Usability testing

Readings: 

Interactive Design :
Chapter 11 : What can you learn from usability testing?

usability testing

  • Evaluate a product by using it.
  • Testing varies from watching intended users use your product to hiring testing professionals.
  • Usability testing helps determine how the product can be improved.

testing with an intended user:  

  • Intended users are watched to see how they use it and what problems they may encounter.
  • Write a plan: what tasks should the users complete and what type of users would be best?
  • Users are recruited to complete tasks with the product while a facilitator observes.
  • The user is observed and notes taken. Observations can include time to complete a task or struggles.
  • The user is encouraged to talk outloud.
  • The facilitator is discouraged from talking, especially if they interfere or offer guidance.
  • The results are analyzed.
  • Changes are made to improve the product.

responses can be measured by:

  • efficiency : how many steps were taken and how long did it take?
  • accuracy : how many mistakes were made while trying to complete a task.
  • recall : how much does the user remember after they’ve used the experience.
  • emotional response : how does the user feel? Frustrated?

Heuristic Analysis

  • A user-experience designer evaluates the product.
  • The review is based on recognized usability principles call heuristics.

exercise:

  • Collect data from usability testing and a heuristic analysis.
  • Take a picture of the results with your phone and post in your site plan.
  • Analyze your data and answer the following questions and post in your site plan.

usability testing:

1) what conclusions can you form from your notes and 2) what improvements can be made to your site?

heuristic analysis
1. Are your ratings low in any particular areas? Answer the following questions for the areas averaging below 7: a) What caused the problem? b)How can the site be changed to make it work better?
2. If the user-experienced designer had troubles navigating, a) What caused the problem? b) How can the site be changed to make it work better?
3. Was the user-experienced designer guided, motivated and engaged as you intended? If not, how can you improve this?