1 00:00:08,030 --> 00:00:13,630 Hi--preparing the usability tests involves a number of steps--sending a date and time, 2 00:00:13,630 --> 00:00:20,520 identifying a location, identifying test users, setting up test equipment, and logistics. 3 00:00:20,520 --> 00:00:25,620 Testing works best when you have as much control as possible over all the variables. 4 00:00:25,620 --> 00:00:29,740 So conducting the test in a familiar location like your office or home 5 00:00:29,740 --> 00:00:34,400 is preferable to something like a coffee shop or other public place. 6 00:00:34,750 --> 00:00:37,670 Using your own equipment is one way to maintain control. 7 00:00:37,670 --> 00:00:44,510 For one thing, it allows you to install any programs you need especially the test recording software. 8 00:00:44,510 --> 00:00:47,910 Recording test allows facilitators to concentrate on running the test 9 00:00:47,910 --> 00:00:50,990 without having to simultaneously take notes. 10 00:00:50,990 --> 00:00:54,370 After the fact, you can review screencast and any other recordings 11 00:00:54,370 --> 00:00:57,600 as many times as you need to finalize your findings. 12 00:00:58,290 --> 00:01:02,900 Recording can also allow you to put together a highlight reel of important sequences 13 00:01:02,900 --> 00:01:07,670 such as common problems users stumbled upon and positive and negative feedback. 14 00:01:07,670 --> 00:01:11,940 These recordings are especially helpful to show to designers and developers 15 00:01:11,940 --> 00:01:16,460 so they can fully understand how certain parts of a site might breakdown. 16 00:01:17,459 --> 00:01:23,090 Depending on your budget and set up, it might be possible to allow your team to watch the test live. 17 00:01:23,090 --> 00:01:26,320 Though it is important to keep them separate from the test environment. 18 00:01:26,320 --> 00:01:30,570 And you should always ask for permission from the test user to do the recording. 19 00:01:30,570 --> 00:01:35,420 Get it in writing and remember test users should be compensated for their time 20 00:01:35,420 --> 00:01:39,410 so make sure this is agreed upon before the testing begins. 21 00:01:39,410 --> 00:01:41,440 So let's get some test users. 22 00:01:42,380 --> 00:01:45,970 Researchers shown that testing with just three to five people 23 00:01:45,970 --> 00:01:48,330 often provides enough feedback to work with. 24 00:01:48,330 --> 00:01:51,400 So don't worry about finding dozens of test users 25 00:01:51,400 --> 00:01:55,130 and think back to our primary user personas and goals. 26 00:01:55,130 --> 00:02:01,120 If you know people that fit this profile, reach out to them and see if they can help you out. 27 00:02:01,120 --> 00:02:04,850 If you have to reach out to new people, surveying potential users 28 00:02:04,850 --> 00:02:09,750 can help you identify preferable test subjects by matching elements of your user persona 29 00:02:09,750 --> 00:02:15,390 like demographics or the user's level of experience with the type of content your website offers. 30 00:02:15,720 --> 00:02:19,740 Once you have the test user selected, confirm they can come 31 00:02:19,740 --> 00:02:22,220 at the given date and time to your location 32 00:02:22,220 --> 00:02:26,000 and make sure they're prepared with directions and your contact info. 33 00:02:27,000 --> 00:02:31,760 Preparing your materials ahead of time allows for the greatest control over test conditions. 34 00:02:31,760 --> 00:02:35,920 Ensuring the responses you get will be right on point. 35 00:02:35,920 --> 00:02:40,870 If you done your research, you should have identified the primary user goals on your site 36 00:02:40,870 --> 00:02:43,980 and you'll have some scenarios already prepared. 37 00:02:43,980 --> 00:02:48,440 Be sure to take a look at your test users and see if those scenarios still make sense 38 00:02:48,440 --> 00:02:50,650 and make any adjustments if necessary. 39 00:02:51,390 --> 00:02:55,820 Preparing some extra backup questions is also a good idea in case certain parts of the site 40 00:02:55,820 --> 00:02:59,960 aren't working or if the test user is eager to help some more. 41 00:03:01,110 --> 00:03:05,000 Once it's time to begin the test, it's important to set expectations. 42 00:03:05,000 --> 00:03:09,430 Using a prepared script can help keep the experience consistent for everyone 43 00:03:09,430 --> 00:03:13,540 including yourself and it provides all the information users need to know. 44 00:03:13,900 --> 00:03:16,320 So be sure to go over the ground rules. 45 00:03:16,320 --> 00:03:21,630 Let users know you must have total honest feedback and that if possible, 46 00:03:21,630 --> 00:03:25,140 they should speak out loud about what they're thinking at each step. 47 00:03:25,740 --> 00:03:30,330 These tests are a golden opportunity to get inside the mind of your potential users. 48 00:03:30,330 --> 00:03:35,520 So hearing their thoughts is another way to understand how users interpret your site. 49 00:03:35,520 --> 00:03:39,949 Encourage them not to sugarcoat any responses even if you're the one that built the site. 50 00:03:39,949 --> 00:03:44,869 Honest constructive feedback is the only way to discover ways to improve it. 51 00:03:46,350 --> 00:03:51,030 So at the least try to complete at least three tests with each person 52 00:03:51,030 --> 00:03:53,840 that relate to the most important user goals. 53 00:03:53,840 --> 00:03:58,720 Make sure you observe and ask questions that allow the user to lead the way 54 00:03:58,720 --> 00:04:01,020 and when you're done, thank them for their time 55 00:04:01,020 --> 00:04:06,170 because regardless of the feedback positive or negative, you've gained valuable feedback 56 00:04:06,170 --> 00:04:08,900 into how people use your website.