Where in the Design Process does the Cognitive
Walkthrough fit?
The cognitive walkthrough (CW) can be used at any
stage in the development life cycle. The method can be effectively
applied to a paper version, a software prototype, or an actual completed
system. However, it is suggested that the CW be implemented early
in the design cycle so that interface problems can be identified as early
as possible. This will presumably benefit the finished product by
allowing usability problems to be identified early on and thus corrected
before a fully functional system is completed. The results of the
CW lends itself better to software development rather than actual interface
evaluation and is therefore more useful early in the design process (Nielsen
and Mack, 1994). Therefore, although the CW can identify usability
problems (up to 50% according to Lewis et al., 1990), its results may be
more suitable in designing appropriate systems rather than post how evaluation.
Return to Main Page