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\name{Dr. Robert Biddle}
\signature{
Robert Biddle, \\
Computer Science Group, \\
School of Mathematical and Computing Sciences, \\
Victoria University of Wellington
}
\telephone{8546}

\netaddr{Robert.Biddle@MCS.VUW.AC.NZ}
\begin{document}
\begin{letter}{
Prof. Graeme Kennedy, \\
Human Ethics Committee, \\
Victoria University of Wellington
}

\vspace*{-3cm}

\opening{Dear Professor Kennedy,}

Thanks for making the time to discuss our ``software usability testing''
work last week.  As you suggested, I will outline in this letter why I
feel usability testing might be treated as a special case, and the
arrangements I suggest.  I attach the completed HEC application form,
information sheet, and consent form. Thanks for your suggestions on
improving the drafts I showed you last week.

By ``software usability testing'', we simply mean testing the
user-interface of a computer system to learn about how easy it is to
use; I expand on this in the application form. The practice of having
``test users'' assist in determining usability is increasingly
regarded an essential part of software development.

Because the practice does involve people as test users, it does seem
that HEC approval is required. Moreover, we agree that clear
information to test users, and obtaining their informed consent, and
so on, are reasonable and sensible procedures.

So far, so good. The difficulty is that it is very likely that
software usability testing will and should become a very common
practice here in the Computer Science group in the School of
Mathematical and Computing Sciences. We are involved in software
development all the time, in undergraduate and graduate courses, in
staff and student research, and in various support work.  Not every
piece of software requires usability testing, but much of it does. We
really would like to make this practice commonplace.

What I propose is that you approve a general procedure that we can use
widely in teaching, research, and general software development.  I
have written the application form, information sheet, and consent
form, to reflect this general case.  It may be that, from time to
time, we will require a different procedure to be followed, and in
that case we will apply using the ordinary HEC procedures.

I hope you will consider this request as a way of doing the right
thing, efficiently. 


\closing{Yours faithfully,}


\end{letter}
\end{document}

