Creating task scenarios.
What is a task scenario?
- A task scenario is an expanded version of the original task adding the needed context to perform the task.
- You use task scenarios to tell the participants what you want them to do.
What makes a good task scenario?
A good task scenario:
-
Is short.
- Time is precious in a test. People read at different rates.
- Is in the user's vocabulary. (No jargon)
-
Is clearly written.
- Give the information a person needs to do the task.
- Be clear about when the task is over.
- Doesn't use steps or instructions.
- Is not too much of a challenge for the allotted test time.
- Is directly linked to one or more goals or concerns.
Transform the tasks into scenarios.
- Convert each task into a scenario. For example the
task:
"Find the admission form."
becomes
"You have decided to apply to UMD as an undergraduate. Find the admission application form."
See an example task transformed into scenario form.
