First round of testing, coming up!
I have completed the script for the first round of testing for our Smugmug Web site. Our primary objective is to test what people think about the site, and to see if our tagging system is efficient. What I have found useful prior to this round of formal testing is to look at photos and have people describe what they see.
Hopefully within the week I will have my testing results.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Usability Testing
Gaffney, G. Information & Design,www.infodesign.com.au 1999
Key Words: walk-through, usability testing, guidelines
Usability testing is a technique for ensuring that the intended users of a system can carry out the intended tasks efficiently, effectively and satisfactorily. It can be carried out at any point in the design process; however, in the early stages a "walk through" is best.
Usability tests should be attended by:
Gaffney, G. Information & Design,www.infodesign.com.au 1999
Key Words: walk-through, usability testing, guidelines
Usability testing is a technique for ensuring that the intended users of a system can carry out the intended tasks efficiently, effectively and satisfactorily. It can be carried out at any point in the design process; however, in the early stages a "walk through" is best.
Usability tests should be attended by:
- representative user
- test host
- a developer
6-8 test sessions usually uncovers the majority of significant issues. However, even one test is better than none.
Required Materials
- formal script (to treat all participants the same way)
- pre-evaluation questionnaire (to check there profile)
- a list of tasks (and criteria)
- logging sheets (to record timing, events, actions, comments, concerns)
- post-evaluation questionnaire (to measure user satisfaction)
Guidelines
- run a pilot test
- make sure participants are put at ease
- do not prompt participants unless clearly indicated
- record in as much detail as possible
- do not interrupt (if there are other observers)
Monday, February 6, 2012
Research-Based Web Design & Usability Guidelines
Citation: Research-Based Web Design & Usability Guidelines. 2011.
http://www.usability.gov/pdfs/chapter18.pdf
Key words: usability testing, observations, iterative approach, performance usability
This chapter is about (main discussion):
Creating prototypes, testing the prototypes, and then making changes based on the test results. The “test and make changes” process is repeated until the Web site meets usability goals. When these goals are met, the iterative process ends.
The author argues that:
the iterative design process helps to substantially improve the usability of web sites. Studies show that improvements made between original websites and redesigned ones “resulted in 30% more task completions, 25% less time to complete the tasks, and 67% greater user satisfaction. A second study reported that 8/10 tasks were performed faster on the website that had been iteratively designed. Lastly, a third study found that 46% of the original set of issues were resolved by making design changes to the interface.” (http://www.usability.gov/guidelines/guidelines_book.pdf 18:1)
The authors make the following statements or sites the following references on support of his/ her argument (provide 2-3 quotes):
it is best to perform iterative cycles of usability testing over the course of the web site’s development, as this allows developers the chance to observe and listen to many users.
http://www.usability.gov/guidelines/guidelines_book.pdf (18:6)
Performance usability testing with users early in the design process with a small number of diverse users (about 6 users ranging from novice to expert) is sufficient to identify problems with the info architecture and overall design issues. Once this has been completed, quantitative testing (measuring times, failure to find content, etc.) can be conducted. Try to achieve 95% confidence level in usability tests http://www.usability.gov/guidelines/guidelines_book.pdf (18:6)
The authors conclude that:
developing and testing prototypes through and iterative design approach creates the most useful and usable website.
The authors feel that:
“the iterative design process helps to substantially improve the usability of Web sites.”
References: http://www.usability.gov/guidelines/guidelines_book.pdf
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Usability Testing Materials
Citation: Gaffney, G. Usability Testing Materials. Information & Design. 2001.
http://www.infodesign.com.au/usabilityresources/usabilitytestingmaterials
Key words: test schedule, observer guidelines, script, consent form, task cards, logging sheets
This article is about (main discussion):
Preparing for and conducting usability testing in a way that makes the administrator comfortable and at ease with the testing materials.
