How Does User Feedback to Video Prototypes Compare to that Obtained in a Home Simulation Laboratory?

This paper compares the user feedback obtained from viewing a video prototype of a domestic Ambient Intelligence application called MatchMaker to that obtained by evaluating the user experience in a home simulation laboratory. The video was reverse engineered, from the final application to ensure that it provides a valid representation of the system tested in the lab. The comparison indicates that video prototypes give results consistent with the laboratory evaluation. It seems to be harder to uncover issues of appropriation of the technology as only a narrow and typically normative use of it is shown on a video prototype. Given the ease with which feedback from many people can be collected, video prototyping seems better able to identify variety of contextual factors that may influence acceptance and use of the intended system.