Efficient methods for rapid evaluation of television (TV) interaction devices are missing. This thesis presents how the Cognitive Walkthrough method can be modified to suit the demands of engineers in a development process. Moreover, the thesis also investigates how Personas can be applied to support the Cognitive Walkthrough method. The Modified Cognitive Walkthrough method was applied and tested in an actual development project on remote control design. The study suggests that the method can detect usability problems on TV interaction devices at an early stage of development. Further, the results indicate that it is easy to understand the method and apply it as part of the engineering practices.

There are a several methods to evaluate usability of systems with graphical user interfaces (GUIS). However, effective methods for evaluating non-GUI interaction devices in the domain of Interactive Television are presently not available. This thesis presents a modified Heuristic Evaluation method for rapid inspection of non-GUI TV-interaction devices such as remote controls. Additionally, to enable the evaluators to more easily think from a user perspective when performing the evaluation, the persona method was also evaluated for use in this domain. The modified Heuristic Evaluation method was evaluated in an actual development project where engineers applied the method on remote control prototypes. The result suggests that the method can be used effectively by engineers and that it identifies usability problems appropriately. The persona approach seemed to provide little support to the engineers in terms of evaluating this type product.