The Wizard of Oz technique is an efficient way to examine user interaction with computers and facilitate rapid iterative development of dialog wording and logic.The technique requires two machines linked together, one for the subject and one for the experimenter. Tn this implementation the experimenter (the "Wizard"), pretending to be a computer, types in complete replies to user queries or presses function keys to which common messages have been assigned (e.g., Fl="Help is not available"). The software automatically records the dialog and its timing.This paper provides a detailed description of the first implementation of the Oz paradigm for the IBM Personal Computer.It also includes application guidelines, infornation which is currently missing from the literature.
HISTORY OF THE METHODThe Wizard of Oz paradigm is based upon the L.F.Eaum ( 1 9 0 0 ) s t o r y cf t h a t title. In it, the Wizard produced astonishing images of himself by manipulating a set of controls while hidden behind a curtain. Witnesses of these apparitions initially believed them to be the Wizard himself. The paradigm discussed here provides much the same scenario, in that images of the software prototype are controlled by a "wizard" (the experimenter) from behind the scenes. The unknowing user believes that a real application system exists,