[Tfug] Why not do usability research?

[Justin Zeigler]

I sat and read the thread that flowed forth from Tyler's message, and I
have my views on it, but those don't really matter.  I have an idea, that
could present empirical information on usability of UI's and OS's....

As a preamble to this, MacOS will most likely need to be precluded due 
to cost.  Also, think this idea through, I believe it is possible.  If
this kind of thing does happen, I think the methods will be different 
than presented here.  Hey, you gotta start somewhere :)

Setup:
We advertise in newspapers and free circulars the need for 6 multi
person homes that as of yet have no computer.  The offer is for a free
computer, with support, for participating in the study. They need to be
able to afford the services of an ISP

Premise:
We set these 6 households up with a 'OS clean' computer, and have them
all come in at one time for an install.  Each of the 6 would have Three
designated people, one to support(advocate), one to observe(detractor), 
and one to report(agnostic).  Three would install Windows XP and Three 
would install a GNU/Linux (Distribution decided by the support person). 

After the installs, support would be limited to 2 hours per week over 
the telephone, and 1 hour per week on site.  Support is always handled 
by both the advocate and detractor who would log the support incident 
for the agnostic to file a report on. For telephone support, 3 way 
calling would be necessary. In all support situations, the detractor is 
to simply there to observe, and not assist.

Results:
We report on the results after the install and at the end; 1 week, 
1 month, 3 months and 1 year.  At the end of the year, the study would
be complete.

Variation:
We provide the 6 with reinstalled systems.

Materials and People:
We would need 6 /nearly/ equal computer systems, I would suggest low end
Durons or Celerons with 128MB ram, at least a 10GB Hard Drive, a CD-RW
and 17" monitor. 

3 copies of Microsoft Windows XP (home or pro? I don't know)
3 Linux Distributions.

12 'OS' for the desktop Advocates.
6 people who are undecided/agnostic on desktop OS.
6 Households (Preferably: 2 Retired couple, 2 New Family, 2 Single
parent homes)


I think that covers the idea... I am willing to put up a computer, half 
the cost of Windows XP, and all three Linux Distributions. 

Windows XP Professional is about $200 for a fresh license, and the
systems should cost less than $200 each (and considering the parts we
could round up, much less). Considering this, we would need
approximately (Win XP 200X3, Computers 200*6) $1800. I am on the record
for $300, so we only need $1500 more to conduct this study, and I am
willing to bet that we could get donations for it from the Linux Zealots
of the world (and maybe a few windows ones) who think that their OS will
win.  

I do Believe that TFUG is capable of performing a study such as this,
due to the fact that the majority of people are 'Best Tool for the Task', 
and not system zealots (myself excluded of course :) ).

-- 
Justin Zeigler
Human, and all around person

Religion is like alcohol, in moderation it can make you feel tingly 
all over, but when you have to much, you start pissing people off.