Analyzing responses on a rating scale can pose a challenge because there is no universal standard in measuring each component. We do not know the variation in severity from “strongly disagree” and “disagree.” There is no standard, measurable or even equal distance between “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.” Read more…
Moderator: Now I would like to understand how you would switch this device on. Begin at the sound of the buzzer. Let me know when you have completed switching it on.
Usability testing is a combination of observing user behavior and gathering explicit quantifiable data from the users. The above scenario tests users on multiple levels.
a) How long it would take the user to switch on the device.
b) Whether the user is successful in this goal.
c) The number attempts taken and the errors performed by the user.
d) It is testing whether the device can be switched on easily.
Recording time and errors is quantitative analysis of user behavior. The machine (or software on the test device) records the time taken and perhaps the errors performed by the user. Testing how “easy” it was to switch the device on is qualitative analysis of user behavior. This is because ease of use is either the user’s or test takers subjective opinion of what has taken place.
Usability testing gathers both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data is gathered by measuring the time taken to complete the task, the error rate while performing a task or the success or failure to complete a task. Read more…
We were conducting preliminary user profiling and segmentation for our clients on a study related to mobile phones. While conducting the research, our user research team got curious about people with earphones(earphone-d people). What ARE people listening to? We decided to have fun with our curiosity and snoop around a little. Read more…
While conducting user research in India, working closely with your local partners. Here are some do’s, don’ts and whys that will help give you a perspective. Read more…
In usability testing, focus group session and contextual enquiry we often spend a lot of time with persons or group of persons. There is a lot of literature on the net on how to conduct usability testing, focus group or contextual enquiry.
What I’ve never come across is how to conduct oneself as an interviewer. What is the message one needs to explicitly and implicitly send off to the interviewee? So I started off on devising a protocol. I put in everything I’ve learned while studying psychological counseling and my experiences in previous research undertakings. So I came up with this:
Sometimes we want to do the right thing to increase our application’s usability but don’t know how and where to begin, what method is appropriate to maximize an optimal outcome.
We’ve heard of many methods from usability testing, focus group, expert review to contextual enquiry but what’s the difference and when do we use it? Contrasted below are two usability evaluation methods that are often used. Read more…
At Kern, we dedicate every Saturday to learning; updating ourselves with the latest developments in the field, refreshing our understanding of known concepts and getting a fresh perspective from colleagues. However, this Saturday was no ordinary day!
A mail was circulated at the beginning of the week informing all not acquainted with the details of setting up equipment, to brace self and dive into the quagmire of wires! We were to conduct a mock focus group session, complete with all the equipment set up, an enquiry questionnaire and all. “Gulp!” We wrapped our brains around the thought and did indeed brace ourselves into setting up the equipment. We decided on Friday being the said day to get our hands dirty! Read more…
