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The document summarizes rapid user testing conducted on prototypes of the NCSU Libraries navigation menus and search boxes. Over two hours, 32 participants completed short tasks to test the prototypes. Users were recruited in the library lobby and asked to complete 4 out of 15 navigation or 2 search box tasks within 5 minutes each. Facilitators recorded users' menu selections, search terms, and task completion paths to evaluate usability. The rapid testing approach provided more feedback in less time than other methods, though results may be skewed toward users of the physical library space. Areas for further testing were identified.
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- 1. NCSU Libraries Rapid user testing with prototypesTRLN Annual Meeting – July 2010Susan Teague Rector & Angie Ballard1
- 2. What we testedDo users navigate using the expected menu items?Do users pre-select tabs in a tabbed search box before entering search terms?How do users interact with tabbed or non-tabbed search results?2
- 3. MethodologyUsers were recruited in situ in the library lobbyNavigation TestingSearch Box TestingUsers were asked to complete 4 of 15 tasks using a working prototype of navigation menus only.Each task required the user to open a navigation menu and indicate which menu item they would select to look for the specified information.Facilitators recorded up to 4 of each user’s menu selections, in order of selection.3Each participant completed 2 tasks using one of the 2 search models; many participants volunteered to answer more than 2 questions.Facilitators documentedtab the participant initially selectedsearch term(s) usedpath taken to complete the task,whether the participant used the default ‘All’ tab only, silos only or both. A facilitator assessment of task difficulty was recorded for both tests
- 4. Test Setup4Used candy bars as incentives2 laptops with browsers open to prototypeCycled through 15 tasks; 2-4 tasks per user in five minute sessionsD. H. Hill Lobby
- 5. Response RateTotal of 32 participants in 2 hours24 Undergraduates3 Graduates2 Staff1 Visitor2 Library Staff MembersTotal of 28 participants in 4 hours22 Undergraduates3 Graduates2 Library Staff Members1 Non-Traditional StudentNavigation TestingSearch Box Testing5
- 6. Take AwaysRapid testing:Yields more feedback in less time.Best for testing specific features.Tests should last no more than 5 minutes.Saves resources for recruiting, scheduling, logistics, testing, and compensation.Does not save research planning & analysis time.6
- 7. Take AwaysInformal test environment may mean more realistic user interactions with product.Results are somewhat skewed toward users who use the physical space.Should be balanced with results from other types of testing.Helps uncover areas for further testing.7
- 8. Results & full presentation http://news.lib.ncsu.edu/redesign/2010/04/22/usability-testing/8