Usability Testing

To help you jump start the new year, we’re posting thirty-one technology and business treats, one for each day of January.

Not all websites are created equal. It has nothing to do with money, although good technology, functionality, and user experience are worth paying for. It has nothing to do with design, although good design will enhance the overall experience on the site. It has nothing to do with size, bigger is NOT better.

So what does matter?

1. Who do you want to come to your site?

2. What do you want them to do when they are there?

3. Are those two (#1 and #2 above) things happening?

Most people (because businesses and companies are made up of people) have no idea if those two things are happening. Today we’re going to see what someone does do when they come to your website. It’s called usability testing and we’re going to conduct a simple, scaled-down version. It will still be eye-opening.

Find three people who are willing to do you a favor. It’s amazing what people will do for free, but a Starbucks gift card is a nice touch. People LOVE to give their opinion and you really do want they’re opinions! Three people, but one will suffice for today.

Tell them you want to see how someone uses your website and you’d like to observe them going through your site. The goal is for you to see what others see when they come to your site and what their experience is when they go through it. Ask them to talk out loud about what they’re doing as they’re doing it. Your role is to listen and record your observations (on paper, unless you’ve gone paperless and are using an iPad, for example).

Warning: it is very difficult to just observe. Resist the temptation to talk or offer guidance. After all, the goal is to get a realistic appraisal in order to make adjustments for a better experience for them and desired outcome for you!

We’ll talk about what to do with all of the valuable data about your website you’re collecting tomorrow!

If you’re  wondering about SOPA and PIPA, check out this blog post, Freedom to Innovate.  When I wrote that post in December, it looked like the vote to pass these two pieces of legislation was assured. The power of the internet prevailed, many have spoken up, and contacted their legislators. The fight’s not over, but the conversation has shifted. We all will be impacted IF these pass. Wondering if you really will be impacted? Check out Wikipedia January 18, 2012.