The professional in web design, has become a usability testing session key in any large project. Similar to focus groups in brand development and product launches, usability testing offers a rare opportunity to receive feedback from the people and the very purpose of this site - before it's too late to do anything.
But how do you make the most of these courses usability test?
1. Choose your subjects
As with any research project on the market, the results will be good to the extent that the people you test. Do not test people for your company or friends and family. Go to an agency or temperature research firm market participants and ask them to source a specific profile. Make sure that the market research firm does not provide the company name or other details that cast a shadow on the participants' judgments.
2. Before testing the usability
As with everything in life, first impressions are essential. And each participant must be put at ease. Remember, the cycle of usability testing is often a very artificial environment, and for the most useful and informative, we want them to behave as if they were using the site at home or at work .
Provide clear instructions on how to get the ease of use test and if necessary meet the participants in local stations. Do not use terms like "usability testing" or "market research", which can confuse people, and placed on the edge of the abyss. Also, make sure that participants know how long it will take usability tests, and the type of tasks that are supposed to do.
Drinks after the initial hello and welcome, and there are always legal forms to be signed. It is essential that what is written in simple English, and be as short as possible. The last thing any nervous usability testing subject wants is to get a contract, as they sign their lives away. All we want is that assured them that the tests are completely confidential, and for permission to use the data generated during the test as part of our results. So tell them.
3. Begin usability testing
Before diving into key tasks, and get the user familiar with the environment. Tell them the site name and address of the site, and ask them to initial reactions to what is expected from the site or what they would like a site. Without any words or phrases they use - and it shows not only that you take their comments seriously, but can provide useful advice for labels as possible to get a job or navigation key.
Then let's take a look at the site, they are testing. Measure their first impressions before allowing them access to the site.
These simple tasks will help to convince participants that the usability testing will not be difficult, and perhaps more importantly, they are not tested.
4. Task Selection
Select the tasks that are essential to succeed in a new location, such as:
Buy products
Payment of invoices
Contact the customer
Remember, you are not looking for an ego massage. Site was built for a reason - your audience can do what you want them to do?
It is also a good idea to ask the user to suggest tasks. Although this gives another indication of their expectations and requirements, it can suggest new features or priorities.
5. How the tasks of words
People tend to do more to provide natural if scenarios rather than instructions. When giving them tasks, you should use phrases such as "Scenario A has occurred, and you need to ring a company urgently - find a phone number." It's much better than "to find the Contact Us section of the site.
6. Provide functions
Give participants in a single task at a time. Perhaps more of this bullying, or to change its approach to the test.
If required the user to the use of inputs from outside of the test (eg e-mail giving them a password for the site), and give them these inputs in the form will be provided . This will provide useful information for all elements of the process, not just one site.
7. How to behave during the usability test
It is important to remember that the test site, not you or your subject. All comments you get is the value of - Make sure the participant knows. If they can not do something, make sure they know it is not their fault.
You must remain calm and out of sight during the test. Should not alter the test results by providing clues, suggesting directions or by responding to things you say or do. All comments must be given by the neutral. Do not start shaking your head or bloating, but it can be tempting!
The only time you should speak is to help participants express an opinion, or to clarify an answer. If in doubt, shut up!
Given the investment in the project, and customers often struggle to remain silent during testing. If the client wants to be present, and put it in another room with the sound / video.
8. After extensive testing and usability
After completion of all tasks, you must gather as much information as possible. You will be asked for general impressions of the site allows you to judge if it was up to expectations, and if the views of participants from the client or the site has changed during this process.
Always ask for suggestions - and this not only demonstrates the value you put on their ideas, but can give an idea of how they can support the best site for the user.
Finally, ask participants to remember about the site structure and functionality of the site. And remember clearly confirm that the site logically arranged and help identify problems with labeling that you missed.
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