trying very hard to make user testing at the NMSU Learning Games Lab STINK that don’t games Barbara Chamberlin 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?

why not very good Generally speaking, people are (including kids) at saying they like something.

... then I have to understand, free of my biases. why For you to be able to tell me you like something. 1 know you like it know why move beyond noticing overcome influences communicate clearly

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 right questions. 1. Do, is, “Tell me...” “How...” 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?”

Use multiple ways of asking questions and getting feedback.

Video Closet

Blogging area

Creative development

multiple ways of getting feedback video closet creative activity interviews focus group blogging 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 testers Train Vocabulary Game components & types Articulating preferences Give them practice Emphasize their role

test, test, test, test

Successful strategies 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 STINK that don’t games Barbara Chamberlin user testing