The author argues that:
the following materials are imperative to a successful usability testing session: test schedule (describes location and time of each session), observer guidelines (“ground rules” about appropriate behaviour), script (which gives the appropriate amount of information to the participant), consent form (if taping the participant), task cards (a written description of the task that the participant can refer back to if needed), logging sheets (to take notes during the test- “detailed” and/or free-form), questionnaire (an optional form to gather demographic data and other feedback and comments).
The authors make the following statements or sites the following references on support of his/ her argument (provide 2-3 quotes):
Usability testing can be stressful for participants; therefore, we must treat him/ her with respect by: being quiet, not disrupting, do not include, personal names or attributes, refrain form joking or laughing, and wait for all results before changing any designs. http://www.infodesign.com.au/ftp/ObserverGuidelines.pdf
Introduce the participant to the testing by explaining the purpose of the testing, the length of time it should take, encouraging “think-aloud,” and assure him/ her that it is not a test of ability, but of usability. http://www.infodesign.com.au/ftp/TestScript.pdf
The purpose of the questionnaire is to gain an understanding of people who will use the product http://www.infodesign.com.au/ftp/TestQuestionnaire.pdf
The authors conclude that:
Using the above materials will assist the tester in achieving the desired result of a meaningful and successful usability test.
The authors feel that:
“It is important that your testing plan is rigorously defined, so that you can maximize the benefits of this technique.” http://www.infodesign.com.au/usabilitytesting
References: http://www.infodesign.com.au/usabilityresources/usabilitytestingmaterials 2001
Monday, January 30, 2012
Interface Design Guidelines for Users of All Ages
Citation: Spiezle, C. Interface Design Guidelines for Users of All Ages. AgeLight 2001.
http://www.agelight.com/webdocs/designguide.pdf
Key words: usability, effective interface usability, seniors, aging
This article is about (main discussion):
Designing a website or interface for an aging population, determining what factors affect design for seniors, recommendations for curing “ailments” to broken web designs (including: layout and style, colour, text, general usability testing, accessibility and disabilities, user customization) (p. 1, 7)
The author argues that:
“The importance of design and usability considerations for increasingly varied ages and lifestyles of computer and Internet appliance users has been heightened with the increase of worldwide longevity and the integration of the Internet into all aspects of society.” (p. 3)
The authors make the following statements or sites the following references on support of his/ her argument (provide 2-3 quotes):
Six recommendations and solutions to site “ailments” include: layout & style, colour, text, general usability testing, accessibility & disabilities, user customization (p. 7)
Remember: place the most important information and content in the first screen of the page as you can not expect the user to scroll down, be consistent (use rows and columns, and putting logos in same place) (p. 7), no blinking graphics, pop up windows and ads banners, use a light complementary background instead of watermarks or embossed logos, lots of white and little text is beneficial, use hyperlinks for longer pages, increase the size of the area around the link, consistently underline links, but do not underline text, keep pages short, consistency of navigation (p.8), design in black and white, and add colour for emphasis when design is complete, when choosing colour, consider hue, lightness and saturation (http://www.lighthouse.org/color_contrast.htm), keep colours bright and bold (p. 10), limit text bolding, use 12-14 size, limit use of all capital caps (p. 10,11), test your pages as much as possible, add search capability, have external links open in new windows (p. 13)
The authors conclude that:
Designers need to be aware of the varied levels of adult literacy and the primary language of the intended user. Our aging society and the disabled are at risk of feeling disenfranchised by designers who do not allow their participation in potential quality-of-life enhancing technologies. (p.16)
The authors feel that:
“Collaborative research on the needs of multimedia and Web technology development that would support increased usability. This research would go a long way in developing awareness and highlighting innovative market solutions for users of all ages and physical capabilities.” (p. 16)
References: http://www.agelight.com/webdocs/designguide.pdf 2001
Citation: Spiezle, C. Interface Design Guidelines for Users of All Ages. AgeLight 2001.
