Unit 5

Unit 5 Response

What makes most web design team about web usability is a waste of time because it rarely result in anyone change his/her point of view to figure out what works, what doesn’t rather than what is right or wrong. I totally agree because I experienced this in many group projects. We just said what we like to do for the web without consideration for the end user’s experience. “If we find something that works, we stick to it. Once we find something that works — no matter how badly — we tend not to look for a better way” (Redd Horrocks). We’ll use a better way if we stumble across one, but we seldom look for one. As the result, testing is crucial to figure out what need to be fixed or enhance. Indeed, usability testing is one of the most important parts of designing a web. Steve advises to test often and simply because it will save us a tons of time in the design process. The more testing we do in the early process; the better result it will be at the end. As Steve’s advise: instead of using carefully picked samples, renting cameras or a special room for testing, all that are necessary are a computer, a test subject and a simple camera to record the process of testing. The facilitator asks questions and gives tasks. At the same time the camera records the process and the results can be later seen and analyzed. Krug emphasizes that the results should be reviewed right away and solutions should be offered. Testing should be done once every month. The mornings are the best time – 2-3 user tests in the morning and debrief over lunch.

Links:
1. http://www.usertesting.com/blog/pages/website-user-testing.php?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=usertesting&utm_campaign=usa-campaign&gclid=CLPO3_eS6LECFQJN4AodrTgAtA

2. http://www.blinkux.com/services/usability/?gclid=CP_57YaT6LECFVR7OgodoXQAPw

3. http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20000319.html

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