Week 6 Online Lecture for Zoom Class Usability & Usability Testing
Introduction to the New Assignment
Overview of the Lecture
- The lecture will cover a new assignment in detail, as there will be no Zoom meeting this Wednesday.
- The focus is on introducing usability and usability testing through a series of slides.
Usability Recommendation Report Assignment
- Project number three involves creating a usability recommendation report, emphasizing how effectively users can interact with documents or products.
- Real-life examples highlight the importance of good usability, such as difficulties in navigating websites or finding information in documents.
Conducting Usability Tests
Testing Requirements
- Students must conduct usability tests outside class with at least four participants (friends or family).
- The type of test will vary based on the chosen subject for evaluation.
Deliverables for the Assignment
- Two main deliverables: a recommendation report and a presentation summarizing findings and recommendations.
- The report should include sections like an executive summary, introduction, discussion, conclusions, and recommendations.
Project Timeline
Weekly Breakdown
- Week six: Proposal email due by Sunday.
- Week seven: Develop usability testing scripts; week eight: Conduct tests in class; week nine: Peer review drafts; week ten: Final draft submission and presentations.
Understanding Usability Testing
Characteristics of Usability Testing
- Key characteristics include improving product usability through real user tasks observed by researchers.
Planning Steps for Usability Tests
- Make a plan detailing objectives, participant recruitment, equipment needed, session duration, and tasks to be tested.
- Develop metrics for evaluation including subjective (ease of use questions) and quantitative data (error rates).
Conducting Usability Tests
Test Structure
- Welcome participants and explain the test process including demographic questions.
- Participants perform tasks while thinking aloud; facilitators take notes on actions and comments.
Reporting Findings
- After conducting tests, analyze both quantitative performance measures and subjective attitudes to identify problems.
- Present findings in both reports and presentations.
Benefits of Usability Testing
Importance of Evaluation
- Identify if users can complete tasks successfully within time limits while gauging satisfaction levels with products.
- Determine necessary changes to enhance information delivery or performance based on user feedback.
Types of Usability Evaluations
User Involvement
- Three groups involved:
- Users (primary audience),
- Subject matter experts,
- Trained usability experts who guide evaluations through interviews or surveys.
Planning Your Test
Essential Considerations
- Define test types,
- Document procedures,
- Recruit participants,
- Specify task scenarios,
- Determine equipment needs.
Methods for Testing Usability
Different Approaches
- Paraphrase Testing:
- Participants summarize document portions to assess understanding. Best for longer documents.
- Plus-Minus Testing:
- Users note positive/negative experiences during interaction with products/documents.
- Task-Based Testing:
- Focuses on specific tasks relevant to user goals when interacting with websites/products.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Final Thoughts
Students are encouraged to engage actively in upcoming assignments that involve practical application of learned concepts through workshops focused on task-based testing methods.