The software is done but only the developer can speak its language – a terrible scenario. This is fortunately not often the case, but more than a few users know this feeling. How does this happen?
We need to separate those involved into two groups: developers and users. The first group is behind scenes while the other finds itself center stage.
Developers understand the computer and its processes, but end users are simply looking for workflow relief. How can we bring this all together? We have to talk to each other, and not just when the software is finished, when it could already be too late. We need to communicate when a project starts, during its evolution, and when the first iterations are being tested.
Regarding testing – A developer should carefully observe the user, what the user does when using the software as well as what he or she is trying to do. Why can’t the user find the right button? Based on this knowledge, the developer should adapt the software to improve the user’s experience.
