Assignment #8 - User Testing

Objectives

Work with end users to collect usability feedback

Utilize user feedback to improve interface design

Assignment

We are now going to work with actual potential users. The first step of this process is to (1) Identify potential users. You will need at least 3 potential users as part of this user analysis process (friends, family, other students). With each of your users you will (2) identify a task or process they must complete. You will decide on this task with your end users or tell the end users what task you want them to complete. They will now (3) walk through the prototype to complete this task.  This can be done with a prototype tool (like Lumzy or other), but can also be done with paper prototypes, you will simply have to act as the computer and present the options and designs to the user. This is also an opportunity to apply the Survey instrument that you created in Assignment 7. 

You must identify interface elements and designs that the users have confusion or trouble using. You should not have to provide a lot of guidance to the users. The only assistance that you should give is to fill in the gaps that are not complete due to your design being a prototype. 

The final part of the end user testing is to (4) document the user experience of your users.  This documentation should be (1) results of survey, (2) optimal walk-through of process identified, (3) results of user walk-through of process identified.  The documentation should include any questions the user had about the interface or issues they had in determination of what to do to achieve the desired outcome of the process. 

Remember that problems, issues, and confusions are more important to you as a designer than a user that has no issues or problems. These can lead to system improvements, and every improvement you can make at this stage is much better than finding it out in a final product.

Information

Some help and methods to perform user testing with a prototype, whether you have a high fidelity prototype or are playing "wizard of oz" this site has hints and help - https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ux-prototype-hi-lo-fidelity/ 

Some hints or help for user prototype testing is here - https://www.usertesting.com/blog/2015/07/06/user-testing-prototypes-advice-for-agencies/ 

Estimated Completion Time

This should take 4-6 hours to complete

Supporting Lectures 

Topic - User Testing

Questions and Answers

External Resources

Grading Criteria