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You will use a usability testing software called Silverback to perform some usability tests on your site. Before you have someone else sit down in front of your site, decide what type of testing you would like to do.

“Get it” testing - Show them the site and see if they know how it works, it’s purpose, the value proposition, how it is organized, easily navigable.
Key task testing – Ask the user to do something and watch how well they do.

You may find that a combination of the two may yield the best results. Either way, have a few questions prepared for the user to either answer or perform during the session.

The point of testing is not to prove or disprove something. It’s to inform your judgment. What it does provide is valuable input which, when combined with experience, and common sense, will make it easier to make a wise decision about your site. Avoid discussing your site before the test begins. You want to see if the user can use the site from a standing start.

Instructions

• Open the Silverback App and start a new project.
• Name the project with the name of your site.
• After you’ve created a new project, start a new session.
• Enter the test subject’s name and start the session.
• Start the session.
• Export the session as a Quicktime movie.
• Save a review the session with your group members.

Complete user testing on your site with at least two times with two different people. You will turn in to the drop box the following items.

• Exported Quicktime movies (2) of the testing session.
• Documentation of the questions/instructions given to the user and input you received from them. (Text Edit Document)

Put the movies and the written document into a folder named: lastname_testing ex. barnett_testing

After seeing the users reaction to the site it’s time to make those little improvements to the flaws they (hopefully) were able to point out.

Resist the impulse to add things. Instead consider taking something away that was distracting for the user rather than add more stuff to confuse them.

Fix the obvious mistakes with easy solutions right away. Also, focus on the things you can fix with little effort and that are highly visible. Prioritize your tweaks to get the most benefit from the user testing.

Some cool 5 minute upgrades after you’ve completed your testing.

• Increase scannability with meaningful emphasis
• Variety and variation in the title and body fonts
• Header hierarchy
• Using CSS borders for emphasis
• Making your design pop