User testing

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OVERVIEW

User testing is a method to check suitability of content and design and the effectiveness of architecture for target audiences as part of the development process or prior to implementing changes in existing online resources. Once the key audience(s) have been determined, people who match their characteristics can be recruited to help design the architecture for the content or to give feedback on preliminary designs and layouts. This is known as user-centred design.

As part of this approach there are a number of methodologies that can be used:

Card sorting
Paper mock up
Live site testing
Third party audits

Card sorting

When trying to determine how to organise online content in a way that makes sense to your audience, rather than reflecting your organisation, you provide a series of small cards each with a heading and description of content that you wish to present online. You then invite the user to categorise the content like-with-like and then note down the clusters on a separate sheet, perhaps also providing an overarching term to describe each cluster.

Paper mock up

Paper mock ups allow you to test early ideas for layout and headings by presenting target audience users with pages that they can comment on as to their clarity and logical presentation. You can provide multiple pages for testers to write on with preferred terminology or alternative layouts before taking your design to a web company or to compare layouts that are already under discussion.

Live site testing

Live site testing is perhaps best undertaken with a usability company with suitable facilities to undertake and record the user experience as well as having expertise to recommend improvements that will work for your target audience.

Live site testing involves taking real users who reflect the characteristics of the target audience (including their proficiency with online media) and asking them to undertake a set of tasks with your online resources. They may also be asked to comment more generally on the look and feel of your online content, what appeals and what they don't like and why.

Third party audits

RNIB provide guidelines on usability for blind and partially sighted users and undertake usability audits, granting a See it Right mark if the resources meet the standards required. The Plain English Campaign will also audit your online resources for language but also consider layout that meets the standard of the Internet Crystal Mark

Further information

Jakob Nielsen on card sorting
Downloadable paper protyping resources from a Melbourne usability company, Information and Design

[[role::newcomer]] [[role::strategy manager]] [[role::policy maker]] [[role::technical support]]
 [[goal::designing]] [[goal::usability]] [[goal::developing]] [[goal::audience]] 
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