When a system or context is investigated by using real users. User studies are often regarded as being the gold standard form of evaluation, but may not always be possible, for example, if the intended users are difficult to contact or a vulnerable group.
Also used in hcistats2e: Chap. 1: pages 3, 11, 14, 15, 17; Chap. 3: pages 34, 35; Chap. 4: page 49; Chap. 5: page 64; Chap. 8: pages 88, 98; Chap. 12: page 134; Chap. 13: pages 152, 158
Also known as: user study, user test, user testing, user trial, user-testing
Used in glossary entries: user studies