edui 2016: how to implement low-tech, high-impact usability testing
TRANSCRIPT
edUI October 2016
How to Implement Low Tech, High Impact Usability Testing
Workshop with Julie Grundy (@julie_away) and Melissa Eggleston (@melissa_egg)
You will want Wifi - Network: edUi2016 PW: eduiconfDownload materials - melissaegg.com/blog
Please feel free to jump in with questions. This is an interactive workshop, not a keynote by Steve Krug!
Introductions & Icebreaker
Discuss
What is the worst experience you've ever had with a website? Why was it bad? How did you feel?
Goals
Goals for our session
1. Understand how to set up and conduct tests “guerrilla style.”
2. Practice creating and conducting a usability test.
3. Give you ideas to sell usability testing to others in your organization.
4. Have fun!
The 5 Fs
Guerrilla Usability Testing Overview
Fast
Photo courtesy of Justin Faberge on Flickr Creative Commons https://www.flickr.com/photos/jml78/
Photo courtesy of Vince Alongi on Flicker Creative Commons https://www.flickr.com/photos/vincealongi/
Photo courtesy of Jelene Morris on Flicker Creative Commons https://www.flickr.com/photos/jelene/
Photo courtesy of Zemlinki! on Flicker Creative Commons https://www.flickr.com/photos/zemlinki/
Photo courtesy of Eden, Janine and Jim on Flicker Creative Commons https://www.flickr.com/photos/edenpictures/
5 Main Components of a Test
1. Determine your research question
2. Develop a testing plan
3. Conduct your test
4. Analyze your data
5. Share your new insights
Determine your research question
Examples:
1. Do visitors know that this is a button?2. Is the search box obvious enough?3. Is this directory search effective?4. Do visitors quickly get what this website is?5. Can students find financial aid information?6. Can people find and download software?7. Do people know the difference between a pledge
and a gift?
Testing Plan
What WhoWhenWhereHow
We’ll talk about getting
buy in for your testing plan
near the end of our session!
Keys for Successful Tests
Plan your time
● 1 hour to write your test script
● 15 minutes to beta test and make changes
● 2 hours to set up and test 6 - 10 people
● 1 hour to write up findings
A little over 4 hours for super helpful direction on what to improve on your website!
Things you’ll need
● Sign - “Want a free cup of coffee?”
● Computer - yours or theirs
● Table and three chairs - for ease
● Something to take notes - pen and notebook, another computer
● Good attitude - you will get some “no”s
Have an incentive
Photo courtesy of http://www.cookiesociety.com/
Three Roles: Facilitator, Notetaker, Bouncer
Be professional and friendly
Prep your poker face
Photo courtesy of Play Among Friends Paf on Flicker Creative Commons https://www.flickr.com/photos/playamongfriends/
Run a beta test
Photo courtesy of Play Among Friends Paf on Flicker Creative Commons https://www.flickr.com/photos/playamongfriends/
Photo courtesy of Daniella Vereeken on Flicker Creative Commons https://www.flickr.com/photos/14805366@N03/1561893602
Typical guerrilla testing script
● Intro/disclaimer
● Demographic questions
● 3 - 5 tasks or questions (avoid leading questions!)
● Exit questions
Confirm
Activities
Activity 1: Write Your Script
● Groups of 2
● Each determine your unique research question
● Go to melissaegg.com/blog to download testing script to edit
● Edit your test script (i.e. create a script that you can use)
Activity 2: Conduct Your Test
● New groups of 3
● Determine whose problem y’all will test
● Decide on roles (facilitator, test taker, note taker)
● Conduct your usability test
Congrats! You did it! How was it?
Analyze & report test findings
● Spreadsheet
● High level summary
● Screenshots on table
Selling others on your testing plan
● Show potential return on investment (ROI)
From Irfan Ahmad onhttp://www.digitalinformationworld.com/2016/10/infographic-the-business-value-of-ux-design.html?m=1
Selling others on your testing plan
● Give multiple testing options (A, A-, B)● Give talking points to supervisor● Get on a regular testing plan● Suggest five second testing
Any testing is learning, and any learning is better than putting your head in the sand.
