Firstly, before the test we need to prepare as a group and this is how we have managed that.
It may seem obvious but we made sure to begin with that the prototype on marvel was complete and everything was in working order ready for the tests.
We assigned the roles to team members for the day of the test and agreed that our schedule would allow for holistic input in addition to the Interviewer’s schedule from individual group members to the user if they thought it were necessary to do so. Each team member was asked to familiarise themselves with the schedule first.
An important part of the user test is location of the test and also creating an interview schedule to keep us on track so that during we remain on topic for the user and leave ample time for useful feedback.
Whilst one of the user tests is in an office on university campus the second user test will be taking place in a public library in Jesmond. As previously mentioned we keep it a very open experience without overly instructing the user what to do on the app, this way they are able to navigate the app freely and instinctively.
Google Developer’s usability testing video among others on youtube were able to guide us to make a 5 step process for the user interview ,as a schedule this will consist of: 1. A friendly welcome 2. Context and user background 3. Introduction to the prototype 4. User Tasks and 5. Debrief/ Final Feedback.
Examples of our format could include:
- Setting the tone to the user and reassuring them that “We aren’t testing you, we’re just testing the prototype” This will make them feel at ease right away.
- Ask the user a bit about themselves and why they are interested in the project/product.
- Introduce the app and the activity that we have planned for them to try. Play down the app a bit and explain it will be developed further.
- Set the user a task to do on the app and see if they can remember from memory what to do/where to go. Continue to prompt questions such as like, how, why, what do you feel worked well/didn’t work well. Observe what they are doing whilst using the app. Keep asking them to think aloud throughout to ensure the feedback is good quality.
- Gather general feedback of what they thought of the product and finally thank them for the time!
We now go again for the user tests, thank you.