User tests
So this week (3-21), we did some user tests on a somewhat related (content wise) infographic to test our testing protocol and give you the chance to see what it was like to sort of perform a user test. (Because nothing can actually compare to doing a test in real life.)
There was lots that was really good about your draft protocols and how the tests actually went. So for example, you did gain the experience that you need to tell the user everything they need to do (for the most part), and you got to experience those moments of awkward silence as the tester was reading the material. You also did a good job of conceptualizing with the test is supposed to do, which is a big step. I really liked the way you all broke up the tasks and worked at getting specific notes for the tasks.
However, it didn’t seem in the protocols and in the practice user test that you took seriously the precision that is necessary in conducting a user test. By that I mean, it seemed to go a little too quickly and easily. Now, on one hand, that can be great in because you did understand the concept and you did successfully administer a test. On the other hand, however, it could mean that there was a lack of attention to detail and just trying to get things done. My hope is that when we do another run through next week we can a better sense of what to expect.
I also cannot stress enough that usability testing protocols (the testing part) or a test plan have to be created meticulously so that the data you gather is actually useful data for the question(s) being asked. One of the things we will do in class on 3-28 is to compare your draft test plans with the test plan that was compiled from all of your drafts. There are noticeable differences between them.
I know that this is a super hard project because there are lots of moving parts. And I also get that y’all are worried about not doing something right. Let me try and reassure you that I have a strong belief in you and fully believe you’re going to do great. You’ve done some really good work up to this point. I encourage you to believe in yourselves and all the knowledge that you’ve learned. You know stuff. The usability test will be putting that stuff into practice!
The schedule has been updated to reflect how the logistics of the tests will go.