Usability Experts Unite: The Power of Heuristic Evaluation in User Interface Design

Having a library of user research books is invaluable. Whether you’re an old hand in the field of UX research or just dipping your toes in the water, being able to reference detailed information on methods, techniques and tools will make your life much easier.

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There’s really no shortage of user research/UX reading lists online, so we wanted to do something a little different. We’ve broken our list up into sections to make finding the right book for a particular topic as easy as possible.

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General user research guides

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These books cover everything you need to know about a number of UX/user research topics. They’re great to have on your desk to refer back to – we certainly have them on the bookshelf here at Optimal Workshop.

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Observing the User Experience: A Practitioner's Guide to User Research

Mike Kuniavsky

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This book covers 13 UX research techniques in a reference format. There’s a lot of detail, making it a useful resource for people new to the field and those who just need more clarification around a certain topic. There’s also a lot of practical information that you’ll find applicable in the real world. For example, information about how to work around research budgets and tight time constraints.

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• Goodreads link

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Just Enough Research

Erika Hall

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In Just Enough Research, author Erika Hall explains that user research is something everyone can and should do. She covers several research methods, as well as things like how to identify your biases and make use of your findings. Designers are also likely to find this one quite useful, as she clearly covers the relationship between research and design.

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• Goodreads link

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Research Methods in Human-Computer Interaction

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Harry Hochheiser, Jonathan Lazar, Jinjuan Heidi Feng

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Like Observing the User Experience, this is a dense guide – but it’s another essential one. Here, experts on human-computer interaction and usability explain different qualitative and quantitative research methods in an easily understandable format. There are also plenty of real examples to help frame your thinking around the usefulness of different research methods.

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• Goodreads link

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Information architecture

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If you’re new to information architecture (IA), understanding why it’s such an important concept is a great place to start. There’s plenty of information online, but there are also several well-regarded books that make great starting points.

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Information Architecture for the World Wide Web: Designing Large-Scale Web Sites

Peter Morville, Louis Rosenfeld

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You’ll probably hear this book referred to as “the polar bear book”, just because the cover features a polar bear. But beyond featuring a nice illustration of a bear, this book clearly covers the process of creating large websites that are both easy to navigate and appealing to use. It’s a useful book for designers, information architects and user researchers.

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• Goodreads link

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How to Make Sense of Any Mess

Abby Covert

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This is a great introduction to information architecture and serves as a nice counter to the polar bear book, being much shorter and more easily digestible. Author Abby Covert explains complex concepts in a way anyone can understand and also includes a set of lessons and exercises with each chapter.

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• Goodreads link

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User interviews

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For those new to the task, the prospect of interviewing users is always daunting. That makes having a useful guide that much more of a necessity!

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Interviewing Users: How to Uncover Compelling Insights

Steve Portigal

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While interviewing users may seem like something that doesn’t require a guide, an understanding of different interview techniques can go a long way. This book is essentially a practical guide to the art of interviewing users. Author Steve Portigal covers how to build rapport with your participants and the art of immersing yourself in how other people see the world – both key skills for interviewers!

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• Goodreads link

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Usability testing

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Web usability is basically the ease of use of a website. It’s a broad topic, but there are a number of useful books that explain why it’s important and outline some of the key principles.

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Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability

Steve Krug

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Don’t Make Me Think is the first introduction to the world of UX and usability for many people, and for good reason – it’s a concise introduction to the topics and is easy to digest. Steve Krug explains some of the key principles of intuitive navigation and information architecture clearly and without overly technical language. In the latest edition, he’s updated the book to include mobile usability considerations.

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As a testament to just how popular this book is, it was released in 2000 and has since had 2 editions and sold 400,000 copies.

• Goodreads link

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Design

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The design–research relationship is an important one, even if it’s often misunderstood. Thankfully, authors like Don Norman and Vijay Kumar are here to explain everything.

