Research

Cognitive Walkthrough

Cognitive walkthroughs pinpoint learnability issues in designs. You walk through tasks step-by-step. At each step, ask: "Would a new user know what to do?" This reveals problems before user testing.

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
2-4
Category
Research
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will:

  • Systematically evaluate interface learnability.

  • Rigorously apply cognitive walkthrough methodology.

  • Identify points where new users struggle.

  • Document issues with clear diagnostic information.

  • Generate actionable recommendations for improvement.

Participants will:

  • Identify learnability issues for first-time users.

  • Create step-by-step documentation of user struggles.

  • Develop actionable improvements for onboarding.

  • Reduce user frustration.

Consider these points:

  • Think like a first-time user. Resist using expert knowledge.

  • Be rigorous with each question at each step.

  • Don't assume users read instructions. Even if they should.

  • Consider error recovery, not just the ideal path.


The Four Questions:

  1. Will the user try to achieve the right effect?

  2. Will the user notice the correct action is available?

  3. Will the user associate the action with the effect?

  4. If the correct action is performed, will the user see progress?


  1. Preparation (20 minutes):

Define the user profile (knowledge, goals).
 Identify representative tasks.
Document the correct action sequence for each task.
 Prepare walkthrough documentation forms.

  1. Task Walkthrough (60 minutes per task):

For each step in the task, ask:
Will the user try to achieve the right effect?
 Will the user notice the correct action is available?
Will the user associate the correct action with the desired effect?
 If the correct action is performed, will the user see progress?

  1. Issue Documentation (20 minutes):

Record issues found at each step.
 Note which question(s) failed.
Describe the expected user confusion.
 Suggest potential solutions.

  1. Synthesis (20 minutes):

Compile all issues across tasks.
 Prioritize by frequency and severity.
Group by interface location or pattern.
 Create remediation recommendations.

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For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

Unlock Pre-Work Requirements

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  • Interface access (prototype or production)

  • Task sequence documentation

  • Cognitive walkthrough forms with questions

  • Note-taking templates

  • Issue tracking spreadsheet

  • Priority matrix

Unlock Materials Required

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