There are times when you’re striving for a usable design, and no matter what you try, your attempt just fails to cut the mustard.  Everyone has a difference of opinion as to what should be done to fix it and you’re stuck there trying to think of a sensible improvement.  What to do? Time to call on a technique I like to call “Do an impromptu usability session with colleagues who haven’t seen this type of functionality before”, or DAIUSWCWHSTTOFB for short.

A design for filtering objects in one of our applications is just such an occasion.  This has gone through a number of iterations, which all technically work, but could hardly be called the definitive behaviour that we’re looking for.  This is a small part of the application and at this stage it doesn’t warrant an external user usability trial, so instead, it’s a trawl around the office to recruit likely victims for a quick 5 minute filtering foray.

Plucking victims from their desk can be tricky, but I tempt them with stories of gold, attractive members of the opposite sex, and of course, dancing llamas.  None can resist the temptation and willingly follow me to my desk.  Fools.  Sadly, this cunning ruse will not last long, so I need to be quick.  As they approach within 4 feet (and it becomes clear that I’ve lied mercilessly to entice them over) I hit them with the test.  Reeling from the suddenness of my invitation, they begrudgingly agree.  Muhahahaha [Evil laugh].  I win again.  Ahem.

20 minutes and 4 victims later, the arguing about whether the design works can be brought to a climactic climax.  It still doesn’t.  *sobs*  However, with renewed behavioural ammunition, it’s back to the proverbial drawing board to knock up another attempt.  By gosh, when we’re done, this is going to be one fantabulous filter.  A filter so magnificent that we might even attract a flock of admiring dancing llamas – maybe even ones that know the fox trot…

*simper*

Auntie Mavis.