http://www.agelight.com/webdocs/designguide.pdf
Key words: usability, effective interface usability, seniors, aging
This article is about (main discussion):
Designing a website or interface for an aging population, determining what factors affect design for seniors, recommendations for curing “ailments” to broken web designs (including: layout and style, colour, text, general usability testing, accessibility and disabilities, user customization) (p. 1, 7)
The author argues that:
“The importance of design and usability considerations for increasingly varied ages and lifestyles of computer and Internet appliance users has been heightened with the increase of worldwide longevity and the integration of the Internet into all aspects of society.” (p. 3)
The authors make the following statements or sites the following references on support of his/ her argument (provide 2-3 quotes):
Six recommendations and solutions to site “ailments” include: layout & style, colour, text, general usability testing, accessibility & disabilities, user customization (p. 7)
Remember: place the most important information and content in the first screen of the page as you can not expect the user to scroll down, be consistent (use rows and columns, and putting logos in same place) (p. 7), no blinking graphics, pop up windows and ads banners, use a light complementary background instead of watermarks or embossed logos, lots of white and little text is beneficial, use hyperlinks for longer pages, increase the size of the area around the link, consistently underline links, but do not underline text, keep pages short, consistency of navigation (p.8), design in black and white, and add colour for emphasis when design is complete, when choosing colour, consider hue, lightness and saturation (http://www.lighthouse.org/color_contrast.htm), keep colours bright and bold (p. 10), limit text bolding, use 12-14 size, limit use of all capital caps (p. 10,11), test your pages as much as possible, add search capability, have external links open in new windows (p. 13)
The authors conclude that:
Designers need to be aware of the varied levels of adult literacy and the primary language of the intended user. Our aging society and the disabled are at risk of feeling disenfranchised by designers who do not allow their participation in potential quality-of-life enhancing technologies. (p.16)
The authors feel that:
“Collaborative research on the needs of multimedia and Web technology development that would support increased usability. This research would go a long way in developing awareness and highlighting innovative market solutions for users of all ages and physical capabilities.” (p. 16)
References: http://www.agelight.com/webdocs/designguide.pdf 2001
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Teamwork
I am impressed with how well my team is working together. It was something for a group of six to be communicating, meeting and collaborating, and half of us weren't even in the same city! That's 21st century collaboration!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Reading Report: Basic Design Principles for Creating Web Sites Citation: Horton, S. and Lynch P. (2012) Web Style Guide: Basic Design Principles for Creating Web Sites. http://www.webstyleguide.com/wsg3/index.html. (Chapters 2, 4, 7, 11)
Key words: design process, universal usability, accessibility, user-centred design (UCD), visual design
This book is about (main discussion):
Design principles and how they apply to web design, from planning, to production, to maintenance. Primary topics that I read for this review include visual design, universal usability, and user-centered design. Furthermore, when designing a website, universal usability (improving the quality of life for a larger audience more frequently) is the aim, as this provides effectiveness in accomplishing tasks (such as finding information).
The authors argue that:
Universal Usability
When designing websites it is our job to make them more usable, or reduce functional limitations. The most common method for achieving this is user-centred design (UCD), which looks at the users (through focus groups, task analysis, and user testing) to determine what works best for them. UCD practitioners continuously design, test, and refine in order to achieve the best product. UCD is applied to diverse users, platforms, and contexts. The first step to to achieving universal usability is to not design for a “typical” user; rather, it should be done considering age, experience level, and other limitations (ie. sensory). The authors outline the following guidelines to support adaptation (a design approach used to accommodate users): flexibility, user control, keyboard functionality, and text equivalents). (chapter 2)
The first step in the web design process is to gather information about the users. This can be done through surveys, interviews, focus groups, web analytics, and field studies. The second step is to apply what is learned in stage one, by creating “personas” (which typically include a name, demographics, level of expertise, and platform). Personas should include a wide variety of people within a demographic. When testing what has been designed, paper prototypes are often the best platform as they are inexpensive, and effective for examining page elements. User testing is implemented in a controlled and directed fashion in order to test the prototypes in order to improve its universal usability. As mentioned previously, this process is continuous. (chapter 2).
