Usability Testing Study and Report - Stages 7/7.1 & 8
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About this service
Summary
FAQs
What do I need to prepare before starting the usability testing research study (Stage 7)?
For all the details you need regarding the requirements to hire this service, the information you will need to provide and others, please see the template with all the questions and information added to the form to request this service (see direct link in attached service "Starter Level: Usability Testing Research Study and Report").
How do you select participants for usability testing, and what role do I play in this process?
There are two methods for this part of the study. In stage 7, the participants are recruited by you. That means that the whole process of recruiting the participants is conducted and created by you. This process most likely looks like: Define Participant Criteria: Determine the target audience and characteristics of the participants needed for the study. This may include demographics, experience level, specific skills, or other factors relevant to the research goals. | Create Screening Questions: Develop a set of screening questions to identify potential participants who meet the projects criteria. Google forms is a tool that can be used for this process. | Choose Recruitment Channels: Select the appropriate channels to reach the target audience, such as social media platforms, online forums, user panel services, or email campaigns. | Prepare Recruitment Materials: Draft the recruitment message, including details about the study's purpose, duration, requirements, and compensations. Making sure to emphasize the value and importance of participants' input. | Create Consent Forms and Privacy Policies: Develop a consent form that outlines the study's objectives, data collection methods, and how participants' information will be used and protected. Include privacy policies that comply with relevant regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA. | Publish Recruitment Ads: Post the recruitment message and sign-up forms on chosen platforms, ensuring that the process is user-friendly and accessible. | Screen Applicants: Review participant applications and screening questionnaires to identify those who meet the projects criteria. Follow up with selected participants to confirm their availability and interest in participating. | Schedule Research Sessions: Coordinate dates and times for research sessions with selected participants, providing clear instructions and any necessary materials in advance. | Obtain Consent and Conduct Research: Before starting the usability test, ensure that participants sign the consent form and agree to the terms and conditions. Proceed with the study, adhering to ethical research practices and respecting participants' rights and privacy. - This recruitment process can also be conducted by me, through the request of stage 7.1.
What types of tasks will participants perform during usability testing?
In order to answer that, we need to discuss which method will be used first. When we have that sorted out, we can then see what types of tasks they are going to be completing and how long participants will take to complete the task(s). There are several usability testing methods, however, I focus solely on the following: Moderated Usability Testing - Unmoderated Usability Testing - Card Sorting - Tree Testing - First-Click Testing | Surveys | A/B Testing - & Guerrilla Testing. For more details on each of the methods, please see the lower section on "Starter Level: Usability Testing Research Study and Report" from the attached projects.
Can I observe the usability testing sessions, and if so, how?
Of course! Though, that will be based on the implied method for the study. For example, please read the next three methods and how they can look like. - Moderated Usability Testing: You have the option to join test sessions remotely via video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet. This allows you to observe participants' interactions with the product and hear both the moderator's questions and the participants' responses in real time. It’s important for you to remain silent during these sessions to avoid influencing the participants' behavior. | Unmoderated Usability Testing: In unmoderated testing, live session attendance isn't typically available since participants complete tasks independently. However, I will share recorded sessions and analytics data with you after the study is completed. Expect to receive a comprehensive report including key findings, time-stamped video clips of significant moments, and any relevant metrics or visualizations to help you understand how users interact with your product. | First-Click Testing: First-click testing is usually conducted remotely using online tools. If the tool supports real-time monitoring, you can watch participants' actions during the live session. If real-time monitoring isn't available, I will provide you with aggregated data and visualizations after the session. These resources are designed to give you a clear view of how participants interact with your product from the very first click.
How are the findings from usability testing documented and reported?
That will vary according to the type of method utilized, some examples are: Task Completion Rate: Reports the percentage of participants who successfully completed each task. | Time on Task: Documents the average time participants spent completing each task, identifying any time-consuming or inefficient processes. | Error Rate: Notes the number and types of errors participants encountered, and identify potential causes. | User Satisfaction: Summarizes participants' self-reported satisfaction levels, often captured through surveys or questionnaires. - For more details on each of the methods, please see the lower section on "Starter Level: Usability Testing Research Study and Report" from the attached projects.
What kinds of visual aids do you incorporate into the usability testing report?
The usual are: Icons, context images, graphs, pie charts and tables.
How do you develop actionable recommendations from usability testing data?
That will depend on the methods used for the study, some of them will look like the next examples: Moderated/Unmoderated Usability Testing: Lists observed issues and user pain points, such as navigation difficulties or confusing terminology. Provides recommendations for addressing these issues, like redesigning navigation, clarifying instructions, or simplifying tasks. | Card Sorting/Tree Testing/First-Click Testing: Based on the results, recommends changes to the information architecture and navigation structure. Highlights areas where users struggled and suggest improvements to make finding information more intuitive. | Surveys: Summarizes key takeaways from survey responses and identify areas where users expressed dissatisfaction or confusion. Provides recommendations for addressing these concerns, such as simplifying features or offering more guidance. | A/B Testing: Compares the performance of each design variation and discuss which elements led to better results. Recommends implementing the more successful design elements and iterating on those that underperformed. | Guerrilla Testing: Summarizes the informal feedback received and highlight common themes or concerns. Provides recommendations for addressing these issues in future design iterations.
What happens if usability testing reveals critical issues in the product?
