Handbook of Usability Testing: How to Plan, Design, and Conduct Effective Tests

A supremely usable nuts-and-bolts guide for beginners… A daily tool of the trade for specialists… Handbook of Usability Testing gives you practical, step-by-step guidelines in plain English. Written by Jeffrey Rubin, it arms beginners with the full complement of proven testing tools and techniques. From software, GUIs, and technical documentation, to medical instruments, VCRs, and exercise bikes, no matter what your product, you’ll learn to design and administer extremely reliable tests to ensure that people find it easy and desirable to use.

• Requires no engineering or human factors training
• A rigorous, step-by-step approach—with an eye to common gaffes and pitfalls—saves you months of trial and error
• Liberally peppered with real-life examples and case histories taken from a wide range of industries
• Packed with extremely usable templates, models, tables, test plans, and other indispensable tools of the trade

 

The Problem of Unusable Products and Systems.

Overview of Usability Testing.

PREPARING FOR USABILITY TESTING.

Setting Up a Testing Environment.

Testing Roles with Special Emphasis on the Test Monitor.

SIX STAGES OF CONDUCTING A TEST.

Developing the Test Plan.

Selecting and Acquiring Participants.

Preparing the Test Materials.

Conducting the Test.

Debriefing the Participant.

Transforming Data Into Findings and Recommendations.

EXPANDING USABILITY.

Establishing a Usability Program: Strategies and Tactics.

Appendix.

References.

Index.