You may not be the usability test moderator, designer, developer, or business analyst, but as a\u00a0business stakeholder, your participation is critical to the success of the usability study. Yes, you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a subject matter expert in your area, you know things NO ONE ELSE on the team knows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your unique perspective and knowledge allows the moderator to better collect and analyze the data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Usability studies are used to evaluate a website by testing it with actual end-users. This process gives direct input on how real audiences use the website. Participants perform specific or open-ended tasks, then we listen and watch as the user attempts to complete their real-world goals.<\/p>\n
Test participants are encouraged to think aloud, so we can understand their thought process and areas of frustration.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important to not jump to conclusions after a single test session. Each participant will identify several, if not dozens, of \u201cissues\u201d no one else experiences.<\/p>\n
After 3 sessions, themes will begin to emerge.<\/p>\n
By the fifth session, it will be clear which areas of the site or app cause the most confusion.<\/p>\n
When testing 8 or more participants, usability test results have been proven to reveal 95% of all issues for the given tasks. However, due to the small sample size, any market research \u2014 such as attitudes, perceptions, and future intent \u2014 will be directional only.<\/p>\n
For more about my usability testing process, start here<\/a>.<\/p>\n The observation team might sit behind glass in a usability testing facility or in another room at the client\u2019s site.<\/p>\n After each usability session or few sessions, the moderator leads the observation team (that’s you) through a recap session.<\/p>\n Often, you will hear participants say things like:<\/p>\n Be careful not to translate preferences into usability issues. Just because a few people don\u2019t like the color blue doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s an issue. See my market research disclaimer above.<\/p>\n The purpose of the recap session is NOT to begin solutionizing. Rather, the goal is to help the moderator:<\/p>\n Become familiar with participant profiles to better understand his\/her experiences, background, level of expertise, and demographics.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that the usability study is testing the website or app, not the user\u2019s abilities or knowledge. The tester cannot fail, only the website can fail.<\/strong><\/p>\n Focus on the test participant\u2019s frame of reference and thought process, and less on their specific wants and needs. Listen to their questions and overall impressions.<\/p>\n Take careful notes during the test to discuss with the project team, but do not worry about translating findings into solutions at this stage.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re testing in person, behind one-way glass, don\u2019t make any comments or sounds during the session. One-way glass isn\u2019t sound proof.<\/strong> The participant will be able to hear if observers burst into laughter.<\/p>\n If you will be in the same building as the participant, do not speak about the test outside of the observation room. Participants\u00a0might overhear you in the hallway, lobby, or restroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s a recap session?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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3 Important\u00a0Rules for Observers<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1) Know Your Participants<\/strong><\/h3>\n
2) Listen & Observe Carefully<\/strong><\/h3>\n
3) Do Not Speak About the Test Outside of the Observation Room<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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