You will know immediately, most likely between the drafting of the report.
How is the final usability testing report delivered to me, and in what formats?
You will be asked questions regarding your personal preferences in the request form for this service.
What should I expect in terms of follow-up after the service delivered?
As you move forward with your project, whether with another provider or on your own, I'm committed to ensuring that you have the support and resources you need to successfully leverage the insights we've uncovered. Here are the tailored support options available to you: Detailed Documentation: Receive comprehensive documentation of all research findings and strategic insights, a crucial resource for guiding your next steps. | Clarification and Understanding: Schedule a session to dive deeper into the research outcomes, ensuring you fully grasp the insights and their implications for your project. | Seamless Handover: If you're transitioning to a new team, I can facilitate a handover meeting to brief them on the research groundwork, ensuring a smooth continuation of your project. | Ongoing Consultation: Engage with me for further advice, support, or feedback as you apply the research insights, ensuring you're never without guidance. | Check-In Support: Opt for a scheduled follow-up to discuss your project's progress and any emerging needs or questions you may have. | Tailored Support Pricing: The pricing for continuous meetings or support will be arranged based on the specific option chosen and the nature of the assistance required. This flexible approach ensures you receive the right level of support, tailored to your project's unique needs.
What's included
Stage 7/7.1 | Participant Recruitment and organizing schedules
Over a 3-day period, I organize schedules and connect with 1-3 participants recruited by you, the client, ensuring they are well-suited to provide valuable insights. By informing them about the study's methodologies, I create a solid foundation for usability testing with well-prepared participants.
Stage 7/7.1 | Test Planning
In the next 5 days, I design the usability test by crafting an introduction, formulating 6-8 research questions, and identifying key performance indicators (KPIs). I develop a comprehensive methodology to capture essential data, ensuring the test aligns with research objectives and project goals.
Stage 7.1 only | Participant Recruitment by Designer: Duration in total: 7 days
Survey Creation: Design and deploy surveys to accurately identify potential participants who represent the target audience. This includes crafting questions that will determine if the respondents align with the user profile needed for the testing. | Survey Distribution: Utilize platforms like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms for survey distribution. Employ social media, email campaigns, or other relevant channels to reach a broader audience. | Scheduling: Coordinate with selected participants to schedule testing sessions. This involves considering their availability and aligning it with the project timeline, potentially requiring the juggling of multiple schedules to find suitable times. | Participant Screening: Analyze survey responses to select participants that best match the criteria for the target user group. This step may involve follow-up communications to confirm participant availability and interest.
Stage 7.1 only | Additional Notes
Compensating participants is an effective way to express appreciation and encourage genuine feedback, minimizing bias that could affect the results of the usability testing research study. The type and amount of compensation will be recommended by me based on the study methods employed, but you will make the final decision regarding this. | Ethical Standards and Participant Rights: All research activities will adhere to strict ethical standards. Participants will be fully informed about the study's purpose and what is expected of them during their participation. They will retain the right to withdraw at any point without any penalties. | Responsibility for Documentation: You are responsible for the creation and distribution of all necessary informed consent forms and other participant paperwork, which should include either your name or your company’s/project's name. This documentation is crucial to ensure transparency and participant understanding.
Stage 7/7.1 | Creating Scripts and Scheduling
Over a 3-day period, I develop detailed scripts to facilitate usability testing sessions and carefully schedule participants to align with project timelines. This ensures a smooth and successful testing process.
Stage 7/7.1 | Conducting Usability Testing
The stage concludes with a 5-day period dedicated to facilitating usability testing sessions with participants. Using a prepared script, I guide participants through the low-fidelity prototype, closely observing their interactions and gathering valuable feedback. This process establishes a solid foundation for the subsequent creation of the initial usability testing report.
Stage 8 | Data Compilation and Preliminary Analysis
Over 3 days, I compile data from usability testing sessions, organizing videos, audio recordings, notes, and survey responses. I prepare the raw data for analysis, ensuring it's complete and accessible for review.
Stage 8 | In-depth Analysis of Findings
Next, I spend 3 days conducting an in-depth analysis of the compiled data. By examining patterns, key insights, and usability issues, I generate actionable recommendations that will inform the report.
Stage 8 | Drafting the Report
Over the following 3 days, I draft the Usability Testing Report, which includes an executive summary, methodology, findings, insights, and initial recommendations. This report effectively communicates the testing outcomes to stakeholders.
Stage 8 | Developing Recommendations
In the next 2 days, I develop actionable recommendations based on the analysis insights. These recommendations focus on design changes and enhancements to improve the user experience, providing clear guidance for refining the prototype.
Stage 8 | Incorporating Visual Aids and Examples
Over a 3-day period, I enhance the report with visual aids such as screenshots, annotations, and video clips. These elements illustrate findings and recommended changes, clarifying outcomes and supporting informed decision-making.
Stage 8 | Review and Final Adjustments
For the next 2 days, I review the report for clarity, completeness, and coherence. By gathering preliminary feedback from a smaller group of stakeholders or peers, I refine the report to ensure it is well-organized and effectively communicates key information.
Stage 8 | Finalization
Finally, within 1 day, I finalize the report layout, ensuring visual aids are correctly positioned and annotated. I then deliver the polished document to the client or project team, completing the usability testing process successfully.
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