Hello folks,
The subject of people's playtesting methods came up in the "Bitter Non-Designers" threads, and reminded me of an idea I've been talking about IRL with friends of mine: namely, that there might be more to gain as a designer from playtesting as a player as opposed to as a GM.
I am new here, but this is something I have experience on.
In creating my games, I split time between GM and Player for my games. I do this, because it offers me a perspective from both sides of the table. It shows me where play breaks down, and when I go back and revise, I feel as if I have a better grasp on things.
Another thing I often do, is not play the game, and watch others play the game instead. By watching as an outside observer, I am free to watch how things work. Though I have to fight the urge to help out, this watching play, has shown me much, and has made all of my games better.
Richard