Planning a formal usability test.

Project: UMD Web Site, http://www.d.umn.edu/
Client: Campus Web Committee (CWC)

Usability testing vs classical experimental research design.

• The basic methodology for usability testing is taken from classical experimental research. However, formal usability testing doesn't follow the rules of classical research.
  • Classical experimental research methodology is designed to prove a hypotheses.
  • Usability testing methodology is designed to obtain information on how to improve a web site.
  • In usability testing you can't maintain perfect control over all factors.
  • Usability testing is more of an art than a science.

Planning a usability test usually involves these activities:

• Defining concerns and goals.
• Selecting and organizing tasks to test.
• Creating task scenarios.
• Deciding how to measure usability.
• Selecting and recruiting participants.
• Establishing a timeline.
• Preparing the test team.
• Preparing other materials for the test.
• Preparing the test environment.
• Running a pilot test.

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