Define validation metrics
Set measurable success criteria so you can prove a prototype actually works.
- Measurable vs. vague claims: A validation metric must be measurable, so you first need to tell a measurable claim from a vague one.
- Use numbers and units: A success criterion is a number with a unit, so you must be able to attach units to a measurement.
Prerequisites are inferred: pending teacher review.
Re-learn the skill with worked practice and clear examples.
A validation metric names what you measure, gives a number and unit, and states the target the prototype must hit to count as a success.
Which statement is the BEST validation metric for a one-handed pill bottle?
Approved- A.The bottle should be easy to open
- B.A user can open the bottle with one hand in under 5 seconds in 9 of 10 tries
- C.The bottle should be popular with patients
- D.The bottle should be the best on the market
Show the worked solution ▾
Answer: B. A user can open the bottle with one hand in under 5 seconds in 9 of 10 tries
- Step 1: Check for a measurable target: A metric needs something you can measure plus a number to hit.
- Step 2: Match to the choices: Only one choice gives a measurable action (open one-handed), a number and unit (under 5 seconds), and a pass target (9 of 10 tries).
Why it's right: It names a measurable task, gives a number with a unit (under 5 seconds), and sets a clear pass target (9 of 10), so it can be tested fairly.
- A: 'Easy to open' has no number to measure.
- C: 'Popular' is an opinion, not a measured success criterion.
- D: 'Best on the market' is a comparison claim, not a measurable target you can test directly.
Aligned to BI 3.1: writing a validation metric · reading level ~grade 9
- A team's test plan lists each metric as task, number, unit, and pass target, then checks the prototype against it.
Fill these in as you work through the lesson.
- Metric (something you measure, with a number and unit):
- Validation (testing to prove the design meets the need):
- Success criterion (the target a metric must hit to pass):
- Measurable (can be counted or measured, not just felt):
A good validation metric names what you , gives a number and a , and states the target it must hit to .
- Why set the success target before you test, not after?
- What turns 'it should be comfortable' into a real metric?
- Name one metric you could measure for a crutch design.
A team says their brace 'should be light.' Rewrite this as a validation metric with a number, a unit, and a pass target, and explain how you would test it.