User testing New Technology for Supporting Students

Why do we do user testing? To improve our sites for students and enquirers by checking that users can understand the interface the language is clear and suitable the advice and guidance is relevant they can find the information they need

When and what do we do? Timing: developmental testing of content pre-launch post-launch evaluation of live site Three types of testing, depending on project stage formal testing by observation and questioning informal testing distance

Formal testing PC-based prototype activity partially built website planned additions to current website how effectively they can use a site or carry out a ‘task’

How we start Establish a set of usability requirements users task environment domain of knowledge We combine this information with particular test requirements and decide how to run the sessions

What the process involves 6-8 users one-to-one, hands-on, questioned, videotaped about 45 minutes - 1 hour each person complete tasks compare options

Advantages surprisingly powerful to watch ‘real’ reactions others can watch how people use the site or prototype record to show others can adjust tasks and questions over subsequent sessions

Disadvantages takes time to set up identifying and getting participants involves several staff for each session tiring for the facilitator time, interruptions means that participants are only able to test the content superficially

Reporting Report can be formal or informal, depending on audience and purpose Must include recommendations Use facilitator and observers’ notes Watching videos often points out items missed during observation

Informal testing participants with particular interest or knowledge use forms or checklists time limit useful for developmental testing need to attract participants location can be busy, noisy (or isolated)

Testing at a distance participants identified through IET, Marketing database, Regional enquiry contacted by or letter CD-ROM and activity feedback booklet designed so took about half an hour full comments returned, thoughtful followed up by some telephone interviews

When we use the options Formal testing: f2f + video –Site development – to check complex parts and navigation on prototype –On existing sites to learn about user behaviour for future development Informal testing: f2f + interview –Target particular user group for specialist site –Paper prototype or evaluate existing site

When we use the options Distance –Existing site for purpose, achievement of objectives, learning outcomes –Timescales too long for site development stage Survey –Live site, to research for new concept or activities

welcome to observe a video session next one planned for February 26 th, Effective use of English activities Jane Lunsford - v.j.lunsford