In web design professional circles, a usability test session has become an integral part of any major project. Similar to product focus groups and product launches, performance testing provides a rare opportunity to get feedback from the very people the website is targeted at - before it is too late to do anything about it.
But how can you get the most out of these usability tests?
1. Choosing Your Courses
As with any market research project, the results will only be as good as the people you are testing. Do not check people from your company, or your friends and family. Go to a market research company or temporary agency and ask them to find participants for a particular profile. Make sure the market research company does not provide the company name or any other details that will obscure participants' judgment.
2. Pre-Performance Test
As with anything else in life, a first impression is important. Each participant should be comfortable. Remember, usability testing is often an extremely busy area and, for the most beneficial and informative results, we want them to behave as if they were using the site at home or at work.
Provide clear instructions on how to get to the test site, and if necessary meet with participants at local channels. Do not use words like 'performance testing' or 'market research', as this can confuse and put people on the brink. Also, make sure that participants are aware of how long the performance test will take, as well as the type of tasks they are expected to perform.
After initial greetings and welcome drinks, there are official forms to sign. It is important that these are written in simple English, and be as concise as possible. The final requirement for any convenience test is to be offered a contract that looks like a signature. All you need to do is confirm that the test is completely confidential, with permission to use the data generated during the test as part of our results. So tell them that.
3. Getting Started Testing
Before embarking on important tasks, familiarize the user with the environment. Tell them the website name and URL, and ask them for the first answer as to what they can expect from the site or what they would like the site to be. Be aware of any terms or phrases they use - this not only shows you take their feedback seriously, but may also give you some helpful tips about potential labels for important performance or navigation.
Next, let them look at the website they are reviewing. Evaluate their initial ideas before allowing them to familiarize themselves with the site.
These few simple tasks will help convince the participant that the usability test will not be difficult and, perhaps most importantly, that they are not testable.
4. Choosing Jobs
Set tasks that are essential for the success of a new site, such as:
Buying products
Debt settlement
Client communication
Remember, you are not looking for ego massage. The site is built for a reason - can your target audience do what you need them to do?
It is also a good idea to ask the user to suggest tasks. While this provides some indication of their expectations and needs, it may suggest new operations or priorities.
5. How to Write Word Functions
People tend to act more naturally when you provide them with situations than instructions. When assigning a job, you should use the phrase ‘Status A has happened, and you need to call the company immediately - get a phone number’. This is much better than 'getting the contact section of the site'.
6. Presenting Tasks
Assign participants only one task at a time. More than that, it may scare them, or change the way they approach the test.
If a user is required to use an input from an external test (e.g. an email that gives them a password on the site), provide this input for the way it will be presented. This will provide useful feedback on all aspects of the process, rather than just the site.
7. Code of Conduct During the Feasibility Study
It is important to remember that it is the website being tested, not you or the topic. Any feedback you receive is important - make sure the participant knows this. If they can't do something, make sure they know it's not their fault.
You should remain quiet and invisible during the test. You must not alter the test results by giving clues, suggesting clues or by responding to what they say or do. Every answer you give should be neutral. Do not start shaking your head or shaking, no matter how tempting it may be!
The only time you have to talk about it is to help the participant give an opinion, or clarify the answer. If in doubt, keep quiet!
Given the investment made in the project, clients often find it difficult to remain silent during the test. If your client wants to be present, put it in another room with an audio / video link.
8. After Testing Usability
After all the tasks have been completed, you should gather as much information as possible. A general pop-up request from the site will allow you to determine if expectations are met, and whether a client or site viewer has changed during the process.
Always ask for suggestions - this not only reflects the value you put in their ideas, but may also provide details on how the site can best support the user.
Lastly, ask the participant what he or she remembers about site design and site functions. A clear recall will ensure that the site is well-constructed and will help to identify any labeling problems that you may have missed.
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