The Future of AutoCAD… Design Validation and Usability!

You can contribute to the design and usability of future AutoCAD releases by participating in design validation and usability studies.

Design validation sessions are typically conducted early in the design of a new AutoCAD release. During these sessions, users are presented with concepts regarding future functionality and asked to share their thoughts. Does the idea make sense? Does it seem useful? What would make it more valuable? Most design validation sessions are conducted in person with small groups of AutoCAD users (5 to 12 participants per session) around the world. Additional design validation sessions are conducted via the Web using Web conferencing tools such as Microsoft Live Meeting (1 to 5 participants per session).

Usability studies are typically conducted later in the design of new AutoCAD functionality and continue even after the software is released. During these sessions, users might be presented with low fidelity prototypes (paper/Powerpoint mock-ups) or partially functional software. Rather than being told what the functionality is supposed to do, users are asked to describe how they expect the tools will work or, in the case of functional software, they are asked to perform tasks using the new functionality.

The participation of AutoCAD users is crucial to the successful design and development of new software functionality. You don’t have to be an expert to participate in design validation and usability sessions because feedback from users of all levels of experience is welcomed and valued.

If you want to influence the future of AutoCAD, you can do so by signing up for a My Feedback account at myfeedback.autodesk.com. With access to My Feedback and the Usability zone, you can view detailed information including compensation and schedules for upcoming design validation and usability studies.

If you already have an account at myfeedback.autodesk.com, you can add USABILITY to your list of zones.

1. Go to myfeedback.autodesk.com.
2. Log on using the username and password you were provided.
3. Select the User button.
   
4. Add USABILITY to your list of Beta Codes.
5. Choose Save.

After you add USABILITY to your Beta Code list, your request will be evaluated by the Autodesk Beta team.  If you are accepted, you will receive an email welcoming you to the zone and you will see the new zone (Usability Studies) the next time you log in.

If you do not yet have an account at myfeedback.autodesk.com, you can request one.

1. Go to myfeedback.autodesk.com.
2. Click on the Sign Up link.
   
3. Enter USABILITY for the beta code.
   
4. Fill in the required information.
5. Select Submit at the bottom of the form.

After you submit your request to sign up for a My Feedback account with access to the Usability zone, your request will be evaluated by the Autodesk Beta team.  If you are accepted you will receive an email with your username and password, welcoming you to the portal. You will receive a second email welcoming you to the Usability zone.

Once you see Usability in your list of available zones, you can click on the Usability Studies link. You will be prompted to read and accept the user agreement before you can view the Usability Studies information.

1. From the MyFeedback Zones list, select Usability Studies. The User Agreement is displayed the first time you access a new zone.
2. Read the User Agreement and then select I Accept (at the bottom of the page).

Autodesk Design Validation and Usability Studies are a great way for you to influence the development of AutoCAD and get a sneak peek at the future!