Visual Design
Holton and Lynch discuss these visual design principles with regard to web page design: proximity, similarity, continuity, closure, figure-ground relationships, uniform connectedness, and 1 + 1 = 3 effects.
The authors make the following statements or sites the following references on support of his/ her argument:
Ben Shneiderman defines universal usability as “having more than 90% of all households as successful users of information and communications services at least once a week.” (chapter 2)
Gestalt psychologists researched into the perception of visual patterns yielded a number of consistent principles that dominate human visual reasoning and pattern recognition, and these principles form the theoretical basis for much of modern graphic design. (chapter 7) The authors conclude that: The concept of universal usability is informed by several initiatives, primarily accessibility, usability, and universal design. Universal design incorporates access requirements into a design, rather than providing alternate designs to meet specific needs. Furthermore, a design that meets broad needs is more effective and less-costly than multiple designs (chapter 2).
The authors feel that:
Through iterative cycles of design, testing, and refinement, user-centered design practitioners continuously check in to make sure they are on track-that users like and will be successful using the design. (chapter 2) This process provides for the widest audience in a variety of contexts and platforms.
Key words: design process, universal usability, accessibility, user-centred design (UCD), visual design
This book is about (main discussion):
Design principles and how they apply to web design, from planning, to production, to maintenance. Primary topics that I read for this review include visual design, universal usability, and user-centered design. Furthermore, when designing a website, universal usability (improving the quality of life for a larger audience more frequently) is the aim, as this provides effectiveness in accomplishing tasks (such as finding information).
The authors argue that:
Universal Usability
When designing websites it is our job to make them more usable, or reduce functional limitations. The most common method for achieving this is user-centred design (UCD), which looks at the users (through focus groups, task analysis, and user testing) to determine what works best for them. UCD practitioners continuously design, test, and refine in order to achieve the best product. UCD is applied to diverse users, platforms, and contexts. The first step to to achieving universal usability is to not design for a “typical” user; rather, it should be done considering age, experience level, and other limitations (ie. sensory). The authors outline the following guidelines to support adaptation (a design approach used to accommodate users): flexibility, user control, keyboard functionality, and text equivalents). (chapter 2)
The first step in the web design process is to gather information about the users. This can be done through surveys, interviews, focus groups, web analytics, and field studies. The second step is to apply what is learned in stage one, by creating “personas” (which typically include a name, demographics, level of expertise, and platform). Personas should include a wide variety of people within a demographic. When testing what has been designed, paper prototypes are often the best platform as they are inexpensive, and effective for examining page elements. User testing is implemented in a controlled and directed fashion in order to test the prototypes in order to improve its universal usability. As mentioned previously, this process is continuous. (chapter 2).
Visual Design
Holton and Lynch discuss these visual design principles with regard to web page design: proximity, similarity, continuity, closure, figure-ground relationships, uniform connectedness, and 1 + 1 = 3 effects.
The authors make the following statements or sites the following references on support of his/ her argument:
Ben Shneiderman defines universal usability as “having more than 90% of all households as successful users of information and communications services at least once a week.” (chapter 2)
Gestalt psychologists researched into the perception of visual patterns yielded a number of consistent principles that dominate human visual reasoning and pattern recognition, and these principles form the theoretical basis for much of modern graphic design. (chapter 7) The authors conclude that: The concept of universal usability is informed by several initiatives, primarily accessibility, usability, and universal design. Universal design incorporates access requirements into a design, rather than providing alternate designs to meet specific needs. Furthermore, a design that meets broad needs is more effective and less-costly than multiple designs (chapter 2).
The authors feel that:
Through iterative cycles of design, testing, and refinement, user-centered design practitioners continuously check in to make sure they are on track-that users like and will be successful using the design. (chapter 2) This process provides for the widest audience in a variety of contexts and platforms.
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