How to Conduct a Cognitive Walkthrough

A cognitive walkthrough evaluates how users interact with a computer interface. You may use a cognitive walkthrough to debug a system, or use it to evaluate how well a system interacts with its users. In any case, you get a better idea of how well a system works after you conduct your cognitive walkthrough.

Instructions

1. Determine a small test group and the cost. Multiply the number of workers involved in the test by their hourly wage. Multiply that number by the length of the test. This number should be significantly lower than if you were to perform a more expensive evaluation.

2. Select the portion of the computer interface you are going to evaluate. You may choose to evaluate a part of it or the entire program.

3. Identify the problems you hope to isolate. They may include language, technical, illustrations, procedural steps or a combination of these.

4. Create the set of questions you are going to ask the test group. Decide if the questions are going to allow subjective answers or strictly objective answers. If you choose to do strictly objective answers, consider allowing the test group to write any comments or suggestions it might have.

5. Administer the test to the group. Isolate the testers so they don't distract each other.

6. Analyze the results. Your task analysis test determines immediately if there are any flaws or bugs in the system.

7. Make any necessary corrections to the system. If time and money allow, repeat the process with a different test group.