The User Oriented Evaluation Process: A Process for Preserving User Needs during Iterative System Test and Evaluation

A system development process, called the User Oriented Evaluation (UOE) process, and an evaluation tool were created to place greater emphasis on user needs during computer system development. The UOE process is an iterative method for design that emphasizes the role of the user as the initiator of system requirements; evolutionary design requirement definition by enabling users and development to experiment through the use of prototypes at all phases of system design; and appropriate utilization of developer and user areas of expertise. The evaluation tool is an integral part of the UOE process and provides the ability to solicit on-line meaningful feedback from users in real-time, and a means to capture on a user's on-going experience with the computer system. The paper contains a description of the UOE process and the evaluation tool, the capabilities of each and the history of their development. 12 figs., 3 tabs.