The test with users, “It is a usability test that is based on the observation and analysis of how a group of real users uses a website, writing down the usage problems they encounter in order to solve them later. It is a test carried out in the laboratory, that is, we should not confuse it with a field study.” This is the definition provided by Hassan Montero, Yusef.
If done correctly, it perfectly complements the .
When to test with users
It is recommended to carry out the Tests with users in the early phases of the projectfor example in the phase of and always after one since it helps us to solve the most basic errors and problems.
Tests with users can be done in new projects or in redesign projects.
How to perform a test with users
First of all we must have reserved a room or laboratory. It is important that the client or the person responsible for the project is present when carrying out the tests with users.
For the type of tests called “guerrilla”, a single evaluator can be used for the entire test, so that they will be carried out sequentially: one user, one evaluator.
The basic steps to carry out a test with users are the following:
1. Select the participants
The optimal number of participants for the test should be at least 5.
You can use family, friends or even acquaintances who share the defined person archetype. They must resemble the intended user of the website or application.
It is essential that they are people who are not related to the project.
2. The laboratory and the materials
It is a space to carry out the test where no one can interrupt or interfere and that is free of noise and distractions.
A notebook and pen are necessary to be able to make field notes and record the user while executing the tasks. It is essential to record your voice and facial expressions, as well as the use of software that allows us to record your screen to collect data about your navigation through the site.
3. Plan the test
It is necessary to define the tasks that the user is going to carry out, describe the use scenarios in which the tasks that are carried out in the test are framed and write the narratives to contextualize the test.
It is important to emphasize to the user that they are not being evaluated, but rather the design of the web page or application. Also, it is more than advisable to explain to him that if you comment a bug it is the fault of the design and that you comment aloud your impressions and what you think while you test.
The evaluator will in no case help users in carrying out the tasks and will not explain the operation of the website or application.
4. Make the report
After the end of the test with all the summoned users, a report must be made. This final report should be a synthesis that highlights usability flaws and proposals to solve them.
Important data to include in the report include the following:
- Tasks performed by users and the results.
- Usability problems detected and their solutions.
- Highlight tasks not performed by users (crashes) and the causes of the crash.
- List of conclusions for each task.
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