Usability Testing

Before online stores, iPhone apps, online surveys, and any other technological site goes live, it must be tested. These days, the spectrum of users goes from end to end. Along with young adult and middle age individuals using technology, toddlers and elderly people are using it, too. This means that that sites must be versatile and easy to use for all customers.

According to Justin Mifsud of Usability Geek, paper prototyping is one of the most effective methods of creating top-of-the-line sites. Not only do paper prototypes provide insight for the person conducting the test, it also allows the instructor to get an idea of how knowledgeable the tester is, as described in the YouTube video by BlueDuckLabs.

In an article by David Travis, he mentions that many users are reluctant to use paper prototyping because they do not have the artistic ability to draw out their vision for the site. Luckily, there are alternate methods to create a paper prototype. One way is to create the site, but prior to launch, print each page and have it tested.

Another way which I find to be useful is to use www.invisionapp.com, which is an online prototype website. Similar to the paper prototype, this method is completely online. You can configure functions such as hovers or ‘clicks’ over parts of the site, mocking the authentic site soon to be implemented. 

Screenshot of www.invisionapp.com preview configuring functions

Example Usability Test with a Paper Prototype. (2010, September 29).YouTube. Retrieved April 10, 2014, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wQkLthhHKA

Mifsud, J. (n.d.). Paper Prototyping As A Usability Testing Technique - Usability Geek. Usability Geek RSS. Retrieved April 10, 2014, from http://usabilitygeek.com/paper-prototyping-as-a-usability-testing-technique/

Travis, D. (n.d.). 7 myths about paper prototyping. Userfocus. Retrieved April 10, 2014, from http://www.userfocus.co.uk/articles/paper