On September 22nd, our project will be testing the preliminary user interface of the TRUSTED tool. The pilot test ensures that the TRUSTED pilots will competently evaluate the quality of the digital identity wallet (ID Wallet).
Evaluating the Prototype: Pilot Testing
The session follows a mock-up testing approach. A prototype of the TRUSTED digital identity wallet –not yet fully developed– but with a realistic representation of the interface, will be presented to a group of volunteers. The participants will test the system’s design and functions through a series of validation exercises. These will be structured tasks that simulate real-life scenarios for potential users. They will then share their impressions about the overall design and functionality.
The results of the pilot test will nurture TRUSTED’s roadmap for future pilots. This, in turn, guarantees a user-friendly development of the ID wallet. The piloting roadmap is guided by Wolniak’s (2017) framework, which frames design thinking as a sequential and iterative process consisting of five phases: Empathise, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. TRUSTED is now implementing the prototype phase, so future pilots meet the needs of participants, extract results that are ethical and as useful to the project’s goals as possible.
Evaluating the Prototype: Pilot Testing
The main goal of this pilot test is to validate the testing methodology, logistics, and instruments prior to the full pilots that will take place at the end of 2025 and beginning of 2026. This ensures that the procedures are robust, potential challenges are identified, and necessary adjustments can be made. This enhances the reliability and effectiveness of the subsequent larger-scale evaluation.
Technology is only impactful when people are able to use it. The development of the TRUSTED ID Wallet is focused on human-centered design principles: clarity, accessibility, and intuitiveness. These aspects of the wallet were the focus of Cibervoluntarios’ initial focus groups and will continue to be central to these tests and all future pilots testing the ID wallet.
Towards a User-Centered Solution
As the prototype evolves, additional rounds of testing take place to continuously validate improvements and confirm that the interface meets the needs of its potential users. As a result, TRUSTED will facilitate the adoption of privacy-preserving technologies for volunteers and healthcare workers, without sacrificing usability or effectiveness.
Wolniak, R. (2017). The Design Thinking method and its stages. Systemy Wspomagania w Inżynierii
Produkcji, 6(6), 247-255.