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Get users to mark your work
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Get users to mark your work
A user edit is a form of testing where you involve the user as an expert - an expert in being themselves, that is. They go through your text in the same way as any other editor, commenting on things that aren’t clear to them, or that seem irrelevant, or even where the tone of voice is off in some way.
You’re not looking for data that can demonstrate to a client that your design works. This is part of your design process.1
You can combine it with other forms of feedback, such as observation, think-aloud studies, or group discussions. Of course, these need you to be present with the participant, but they can do a user edit at home.
Some forms of user testing make the user feel they’re the ones being tested – however much you reassure them. So user edits make it very clear that it’s you who’s in the hot seat.
Research that’s part of your design process is sometimes known as formative evaluation. Research on the finished thing, perhaps to reassure the client, or compare with competitors, is summative evaluation.