User Profiling and Testing Toolkit
Usability Testing Process
Introduction
This topic contains information on the usability testing process.
Steps in usability testing
The following table outlines the main activities involved in developing and conducting a usability test.
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1. Establish test objectives
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- Determine the usability test goals.
- Decide the scope of test user groups, if certain features of the site are being tested, how to measure usability.
- Schedule key dates for testing.
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2. Plan and prepare
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- Begin recruiting test participants.
- Prepare the following test materials:
- tasks and scripts,
- participant instructions,
- data logging sheets,
- pre-test and post-test questionnaire, and
- consent forms (if required).
- Select feedback protocol mechanisms:
- a written feedback protocol distributed to users who write their own feedback, and/or
- an interview feedback protocol with answers recorded by the moderator.
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3. Recruit participants
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- Filter participants based on user group attributes.
- Prepare an introduction or cover sheet inviting participants.
- Explain the test process to the participants.
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4. Organise venue and equipment
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Organise a venue with suitable equipment.
Example: Computer, internet access, privacy.
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5. Conduct tests
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- Greet users and explain the session structure.
- Introduce any observers or facilitators.
Important: Managers and designers should also identify themselves as mere observers rather than major stakeholders.
- Conduct session with minimum disruptions.
- Record observations on logging sheets.
- Keep a check on the time. Try not to let the test run overtime.
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6. Debrief participants
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- Ask participants to fill in the feedback questionnaire.
Important: Remember to collect this form and check for completion.
- Ask the participant to provide general feedback about the Web site and answer observers' questions.
- Thank and compensate the participants.
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7. Collect and analyse data
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- Collect logging sheets, feedback material, observers' notes from all sessions.
- Group results into usability categories for analysis.
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8. Recommendations
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- Document what was observed.
- Determine which usability goals were met and which were not met.
- Recommend changes to make the site usable.
- Distribute findings to all stakeholders.
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