I was at the Usability Test Lab set up at the Emerson Exchange trying to find out why we have a lab in the middle of a conference.

John AllWein was my host and he explained how they were engaging close to 100 users in testing some of the prototype technology, innovations, softwares, HMI that Emerson are currnetly developing. There were Emerson developers from the various Businesses interacting, observing taking in feedback from customers getting test driving some of the latest stuff from the Emerson design centers from all across the globe. There were application softwares, operator displays, user manuals and doc from Wireless, Tank Radar, Mobile Worker Solution, DeltaV Executive Portals and Flow computers lay out across the room. Customers, developers and product marketers formed a team of three in these test drive discovery sessions. While the user was engaging in deep conversation with the developer, the product marketer would be taking note exactly how the user was using, clicking and struggling (sometimes...) with the prototype. Camcorders were used to capture every movement and conversations, smiles and frowns included.

While I was there with John, I heard remarks like,

"but my supervisor would need me to know that although I may be bothered at this point!"

"this may be logical from a software interface perspective but it would not be how I would actually use it..."

Now these are inputs that one can only hear from users...Real Heros who are facing the daily challenges in their plants. And I am glad we are getting input from them. I am also impressed by the fact that once the interaction/conversation has been initiated, the Emerson folks tend to let the users lead and rive the session - because they would know what really matter.

I left the lab feeling rather proud to be an Emerson employee....

I left there feeling rather proud being an Emerson employee.