Knowledge based simulation models as an aid to product testing for usability

摘要

The paper describes a knowledge based simulation of users of telephones. The goals of the simulation are to facilitate communication between product engineers and testers and make predictions of some aspects of usability. The principles of design are described and the operation of the simulation is described in detail. It is shown that, although difficult, generic components of user simulations can be identified under special circumstances and useful simulations can be built. Practical and fundamental problems are discussed which are applicable to a wide range of knowledge based simulations.