A SIMPLE PROGRAM TO IMPROVE YOUR CUSTOMER’S CATALOG AND WEBSITE EXPERIENCE
EFFECTIVE USABILITY TESTING ON THE CHEAP
PARTICIPANTS
• Go Downtown (See 90 Percent of Everything by Harry Brignull.) http://www.90percentofeverything.com/2009/05/22• You Only need to test 3-5• Demographic variety is best, but don’t obsess
TEST QUESTIONS
• Write a Welcome Script• Target Areas You Want to Test• Action, Task Oriented Questions• Avoid Using Your Label Words• Write Down Search Terms
ANALYZING RESPONSES
• Create Spreadsheet• Look For Common Themes
Questions Participant 1
Participant 2
Participant 3 Participant 4
Do a keyword search for Venice. The first title in the list looks intriguing. How would you find out more about this book to see if you wanted to request it?
Homepage – Catalog Search Box “Venice” Click on the book title – Open Summary drawer Speed: Fast
Homepage – Catalog Search Box “Venice” Click on the book title – Open Summary drawer Speed: Fast
Homepage – Catalog Search Box “Venice” (using Go button) Click on Book Cover – Nothing Happens – Google Preview Speed: Slow Participant confused by hover
Catalog – Start typing “Venice” – picks Venice, Italy from catalog suggestions Click on Full Display button – Open Summary drawer Speed: Fast
FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
• Describe Methodology• List Areas That Tested Well and List Problem Areas• Choose 3-4 Elements To Change• Note 3-4 Elements To Keep Watch On or To Put On
Enhancement List• Include Quotes• Recommended Solutions
REPEAT
• Test• Make Changes• Test • Make Changes• Test• Make Changes• Test• Make Changes• Test• Make Changes• Retire
A STEP FURTHER
• Create A Scheduled, Planned Series Of Tests• Test Mobile• Screencapture And Audio For Stakeholders
SIMPLE, CHEAP, EFFECTIVE
• Space, participants, assistance and content• Write Task, Action Oriented Questions• Test• Observe• Analyze Results• Make Changes• Repeat
THANK YOU!
Colleen Brazil, Content Access ManagerSno-Isle Libraries
(360)651-7046, [email protected]
Slides available on http://www.slideshare.net/cbrazil/effective-usability-testing-on-the-cheap-
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