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"There is only one valid way to gather usability data:
observe real users as they use your site to accomplish
real tasks." - Jakob Nielsen,
Voodoo Usability
Is your site usable for your users?
Only an ongoing program of user tests will tell you.
Five Basic Steps
- Identify Several User Tasks
Tasks often involve a procedure the user must follow
to reach some goal and cause something to happen. Examples
might be viewing a document, finding out the date and
location of an event, or making an online purchase.
- Observe Users Doing The Tasks On Your Site
Do not just talk about your Web site, watch people actually
try to use it. Keep you mouth shut. Let them tell you what
they are trying to do and what difficulties they are
encountering. Take lots of notes and use video cameras and audio
tape recorders.
- Understand The User's Experience Trying To Do The Task
Review your notes and tapes to gain insights into how well
your site is working for the user.
- Identify Design Aspects That Are Creating Problems
By relating the user's experience to the design, you will
be able to identify were the problems are. Make changes
to improve the usability of your site.
- Do More Tests
Test early, test often, and test using a variety of methods.
Give prompt, relevant feedback to designers as they try out
new ideas.
Recommended Resources
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