The Walkthrough
You, the client, and the build. Slowly, item by item, eye-level.
Overview
The walkthrough is a slow, deliberate pass through the completed build with the client (or stakeholder), during which every finished element is inspected and the punch list is generated. It occurs twice, traditionally: a pre-walk (builder alone, eyes fresh) and the real walk (with the client).
How to Walk
- Walk slowly. The difference between a good walkthrough and a missed detail is speed.
- Eye level, then ceiling, then floor. People see what they scan first.
- Open every door, drawer, and outlet cover. All of them.
- Look at the corners. Corners carry more information than the middle of a wall.
- Write it down. Not after. During.
- Let the client point out things first. They see with fresh eyes. Use them.
Software Parallel
The walkthrough is the pre-launch UX review: a slow, deliberate pass through the app with a fresh-eyed stakeholder, writing down every snag. The industry under-uses this. The industry also, not coincidentally, ships products that fail at checkout because no one tested the long-form address.
"Walk the thing. Then walk it again. Then walk it with someone who wasn't there when you built it." — Burbridge