Cognitive Walkthrough

From GSLISWiki

A technique for evaluating a system, more specifically its interface. A high speed low cost method that can be done prior to user testing to catch some of the more egregious usability errors. Mostly addresses problems that a new user would have with learning how to use the application.

It involves taking a task and stepping through the system considering exactly what the user would need to know o be able to do the correct step.

Useful reference: Wharton et al. The cognitive walkthrough method: a practitioner's guide. In: Usability Inspection Methods. J. Nielsen, R.L. Mack (Eds), (1994) John Wiley & Sons p. 105-125.