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Table 4 Components of alpha testing

From: Developing a patient decision aid for the treatment of women with early stage breast cancer: the struggle between simplicity and complexity

  

Definition

Criteria

Patients

Comprehensibility [24]

The way the information is understandable

• The information on this website is described clearly.

• The language used on this website is easy to grasp (simplicity).

• The information on this website is easy to understand.

Patients & Professionals

Usability [23]

The extent to which a product is used by a specific group to achieve certain goals effectively, efficiently and satisfactorily in a particular context

• The system keeps users informed about what is going on.

• The system speaks the users’ language, with words, phrases and concepts familiar to the user.

• A clearly marked ‘emergency exit’ to leave the unwanted state without having to go through an extended dialogue.

• Users should not have to wonder whether different words, situations, or actions mean the same thing.

• A design which prevents a problem from occurring.

• The users’ memory load is minimised by showing objects, actions and options.

• Instructions for use of the system should be visible or easily retrievable whenever appropriate.

• Content should not include information which is irrelevant or rarely needed.

• Provide help and documentation if needed.

Professionals

Acceptability [25]

Suitable to meet a need, a requirement or standard

• The information is understandable.

• The information is experienced as complete.

• The length of the information is adequate.

• There is a balanced presentation of information.

• Overall, the website is suitable.