It is a usability inspection method (also known as discount usability methods). This method rests on the assumptions that experts/ inspectors are capable of understanding a particular task from the user perspective (users thinking process) and evaluators can apply this user perspective to a task scenario to identify design problems. Cognitive walk-through method (CWM) is analytical and is similar to task analysis. Researchers have used CWMs to identify usability/ learnability related problems of a product or system. In this method, the user is viewed as approaching the task in an exploratory manner. According to Polson et al. (1992), users are interacting with a new technology/ product/ system by exploring within its context of use, rather than using a systematic, highly structured approach.

The best evaluators/ inspectors are skillful enough for reasoning hypothetically and are able to explore a product from the perspective of a user. For example, for a CWM, a good evaluator is one who can identify with users’ preexisting mental schemas and mental models that will influence exploration and product use.