Practical Usability Testing

Progressive testing of Web sites and software applications is a critical component of creating a user-centered design. This course provides practical techniques to help move the web and application design into compliance with the user's needs, limitations, mental models and cognitive styles. Rich functionality is worth little if the user can't access it. This course provides usability practitioners with quick and practical tools to accurately predict how users will experience their applications.

(contributes to HFI's Certified Usability Analyst certification)

Objective

Learn practical usability testing techniques – ranging from simple paper prototype tests to cutting edge remote testing – for the entire interface design life cycle.

Course length

Two days: 9:00 to 4:30 each day, 1 hour lunch break

Course content

• Survey the scope of usability issues
• Know the four factors that drive your testing strategy
• Know the appropriate test and when to use it
• Learn tests that uncover problems with content organization, task flow, and brand strategy
• Conduct performance-based tests using paper and functioning prototypes
• Review advanced prototype testing that adds precision to your performance measures
• Design and conduct a remote test
• Learn to analyze Web traffic logs
• Review a 10-point checklist of the critical components of a successful usability test plan

Training package includes

• A comprehensive student manual
• A student exercise book
• A summary study guide
• Usability glossary
• Usability resources
• Quick reference guides
• A ten-point usability test checklist
• The instructor's wealth of a wealth of knowledge and experience in software usability engineering

Who should attend

Usability practitioners, Web site/intranet developers, application developers, interface designers, project managers

Prerequisites

None

Sample reference guides (click for larger view)