Extremely Rapid Usability Testing

1. Extremely Rapid Usability Testing (ERUT) When you can’t do anything do something… its better than nothing (K. Holtzblatt)

3. What is ERUT • Discount usability method • Evaluation vs discovery method • Mash up of informal HCI methods • Questionnaires • Co discovery • Storyboards • Usability testing • Short time frames • Less than 20 minutes • Provides insights only

4. Goal • Narrow Focus only • Two objectives: • Assess the usefulness of the core functionality of the product • Find major usability problems in that core functionality

5. The Methodology • Recruit participants on the fly • Prescreen questionnaire • Core tasks that reflect the product USP • Run the test • Record results using storyboards • Post test interview

6. Recruit participants • Advantage of ERUT in a trade booth context • Broad brush of users in one place at one time • They are in the booth willingly • A “hallway methodology” attracts them to the booth

7. Prescreen Questionnaire • Short questionnaire that screens for that target audience • Find the users three core tasks • Compare to products USP tasks

8. Define three core tasks • Representative of the core functionality of the product • One task should reflect the heart of the products USP • Tasks need to be motivational • Product should be able to do these tasks

9. Run the test • Run one task only • Ask the participant to choose the task of interest • Co – discovery • If participants know each other than test in pairs • Equally or more important to observe comments • Active Intervention or coaching if single participant

10. Recording results using Storyboards • Use hardcopy screenshots to record the story of where users traveled through the interface to complete the task - Paper is cheaper and does not require the hours of reviewing video tape.

11. Post Test Interview • Clarify and follow up on any remaining questions • Key is to make the questions fit the trade booth atmosphere • Work them into the conversation • Expect not to ask them all

12. Test Artifacts for Analysis • Prescreen Questionnaire • Identifies target audience, core tasks and indicates alignment with products USP • Storyboard screens • Records task, task success, user comments, visual picture of paths taken • Post test survey • optional

13. ERUT Advantages • Narrow focus on Business goals and core functionality produces valuable insights • Rapid gathering of good quality user feedback • Easy access to broad brush of users • Fluid –adaptable to change

14. ERUT Disadvantages • Narrow Focus • Rapid hectic environment • Participants are in a trade show frame of mind and their comments are not reflective of their real world.

15. Summary • Valuable methodology to have in your tool kit when conference or trade show opportunity arises • Insights only • Useful when faced with something is better than nothing