5 Things Learned from Usability Testing in Singapore
I like to do usability testing.
There is no more efficient way of testing than putting hypotheses in front of users. Not only can you look at your work outside of the development environment, you can also get a lot of innovative ideas from users because they use it every day.
You have to arrange it as soon as possible, but what’s surprising is that many developers have not done so. They should spend less time developing and spending more time with users. In other words, they should go out more.
I also learned how to get more effective feedback. If you focus on specific patterns, you can improve your ability to find hidden ideas.
It is best to test in the context of the environment.
The first time I’ve been involved in several usability tests is what marketers like to do: the host is on the side and the other five or six are on the other side. And we should sit on the other side of the record, in the observation of the user’s performance but also often jokingly interact with them.
Observe the user’s performance is very interesting. But sometimes it’s useless. All usability tests are biased and even worse, can you guarantee that their performance is real even if you pay the user? So, your goal is to limit this bias as much as possible. In the process, we can learn a lot of things, which is why we will continue to test, with or without bias.
The best way is to simulate the environment in which the user is using the application. For example, if the user is sitting, I will not do a test of moving the map application because the user typically uses the map while walking somewhere. I have already done some tests on the users of the handsets. The test indicator is, “Did they find their destination?”
For other applications, I do usability testing on the desk and the user. This provides a better understanding of the environment in which users use the application in their daily lives.
My client and I recently did a test, the user must interact with 3-4 applications in their daily lives. I can learn from other applications used by users (such as Salesforce, Excel, Outlook, and other six browser windows). While I watched the user interact with the software, I took notes and listed the application-related workflow suggestions instead of the ones I originally designed.
See what they do and not what they say
Many people like to help others, so they face the issues that lie ahead of you positively, a situation is known as Social Desirability. I’ve done several usability tests and users have expressed how well they like this app. They say, “I love it! I will use it completely.”
Obviously, they do not know how to use this application.
When you call it “usability testing,” an end user might simply think of a test of knowledge, not an app usability test. They do not want others to think they are stupid, so they will say how well they know how to use the site or they are focused on the job so they do not make mistakes. Many people like to help, so they are very positive about the issues you put before them. With this alone, I may have a series of things to write.
See what they do and how they react to the on-screen app and try to relate them to their comments. Sometimes, I track the movement of the mouse to know exactly what the user is doing, but I usually just sketch the interaction.
Let the user speak easier than you think.
While working at Jobvite, I interviewed many recruiters and hiring managers. Nothing is easier than getting feedback from recruiters.
You ask them three questions and they will tell you everything. What they ate at noon, who they interviewed, they liked their work, and so on. More importantly, if you guide them, they will show you how to use the technology. Recruiters speak a lot every day, but no one listens to them. Once they have a chance, they will be happy to talk.
Like most people, they want to hear because we are an open society. As designers and developers, we give them the opportunity to talk, but also give us a chance to get a real opinion. This is not just because they use the technology you test, and their environment is suitable.
What you need to do is ask why?
These feedbacks are important for designing great products because you understand the pain points of users and you can solve their problems.
The best idea comes from the draft process.
I’ve seen this usability test: The host asks a series of questions, taking notes, getting valueless feedback easily, and probably not even knowing what to talk about.
I’ve also seen this usability test: The host asks just a few short questions that allow the user to follow a few important points and follow the feedback on the product change.
The best part is having a loose script so you can think from your own perspective. If you learn how to do that, there’s more chance that the test will solve the problem. Here’s the real value, because you can dig deeper into a topic and get what users really think.
You do not need to test concepts with a complete prototype.
I can not remember how many times I have used the semi-finished prototype to test my ideas. Before conducting the test, I will tell the user that this is the idea of testing the test. I will tell them that this is a prototype so some things may not work. Since prototypes are usually highly realistic, users will forget that this is a test.
I send them a link. They will collapse with a single click.
Why does it collapse?
Because this is a prototype, it is not complete. We are trying other ways. So when you click on this link, what do you think should happen? Can you explain it step by step?
In most cases, they describe what to do next. Of course, if you can pinpoint their true thoughts exactly as the user describes each step, that’s cool. Even better, they might give you an idea you’ve never thought of before.
Usability testing does more than just test your current design, it can take advantage of the user’s collective experience to improve it. These ideas not only validate what you are doing now, but are also likely to enter your product line.
Did you learn from the user?
Hurry up.
Ask why.
Listen.
It’s not hard, but you need to stick with it every day, no matter what. What you have learned may be beyond your expectation.
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