Preparing to conduct usability testing

Preparation for usability testing includes:

• Recruiting participants based on the user profile
• Creating pre-test questionnaire(s) to get information about the participants (optional)
  1. Name, phone number, email, position
  2. Computer experiences
  3. Experiences and interests related to the function of the product
  4. Example of a pre-test survey
• Creating a consent/release form
  1. Consent form: Obtain permission from the participant to be tested.  Also, secure permission for videotaping or audiotaping, if applicable.
  2. Nondisclosure agreement: Obtain agreement that the participant keeps secret the information learned about a product, if applicable.
• Conducting the walkthrough: test-run the usability testing process with easily recruitable users (e.g., colleagues, friend, or family)
  • Test the equipment
  • Test the task scenarios (time required to perform the tasks, clarity, user comprehension, etc.)
  • Test the pre-test survey (clarity, user comprehension, etc.)
  • Practice the process thoroughly