WRT235: Writing in Electronic EnvironmentsUser Testing

Why User Research?

Discover user motivations, behaviors, and needs through testing, interviewing, and other feedback methodologies

Reduces development costsDeliver a more effective product/projectRetention

Types of User Research

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 PlanResearch 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 TestingRecommendations

Stakeholders and TargetsGo to www.osha.gov and poke around the siteWho 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 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