We used several research approaches to complete our Usability Testing project. We needed to:
- Choose a pretend business name (Users R Us)
- Set up the imaginary test design
- Plan how we would interview test users
- Plan where we would find these test users
The client’s EyeGuide app was a tool for athletes, coaches, and medical professionals. They could use the app and record eye movement to show a possible concussion.
Research to Put Together a Usability Test
I referred to the book and journal articles we had for test design. They were a part of the lecture part of the class. It was a challenging project. Once I had the framework of the project put together, my partner knew how to help.
For test users, we knew athletes, nurses, and veterans. These people fit the ideal audience of the client. If this was a real test, we could reach those people through social media like Facebook and Instagram.
The test itself could work online by having the users record their faces. While doing the test, the camera and mic could record their remarks and expressions.
This test was all part of the hypothetical nature of the project. But we did have a realistic approach as if we did do the test for real.
Usability testing is also a form of research, as its preparation and parts of its process.
Research Needed For the Usability Report
We also needed to create a formal report. The instructions for the paper and the instructor’s comments weren’t helpful. So I referenced some online examples to model our model after.
These reports had a cover page table of contents with links to sections. Then I labeled parts based on categories our instructor suggested.
Everyone roleplayed running a test. We used a template I put together from referencing the book and tinkering with the app.
Each test had a pre-test interview and a post-test survey. We kept the numbers simple and took averages and medians. We also acknowledged one person being an outlier for most of his results.
Finishing the Report
After organizing and synthesizing our information, my partner created an executive summary. We placed that before the parts of the report we filled out as we proceeded through the project.
The summary included disclosure of the tests’ limitations. It also mentioned factors for the company to investigate if it chose to run more tests.
It was a lot of work because of the degree and variety of research techniques needed. We also had several teammates who made almost no effort.
Yet I found that those who did the work got a lot out of it. Once we got the layout of the process figured out, putting in the time and effort was all we needed to do.
Leah Markum 