User Testing

User Testing is one of the most important parts of the development process; it gives direct feedback on how real users use the application. There are different methods that can be applied to evaluate a user interface and I have chosen to monitor users while they complete a task sheet that I have designed. I designed a user testing sheet after adding to my knowledge of the subject from previous projects by looking at online usability websites and guidelines

http://www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources/web-usability/usability-testing.shtml

http://www.ictknowledgebase.org.uk/usertestingonabudget

I also took on board information from a book that I am currently reading

Measuring the User Experience by Tom Tullis and Bill Albert.

I monitored the testing in order to make observations of the user’s experience and this was very useful. The aim of my monitoring was to observe people using the product in the hope of discovering errors and areas requiring improvement. I was looking at the user’s efficiency, accuracy, recall and emotional response whilst they completed the tasks.

I could see the logic they used in determining how to complete the tasks set and I could also see how they used that logic in exploration. I was also looking for frustration as this would be a sign of aspects that may not be intuitive or easy to use.

The aim of my usability testing was to test the applications capacity to meet its intended purpose but I also wanted to gain some feedback on the aesthetic appeal of my design and the merits of the idea behind the project. This would normally be done at an earlier stage as part of focus testing. Focus Testing involves gathering small groups of your target audience together with a moderator and have them discuss their opinions, attitudes and ideas on topics in an attempt to gather people’s views and attitudes on ideas and/or designs. I did consult other people for their views and opinions at various stages of the project but not in a structured manner and I thought it was a good idea to try and get some feedback on people’s opinions about the project in its final stages.

View the result of my user testing below:

Fan Friend Website

Fan Friend Mock Application

Overall user feedback was extremely positive but a larger focus group may have produced more varied results.

User research is a crucial factor in the development process and I put a lot of effort into getting feedback on the project. I sought advice from my lecturers and fellow students at regular intervals throughout the project on design, development and usability aspects. I followed this up with a considered user testing and appraisal sheet in the final weeks of the project; I researched the principles needed for this in depth to be able get the best possible feedback. I am happy with the user testing that I implemented in this project but I would have preferred a larger group of people to test as I feel this would have given me more balanced results.

The only change I have made as a result of user testing came from an informal chat about the product after the testing was complete. It was suggested that I could incorporate the image of a footballer into the mobile application and to balance this I also changed the shade of blue on the background of the application, view below:

Before and After.