trying very hard to make user testing at the nmsu learning games lab stink that don’t games...
TRANSCRIPT
trying very hard to make
user testing at the NMSU Learning Games Lab
STINKthatdon’t
games
Barbara Chamberlin • [email protected] • learninggameslab.org
user testing
Video, Game, Web Development
Think Tank
•Game consultants
•2 weeks, half days in summer
•Experts during school year
Think Tank
•Game consultants
•2 weeks, half days in summer
•Experts during school year
Do you like it?Why?
Why not?
How could we improve it?
Is it too juvenile?
Can you figure out how to work it?
Is it too hard?
Are you learning what you are supposed to?
whynot very
good
Generally speaking, people are
(including kids)
at saying they
like
something.
... then I have to understand, free of my biases.
whyFor you to be ableto tell me
you like
something.11 know you like it
know why
move beyond noticing
overcome influences
communicate clearly
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33
44
55
Do you like it?Why?
Why not?
How could we improve it?
Is it too juvenile?
Can you figure out how to work it?
Is it too hard?
Are you learning what you are supposed to?
Ask the rightquestions.
1. Do, is,• “Tell me...”• “How...”
1. Write it first
Treat them as advisors, not subjects.• “What age is this game for?”• “Think of your friends... who will like this?”• “What kinds of games do kids in your class like?”
Usemultiple ways
ofasking
questionsandgetting feedback.
VideoCloset
Bloggingarea
Creative
development
multiple waysof getting
feedbackvideo closet
creative activityinterviews
focus groupblogging
observation
“Tell me about these characters.”
“Draw a pirate captain, kid, and first mate.”
“Select a set of characters and tell us why the should be included in the next “Science Pirates”
game.”
your testersTrain
• Vocabulary• Game components & types• Articulating preferences
• Give them practice• Emphasize their role
test, test, test, test
Successfulstrategies
1.Use developers as reviewers
2.Use multiple reviewers
3.Test with kids, stakeholders, and experienced developers.
4. (other ideas?)
trying very hard to make
user testing at the NMSU Learning Games Lab
STINKthatdon’t
games
Barbara Chamberlin • [email protected] • learninggameslab.org
user testing