Rapid Prototyping with Axure RP Part 3 – Using Axure for Usability Testing

Hello, my name is Barry •  UX Architect at Code Computerlove •  Finished uni in 1998 •  First job was as a Web developer •  Worked for couple of agencies in

Leeds before moving to William Hill in 2001

•  Moved from web development into UX in 2005

•  Been at Code since May 2008 •  Been using Axure since v4

Some stuff about Code •  Largest independent digital agency in Manchester •  Been around for just over 12 years •  Staff of around 50 people •  Wide range of clients from all sectors

•  I’ll show you some logos in a sec… •  (Everyone loves logos)

•  Louis is my boss (say hi, Louis) •  You’re currently sat in our group workshop area

•  (Apologies for the heat!)

Low-fidelity Prototypes

Hi-fidelity prototype

Pitfalls in testing with Prototypes •  Unfamiliar to users •  Can appear technical & don’t resemble a “real” website •  You need to remove barriers to your users’ understanding •  Focus on testing the new site, not their comprehension of

your prototype •  But you don’t want to build a fully functional website…

Testing your creative output

Why do it? •  Creative treatment can impact usability

•  Appropriate visual cues •  Strong signposting •  Cognitive load •  Information scent for navigation •  Interactivity and visual feedback

•  Branding & colours and can illicit unpredictable emotional responses

•  “Do you like the colours?” equally as valid as “can you find the checkout button?”

•  Perception of usability as important as “actual” usability

•  All contributes to a positive experience on your site

What to test… •  Look and feel •  Navigation •  Simple interactions •  User Journeys / Scenarios

•  I’ll show you how to recreate a fairly complex user journey using a fully designed mock-up

Using a design we borrowed…

Testing Scenario •  Book a single ticket for

yourself, travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Leeds, after 8.30pm this evening

[Axure Demonstration]

Recap on the steps to produce… •  Import the design

•  PNG works best •  Add hotspots for core navigation •  Masque out areas you want to test interactivity

•  Use blank panels, colour-matched with no border •  Drop in real form elements •  Add interactions and dynamic layers

Thank you Any questions?

Next NUX Manchester

Monday 4th July Same time, same place