Implementing the information pump using accessible technology.

Abstract

The Information Pump (IP) is a method for extracting high quality subjective product information from a small group of subjects. The method is based around a game environment where the subjects are awarded points for the information they supply. This game environment provides incentives and motivation for the subjects to continue to provide high quality information throughout the game thus avoiding the fatigue issues that arise with other information elicitation methods. This paper develops the original IP method into one that can be implemented with commonly available office tools (paper forms and basic computing resources). This accessible version of the IP is implemented and tested through four separate games. The game outcomes are analysed both from the game player and product developer perspectives. These results indicate a sustained subject interest throughout the process and a set of high quality and varied product evaluation statements.