Usability Testing Process

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of creating user profiles?

To test the usability of a product with a small group of users
To identify and characterize distinct subgroups of users (correct)
To prioritize users based on their experience levels
To separate users into random groups

How should users be selected for testing if there are limited testing resources?

Choose users from the subgroup with the most users (correct)
Split users into smaller groups and test each group separately
Select users from the subgroup with the highest reported issues
Randomly select users from each subgroup

What is the ideal scenario for user testing?

Testing with users from a single subgroup
Testing with users who are familiar with the product
Testing with users from all major profiles (correct)
Testing with a small group of users

What should be the order of tasks when creating written test materials?

Start with the easy tasks and move to more challenging ones (C)

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What is the next step after creating user profiles?

Decide what to test (C)

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What is the purpose of a written welcome speech or intro?

To read to users at the beginning of the test (B)

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What is the benefit of defining the characteristics of each subgroup?

It helps in understanding the needs of each subgroup (D)

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What is included in the task list for users?

All written test materials including interview questions (D)

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What is the purpose of observation forms?

To observe and record user behavior (D)

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What is included in 'other materials'?

Additional written test materials not mentioned earlier (A)

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What is the primary focus of usability?

Particular users performing particular tasks (A)

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What is the main distinction between user-centered design and user-friendly design?

User-centered design is more focused on the user's tasks (A)

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What is usability testing primarily concerned with?

Evaluating the user's performance in a particular environment (A)

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What is the key characteristic of a usability function?

It is a function of particular users, tasks, and environments (C)

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What is the primary goal of usability?

To enable users to accomplish their tasks quickly and easily (D)

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What is the primary role of the Facilitator/Briefer?

To interact with users and facilitate the session (A)

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Which team member is responsible for recording observations?

Observation recorder/note taker (D)

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What is the role of the Help desk operator?

To provide technical assistance to users (C)

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Which team member is not necessary for the session?

Camera operator (D)

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How many team members are optional?

Two (A)

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What should be emphasized to users during user testing?

That the product is being tested, not them (C)

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What is the purpose of explaining the think-aloud protocol to users?

To help them understand the testing process (A)

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How should users be treated during testing?

As if they are natural users of the product (B)

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What is the goal of user testing?

To test the product with real users (B)

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Why is it essential to explain the testing process to users?

To help them understand their role in the testing process (A)

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Study Notes

What is Usability?

Usability is defined as "a function of particular users performing particular tasks in a particular environment".
It means that the people who use the product can do so quickly and easily to accomplish their own tasks.

What is Usability Testing?

Usability testing involves creating user profiles and breaking users into clear subgroups.
Characteristics of each subgroup are defined and profiled.
Ideally, users from all major profiles are tested, but if limited, profiles are chosen based on the highest number of users or those that may have the greatest usability issues.

Step 1: Create User Profiles and Choose Participants

Create user profiles by breaking users into clear subgroups.
Define the characteristics of each subgroup.
Choose user profiles to test based on highest number of users or potential usability issues.

Step 2: Decide What to Test

Determine the order of tasks: start with easy tasks, follow a sequential order, or be random.
Create written test materials, including:
- Task list for users
- Written welcome speech/intro
- Consent forms
- Observation forms
- Pre-task and post-task questionnaires and interview questions

Step 3: Prepare for the Test

Recruit participants and determine "payment" or incentives.
Define team member roles, including:
- Facilitator/Briefer
- Observation recorder/note taker
- Camera operator (optional)
- Help desk operator (optional)
- Test administrator (optional)
Emphasize that the test is not evaluating the user, but the product.
Explain the think-aloud protocol to participants (if used).