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The Design of Everyday Things

Don Norman

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This book, by cognitive scientist and usability engineer Don Norman, explains how design is the communication between an object and its user, and how to improve this communication as a way of improving the user experience. If nothing else, this book will force you to take another look at the design of everyday objects and assess whether or not they’re truly user-friendly.

• Goodreads link

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101 Design Methods: A Structured Approach for Driving Innovation in Your Organization

Vijay Kumar

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A guidebook for innovation in the context of product development, this book approaches the subject in a slightly different way to many other books on the same subject. The focus here is that the practice of creating new products is actually a science – not an art. Vijay Kumar outlines practical methods and useful tools that researchers and designers can use to drive innovation, making this book useful for anyone involved in product development.

• Goodreads link

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See our list on Goodreads

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We've put together a list of all of the above books on Goodreads, which you can access here.

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Further reading

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For experienced practitioners and newcomers alike, user research can often seem like a minefield to navigate. It can be tricky to figure out which method to use when, whether you bring a stakeholder into your usability test (you should) and how much you should pay participants. Take a look at some of the other articles on our blog if you’d like to learn more.

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In the rapidly evolving world of user experience research (UXR), demonstrating value and impact has become more crucial than ever. While traditional metrics like Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) scores and Net Promoter Scores (NPS) have long been the go-to measures for UX professionals, they often fall short in capturing the full scope and depth of UXR's impact. As organizations increasingly recognize the strategic importance of user-centered design, it's time to explore more comprehensive and nuanced approaches to measuring UXR's contribution.

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Limitations of traditional metrics

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CSAT and NPS, while valuable, have significant limitations when it comes to measuring UXR impact. These metrics provide a snapshot of user sentiment but fail to capture the direct influence of research insights on product decisions, business outcomes, or long-term user behavior. Moreover, they can be influenced by factors outside of UXR's control, such as marketing campaigns or competitor actions, making it challenging to isolate the specific impact of research efforts.

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Another limitation is the lack of context these metrics provide. They don't offer insights into why users feel a certain way or how specific research-driven improvements contributed to their satisfaction. This absence of depth can lead to misinterpretation of data and missed opportunities for meaningful improvements.

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Alternative measurement approaches

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To overcome these limitations, UX researchers are exploring alternative approaches to measuring impact. One promising method is the use of proxy measures that more directly tie to research activities. For example, tracking the number of research-driven product improvements implemented or measuring the reduction in customer support tickets related to usability issues can provide more tangible evidence of UXR's impact.

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Another approach gaining traction is the integration of qualitative data into impact measurement. By combining quantitative metrics with rich, contextual insights from user interviews and observational studies, researchers can paint a more comprehensive picture of how their work influences user behavior and product success.

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Linking UXR to business outcomes

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Perhaps the most powerful way to demonstrate UXR's value is by directly connecting research insights to key business outcomes. This requires a deep understanding of organizational goals and close collaboration with stakeholders across functions. For instance, if a key business objective is to increase user retention, UX researchers can focus on identifying drivers of user loyalty and track how research-driven improvements impact retention rates over time.

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Risk reduction is another critical area where UXR can demonstrate significant value. By validating product concepts and designs before launch, researchers can help organizations avoid costly mistakes and reputational damage. Tracking the number of potential issues identified and resolved through research can provide a tangible measure of this impact.

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Case studies of successful impact measurement

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While standardized metrics for UXR impact remain elusive, some organizations have successfully implemented innovative measurement approaches. For example, one technology company developed a "research influence score" that tracks how often research insights are cited in product decision-making processes and the subsequent impact on key performance indicators.

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Another case study involves a financial services firm that implemented a "research ROI calculator." This tool estimates the potential cost savings and revenue increases associated with research-driven improvements, providing a clear financial justification for UXR investments.

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These case studies highlight the importance of tailoring measurement approaches to the specific context and goals of each organization. By thinking creatively and collaborating closely with stakeholders, UX researchers can develop meaningful ways to quantify their impact and demonstrate the strategic value of their work.

