Feldtests

Feldtests, also known as field tests, are empirical evaluations conducted outside controlled laboratory environments to assess how a product, system, or process performs under real-world conditions. They complement laboratory testing by capturing external validity, user behavior, and environmental influences that are difficult to reproduce in a lab.

Planning for Feldtests includes defining objectives, selecting representative sites or users, and determining duration and metrics. Typical designs include pilot deployments, beta programs, and observational studies. Data are collected from sensors, usage logs, surveys, interviews, and operational records, then analyzed to measure reliability, usability, safety, efficiency, and acceptance. Field tests may be conducted in early stages to guide development or post-launch to monitor performance and inform updates.

Advantages of Feldtests include higher ecological validity, real-world feedback, and the ability to reveal issues related to maintenance, supply chains, or human factors. Limitations include less control over confounding variables, greater variability, longer timelines, higher costs, and potential privacy or safety concerns. Regulatory and ethical considerations, such as consent and data protection, are important when testing with real users.

Fields of application span consumer electronics, software and mobile apps, automotive and transportation, agricultural technology, telecommunications, and industrial equipment. While Feldtests yield valuable insights, they are typically used in conjunction with laboratory testing to ensure comprehensive evaluation.