How will you test if your specification was a success? Typical testing methods include:

• Survey of people’s opinion’s - what questions would be asked, set up the form or template (subjective)
• Timing how long an operation takes - what data would be collected and how to record it (objective)
• Checklist for Visually or aurally inspecting final product - Spreadsheet with list of what is to be observed etc (subjective)
• Observation of users to see how quickly they learn to use the new system, how often they need help or make errors (subjective)
• Stress-testing: Use the product or solution in ways that would be expected in real-life operation (objective or subjective)
• Inspection: Weigh it or measure it - Specification table with tolerances (objective)
• Comparison: Comparing the product with existing products in the marketplace noting strengths and weaknesses (objective or subjective)

How will you design a survey that doesn't lead the target audience to the answers you want them to say? Objective language and choices may just help.

This survey is a good example of how you could test your ideas or concept sketches with a sample group of your target audience.