[Tfug] Why not do usability research?

[P. Allen Trevethan, Jr.]

Extremely interesting idea... How do you agree on the Linux distro and
environment -- both very important to useability... The best and worst
thing about linux is the amount of choice that is offered. :)

> 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.
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