Ensure usability

The most important information is amassed before the actual design and implementation begins. Base the entire product concept on verified user needs and requirements. When asked, users want many things, but often these things are not what they need to reach their goals. When making design and implementation decisions, remember that the point of the application is to allow users to reach their goals efficiently and smoothly.

During development, control usability with expert evaluations and user testing. Use early design alternatives and product prototypes to verify the design with users and to identify problems early in the process. The earlier design flaws are discovered, the cheaper and easier it is to fix them.

There is a crucial moment, usually soon after the user has purchased a new device, when the majority of application downloads are made. It is at that point that a poorly designed or implemented product can have a huge impact on the user’s initial experience. Getting the "Usability Issue" right or wrong will influence many future buying decisions – a positive experience encourages the user to purchase applications again.

The best way to ensure the quality of the product is to define a proper development process that includes the user perspective. For more information on the application development process, see the Quality section in Forum Nokia.

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