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As the field of UXR continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to measuring its impact. By moving beyond traditional metrics and embracing more holistic and business-aligned measurement strategies, we can ensure that the true value of user research is recognized and leveraged to drive organizational success. The future of UXR lies not just in conducting great research, but in effectively communicating its impact and cementing its role as a critical strategic function within modern organizations.

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Maximize UXR ROI with Optimal 

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While innovative measurement approaches are crucial, having the right tools to conduct and analyze research efficiently is equally important for maximizing UXR's return on investment. This is where the Optimal Workshop platform comes in, offering a comprehensive solution to streamline your UXR efforts and amplify their impact.

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The Optimal Platform provides a suite of user-friendly tools designed to support every stage of the research process, from participant recruitment to data analysis and insight sharing. By centralizing your research activities on a single platform, you can significantly reduce the time and resources spent on administrative tasks, allowing your team to focus on generating valuable insights.

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Key benefits of using Optimal for improving UXR ROI include:

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• Faster research cycles: With automated participant management and data collection tools, you can complete studies more quickly, enabling faster iteration and decision-making.

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• Enhanced collaboration: The platform's sharing features make it easy to involve stakeholders throughout the research process, increasing buy-in and ensuring insights are actioned promptly.

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• Robust analytics: Advanced data visualization and analysis tools help you uncover deeper insights and communicate them more effectively to decision-makers.

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• Scalable research: The platform's user-friendly interface enables non-researchers to conduct basic studies, democratizing research across your organization and increasing its overall impact.

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• Comprehensive reporting: Generate professional, insightful reports that clearly demonstrate the value of your research to stakeholders at all levels.

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By leveraging the Optimal Workshop, you're not just improving your research processes – you're positioning UXR as a strategic driver of business success. Our platform's capabilities align perfectly with the advanced measurement approaches discussed earlier, enabling you to track research influence, calculate ROI, and demonstrate tangible impact on key business outcomes.

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Ready to transform how you measure and communicate the impact of your UX research? Sign up for a free trial of the Optimal platform today and experience firsthand how it can drive your UXR efforts to new heights of efficiency and effectiveness. 

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Today, we’re thrilled to announce the arrival of the latest member of the Optimal family:  Prototype Testing! This exciting and much-requested new tool allows you to test designs early and often with users to gather fast insights, and make confident design decisions to create more intuitive and user-friendly digital experiences. 

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Optimal gives you tools you need to easily build a prototype to test using images and screens and creating clickable areas, or you can import a prototype from Figma and get testing. The first iteration of prototype testing is an open beta, and we’ll be working closely with our customers and community to gather feedback and ideas for further improvements in the months to come.

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When to use prototype testing 

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Prototype testing is a great way to validate design ideas, identify usability issues, and gather feedback from users before investing too heavily in the development of products, websites, and apps. To further inform your insights, it’s a good idea to include sentiment questions or rating scales alongside your tasks.

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Early in the design process: Test initial ideas and concepts to gauge user reactions and feelings about your conceptual solutions. 

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Iterative design phases: Continuously test and refine prototypes as you make changes and improvements to the designs. 

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Before major milestones: Validate designs before key project stages, such as stakeholder reviews or final approvals.

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Usability Testing: Conduct summative research to assess a design's overall performance and gauge real user feedback to guide future design decisions and enhancements.

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How it works 🧑🏽‍💻

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No existing prototype? No problem. We've made it easy to create one right within Optimal. Here's how:

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1. Import your visuals

Start by uploading a series of screenshots or images that represent your design flow. These will form the backbone of your prototype.

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2. Create interactive elements

Once your visuals are in place, it's time to bring them to life. Use our intuitive interface to designate clickable areas on each screen. These will act as navigation points for your test participants.

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3. Set up the flow

Connect your screens in a logical sequence, mirroring the user journey you want to test. This creates a seamless, interactive experience for your participants.

