The best way to convince the big-wig about usability of the product is to give a set of tasks and ask him/her to use the product. If this big wig is already acquainted then get another big wig (for example if VP – technology knows how the prodcut works, then make the COO perform the tasks) Trust me it works. I did it today. Only, ensure that he/she was not invloved in the development of the product. I know it sounds stupid, i think it might work (i mean convince the bigwig) cos bigwigs are seldom involved in the development of the product and they just supervise the project… they wouldn’t normally be acquainted with the nitty-gritty like the developer. What do you think?