.

In summary, the Apple II's color graphics, open architecture, powerful 6502 processor, innovative use of floppy disks, and support for BASIC programming made it a revolutionary product in its time. Its legacy laid the groundwork for future personal computers and established Apple as a leader in the burgeoning tech industry. The Apple II remains an iconic symbol of the early personal computing era, reflecting a generation's transition into a digitally connected world.
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