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4. Preview and refine

Before launching your study, take a moment to walk through your prototype. Ensure all clickable areas work as intended and the flow feels natural.

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The result? A fully functional prototype that looks and feels like a real digital product. Your test participants will be able to navigate through it just as they would a live website or app, providing you with authentic, actionable insights.

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By empowering you to build prototypes from scratch, we're removing barriers to early-stage testing. This means you can validate ideas faster, iterate with confidence, and ultimately deliver better digital experiences.

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Or…import your prototypes directly from Figma 

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There’s a bit of housekeeping you’ll need to do in Figma in order to provide your participants with the best testing experience and not impact loading times of the prototype. You can import a link to your Figma prototype into your study,  and it will carry across all the interactions you have set up. You’ll need to make sure your Figma presentation mode is made public in order to share the file with participants. If you make any updates to your Figma file, you can sync the changes in just one click. 

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Help Article: Find out more about how to set up your Figma file for testing

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How to create tasks 🧰

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When you set up your study, you’ll create tasks for participants to complete. 

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There are two different ways to build tasks in your prototype tests. You can set a correct destination by adding a start screen and a correct destination screen. That way, you can watch how participants navigate your design to find their way to the correct destination. Another option is to set a correct pathway and evaluate how participants navigate a product, app, or website based on the pathway sequence you set. You can add as many pathways or destinations as you like. 

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Adding post-task questions is a great way to help gather qualitative feedback on the user's experience, capturing their thoughts, feelings, and perceptions.

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Help Article: Find out how to analyze your results

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Prototype testing analysis and metrics 📊

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Prototype testing offers a variety of analysis options and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and usability of your design.  By using these analysis options and metrics, you can get comprehensive insights into your prototype's performance, identify areas for improvement, and make informed design decisions:

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Task results 

The task results provide a deep analysis at a task level, including the success score, directness score, time taken, misclicks, and the breakdown of the task's success and failure. They provide great insight into the usability of your design to achieve a task. 

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• Success score tells you the total percentage of participants who reached the correct destination or pathway that you defined for this task. It’s a good indicator of a prototype's usability. 
• Directness score is the total completed results minus the ‘indirect’ results.
• A path is ‘indirect’ when a participant backtracks, viewing the same page multiple times, or if they nominate the correct destination but don’t follow the correct pathway
• Time taken is how long it took a participant to complete your task and can be a good indicator of how easy or difficult it was to complete. 
• ‍Misclicks measure the total number of clicks made on areas of your prototype that weren’t clickable, clicks that didn’t result in a page change.

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Clickmaps

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Clickmaps provide an aggregate view of user interactions with prototypes, visualizing click patterns to reveal how users navigate and locate information. They display hits and misses on designated clickable areas, average task completion times, and heatmaps showing where users believed the next steps to be. Filters for first, second, and third page visits allow analysis of user behavior over time, including how they adapt when backtracking. This comprehensive data helps designers understand user navigation patterns and improve prototype usability.

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Participant paths 

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The Paths tab in Optimal provides a powerful visualization to understand and identify common navigation patterns and potential obstacles participants encounter while completing tasks. You can include thumbnails of your screens to enhance your analysis, making it easier to pinpoint where users may face difficulties or where common paths occured.

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Coming soon to prototyping 🔮

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Later this year, we’re running a closed beta for video recording with prototype testing. This feature captures behaviors and insights not evident in click data alone. The browser-based recording requires no plugins, simplifying setup. Consent for recording is obtained at the start of the testing process and can be customized to align with your organization's policies. This new feature will provide deeper insights into user experience and prototype usability.

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These enhancements to prototype testing offer a comprehensive toolkit for user experience analysis. By combining quantitative click data with qualitative video insights, designers and researchers can gain a more nuanced understanding of user behavior, leading to more informed decisions and improved product designs.

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Start prototype testing today