ux unconference: usability testing
DESCRIPTION
Presentation for the UX Unconference held at the University of Arizona Libraries, December 6th, 2013. Video recording of the presentation available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzG1G9gpTVU.TRANSCRIPT
UX Unconference | University of Arizona Libraries | December 6th, 2013
Do-it-Yourself
Usability Testing
Rebecca Blakiston
Website Product Manager & Associate Librarian
University of Arizona
@blakistonr
1. Plan
Who am I and
what am I
trying to do on
your website?
Establish
primary tasks.
Test things you
have control
over (mostly).
Write out tasks.
• Find a book based on a topic
• Find open hours
• Find out how much printing costs
Translate tasks into scenarios.
Task Scenario
Find open
hours
You need to drop by the library after
class, find out what time it closes
today.
Find out how
much printing
costs
You need to print a 10-page paper.
How much will this cost you at the
main library?
Gather incentives.
I will take
notes.
I will lead the
testing.
Identify a facilitator and note taker.
Pick a time.
time of day day of week day of month time of year
Pick a place.
Pick a device.
Pick a software (maybe).
Silverback
2. Test
Do you have a
few minutes to
help us improve
our website?
Let them know it’s for a good
cause and won’t take much time.
Introduce the test
• We want to improve the website.
• You can’t do anything wrong.
• Talk out loud, it will help us a lot..
What are you thinking?
What are you looking for?
Facilitate the test.
Keep them talking.
This is very
helpful.
Manage their emotions.
Keep them happy.
I’m feeling
lost…
Oh, crap…
3. Analyze
Don’t freak out.
Don’t blame the user.
Debrief right afterwards.
I was surprised
when…
Focus on
the most
serious
problems.
Focus on the problems
easiest to fix.
What’s the smallest
change we can
make right now to
smooth over this
problem for most
people?
Calendar Event Calendar
Calendar
Keyword Searching Tips
Learn more.
Usability Testing: a
Practical Guide for
Librariansby Rebecca Blakiston
(To be published in
2014)