Optimal Software Updates

From Dave O'Brien, a usability specialist:

I'm currently working on a software updater, and our usability tests have revealed a few things, at least, about users updating consumer software:

• When installing or updating, users expect to be able to click "Next"without thinking, and expect it will do the right thing.
  
• When installing, they assume they have the latest version, even ifit's on a CD. We used to ask them if they wanted to check for updates after installing, and they usually chose No for this reason, so now we just check and show them the update.
  
• When updating:
  - Most users don't care about what's in the update itself.
  - Most users *do* care how long it will take, and if they have to reboot because of it.
  - Most users want it as automatic as possible (e.g. background check, download, and install).
  - Like most other tasks, users want solid confirmation that the update succeeded.
  - If something goes wrong, they want to be able to recover so they can continue working.

To contact Dave O'Brien, click the envelope icon at the bottom of this article and post a comment with your email address. I monitor the comments before posting them and will not post your email address or contact information. David Orr