FAQ Usability

What is the SAP Usability Program?

Our goal is to help SAP produce world-class products by concentrating on users and supporting developers through various usability activities such as site visits, usability tests, focus groups, user interviews, and questionnaires.

Why is usability testing and user experience research important?

Usability testing and user experience research is required to produce software applications that focus on users' needs. While a software program might work, usability research gathers user feedback and experience to create a product that is enjoyable for you, the user.

What is a usability test?

Typically you are asked to complete certain objectives or tasks to help identify the application's strengths and weaknesses. A member of the user experience group will sit with you as you go through the application or interface being tested.

What is a focus group?

In a focus group, four to nine users meet together to discuss new concepts and identify existing issues with a particular application or product.

Where are usability tests or focus groups conducted?

Usability activities are currently conducted at our offices in Palo Alto, Boston, and Germany as well as at selected SAP conferences.

What is a site visit?

An SAP employee(s) will visit you at your job site. We'll talk with you to get an understanding of your daily tasks and observe you as you do your work. This enables us to get user feedback "in the moment" of doing real work. Together, we can collaborate on new ideas to improve existing products and create new ones that meet your needs.

What's the time commitment for participating in usability activities?

Typically, a usability test takes approximately one and one-half to three hours, depending on what is being tested. Both site visit interviews and focus group meetings are approximately two hours.

Who can participate in usability activities and how are users chosen? Do I have to be an expert user to participate?

Everyone can participate-you don't have to be an expert. While some tests will require users with knowledge of a specific product, others will require users with little or no product knowledge. Anyone can sign up to participate in the SAP Usability Program.

How will I be notified?

You will receive an e-mail or phone call with a test invitation including date, time, location, and test information if you are selected as a participant.

When will I be notified?

We can not guarantee a test invitation within any specified time period. Notification depends on matching your profile and experience with one of our tests.

What happens to the personal information that I submit to you? Is it kept private?

Your information will not be marketed or sold. It is kept private in our user database and is used solely for the purpose of having a pool of people to invite and assist us in creating user-centered designs.

What are the results of my participation in these tests?

All user feedback is combined into a design or product review. We then work with the development team to improve the design by incorporating your feedback.

Can I change my information in your user database?

Yes. If any of the information you've provided us has changed and you wish to make corrections, contact us with the changes so that we can update your profile in our user database.

Can I remove my name from your user database?

How can I become a participant in usability activities?

Simple-just sign up to be a part of the SAP Usability Program.

See our Participation Form.