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Usability

Guidelines for measuring the user experience

Overview

Overview

There are several questions to consider before deciding upon a usability method to use when evaluating a website or application such as:

  • What data is needed?
  • Who and how will use the data?
  • How much justification/support is needed?
  • How different methods complement each other?
  • What resources are available?

There are also questions that need to be asked when comparing the various methods such as:

  • Who/What is the source of data?
  • What is the setting for evaluation?
  • What is the nature of the task?
  • How obtrusive is the method?

Finally, the researcher must always keep in mind the stages in usability testing which are:

  • Developing the test plan
  • Selection of participants
  • Preparation of test materials
  • Conducting the test
  • Debriefing the participants
  • Transforming the data into findings and recommendations