HISU Phase 3 - Week 7

These instructions assume that HISU phase 3 is started.

weekly planning 9-15 May

This week is devoted to the following areas ...

• Design loop
• Test and Test

Design loop

The purpose of the design loop method introduced in Literature Studies 1 is to give good results to current design challenges. Through well defined problems, the scope of creep is avoided that can lead to missing the target.

The literature describes methods for projects but not so much about design work. The design parts are very similar about project methods but the difference is that the artifact is in focus, not the method.

Test

A test can occur at least in two forms.

• Lab - eg through eye movement study
• Natural - in the user's natural environment

The outcome of these different forms can be of importance. For example, if a person is in a lab feels investigated, tested, studied, it can adversely affect the result. On the positive side, the experiment or test can be repeated with equal conditions.

If a test or testing takes place in the user's natural mite, it probably gives more accurate readings. It can also show users needs in the context.

Easier tests can also be performed. The simplest is to ask someone outside the group about some detail or whole, impression or function.

Examples of what can be tested ...

• information structure
• are headings for text pieces transparent
• Understand what to do on the site (get it)
• navigation and labels
• look & feel
• effectiveness
• understanding what is offered
• sender clearly
• design, Design
• legibility
• reading
• texts
• details
• ... and much more

Two tests are usually distinguished

• quantitative - when you get statistical measurement data as the sample example) it took 15 seconds to find or perform a certain task
• qualitative - When interviewing open questions that need to be interpreted, for example: - Can you tell me how you experience ...

Other Methods

A wide variety of methods are available in site trials. Here I mention some that you should know in this course...

• Card Cards - Tests Structures on Information Content
• Interview - Tests That Provide Qualitative Results
• Task-based Tests - Tests showing if and how fast one could accomplish a given task
• Look & Feel - Trial to determine what feelings and impressions one gets from a given design element or entire web page

Group Tasks

• Plan and conduct at least one test
• Report this to the report