Evaluating the future development options for Ozlab

Abstract: The Ozlab user-test facility at Karlstad University needs to be reprogrammed. This paper will be used as a decision support document for the redesigning. Ozlab is currently depending on a discontinued software, the learning curve is too steep for new users and there are a number of flaws in the system that force the user to take detours to complete some simple tasks. Ozlab uses the Wizard-of-Oz technique. The Wizard-of-Oz technique is a method used for conducting user tests on prototypes with no functionality; instead a “wizard” controlling the test person’s computer from the next room provides the interaction. There are no general Wizard-supporting tools in the world except for Ozlab. When developing the solution for Ozlab it is important to keep this unique concept, but make the Ozlab system fit for the future and long term sustainable.   For this paper, interviews with different kinds of users were conducted to map what is most important for them in a future Ozlab. Moreover, reliance on other programs and file formats than the present ones is also discussed. These other programs and file formats are evaluated on how well they support the optimal workflow for creating and testing a prototype in Ozlab. Recommendations are made with the conclusion that an XML-based solution is the most appropriate option, because the biggest concerns are to make Ozlab as independent from software and file formats as possible, and to make sure that maintenance is easy. Other solutions discussed are based on the Adobe Photoshop software and the HTML5 format.