1. Extremely Rapid Usability Testing (ERUT) When you can’t do anything do something… its better than nothing (K. Holtzblatt)

3. What is ERUT  Discount usability method  Evaluation vs discovery method  Mash up of informal HCI methods –Questionnaires –Co discovery –Storyboards –Usability testing  Short time frames –Less than 20 minutes  Provides insights only

4. Goal  Narrow Focus only  Two objectives: –Assess the usefulness of the core functionality of the product –Find major usability problems in that core functionality

5. The Methodology  Recruit participants on the fly  Prescreen questionnaire  Core tasks that reflect the product USP  Run the test  Record results using storyboards  Post test interview

6. Recruit participants  Advantage of ERUT in a trade booth context –Broad brush of users in one place at one time –They are in the booth willingly –A “hallway methodology” attracts them to the booth

7. Prescreen Questionnaire  Short questionnaire that screens for that target audience  Find the users three core tasks –Compare to products USP tasks

8. Define three core tasks  Representative of the core functionality of the product  One task should reflect the heart of the products USP  Tasks need to be motivational  Product should be able to do these tasks

9. Run the test  Run one task only –Ask the participant to choose the task of interest  Co – discovery –If participants know each other than test in pairs –Equally or more important to observe comments  Active Intervention or coaching if single participant

10. Recording results using Storyboards  Use hardcopy screenshots to record the story of where users traveled through the interface to complete the task - Paper is cheaper and does not require the hours of reviewing video tape.

11. Post Test Interview  Clarify and follow up on any remaining questions  Key is to make the questions fit the trade booth atmosphere –Work them into the conversation –Expect not to ask them all

12. Test Artifacts for Analysis  Prescreen Questionnaire –Identifies target audience, core tasks and indicates alignment with products USP  Storyboard screens –Records task, task success, user comments, visual picture of paths taken  Post test survey –optional

13. ERUT Advantages  Narrow focus on Business goals and core functionality produces valuable insights  Rapid gathering of good quality user feedback  Easy access to broad brush of users  Fluid –adaptable to change

14. ERUT Disadvantages  Narrow Focus  Rapid hectic environment  Participants are in a trade show frame of mind and their comments are not reflective of their real world.

15. Summary  Valuable methodology to have in your tool kit when conference or trade show opportunity arises  Insights only  Useful when faced with something is better than nothing