WRT235: Writing in Electronic Environments User Testing
Why User Research? Discover user motivations, behaviors, and needs through testing, interviewing, and other feedback methodologies Reduces development costs Deliver a more effective product/project Retention
Types of User Research
Key Concepts Performance – can users complete the tasks described in an efficient manner Attitude – what do people feel? How confident do users feel that they have completed the tasks correctly and efficiently?
Research Plan Research Goals – Determine whether or not people understand the OSHA instructions Identify stakeholders and targets – Who are these instructions for and why? Research Questions – Operationalize research goals into questions that can be answered through testing Usability Testing Recommendations
Stakeholders and Targets Go to and poke around the sitewww.osha.gov Who are the primary stakeholders? Who is the target audience for OSHA guidelines and instructions? What kind of people should/would you recruit if this were a full-fledged test?
Product Test OSHA guidelines OSHA guidelines for setting up an ergonomic work area Configuring the workstation Attaining posture and position suitable for the workstation
User Testing Exercise Setup Get together in your Project 2 Groups Select 1 person to be the Tester of the OSHA instructions The Tester will wait outside until called back in by the rest of the group Those not testing are Researchers; researchers study the instructions so that you are familiar with the goals and expectations of the instructions and the operation of the site The Test The tester will follow the instructions on screen for setting up an ergonomic work environment The tester will think aloud everything that comes to his/her mind about the instructions as he/she is performing the required tasks Researchers will take notes on the responses and observe behavior Debrief Researchers compile your notes and create a composite picture of the data you obtained from the test