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- defining only these two criteria, and then observing how the user goes ahead on trying to solve the situation (using unobtrusive approach)
- dividing the problem to smaller tasks by giving the user instructions on using the different methods like browsing, searching or using the built-in help system. (this would be more interactive) The reason for the apartment search will be that the user needs more space, but is not in a hurry. Therefore, more emphasis should be placed on the quality of the apartment instead of any specific date. Because of this, there should be task where the user checks details of one aprtment thorougly. This might happen automatically, but if the user is not able to find any apartments, some default case should be given to them. do the following in the order that feels most natural
- Browse through the apartments matching the size criteria (~few rooms, nothing big)
- use search to find the apartment
- use advanced search to find the apartment
- check help on how to find apartments
- merja: Plase write down also the description of why the user would be looking for the appartment, its easier to do the task when it is contextualised into a goal (you can get it from the task1 at least partially because there you described why the user would be using the site), then open the tasks intot he way that you will dewcribe them to user. ususally the task are given to the users verbaly and in written form in a paper.
• What criteria will be used to determine when the users have finished each of the test tasks correctly?
- The criteria for the search have been met. For example, the location and price have been met. The test user doesn't have to really want to move into that apartment.
- Steps a - d have been attempted, and at least some of them should produce the above mentioned results.
• What user aids will be made available to the test users (manuals, online help, etc)?
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- average time from starting to finding a result meeting the criteria either fully or partly
- how many times the user needs to press back button / feels like they've come to a dead end, or otherwise aimlessly scrolls up and down wihtout knowing what to do (better definition and how to calculate this is needed)
- do the seatch or other forms produce errors? does the user need to retype everything or some fields?
If possible, on person should be guiding the test user (when necessary, at least in part 2), and another could be simultaneously writing down observations, on a laptop perhaps. The notes can be taken with anything, as long as it does not disturb the test user.
One possibility could be to create a screencast of the test session. A "think aloud" approach for the test user would suit this approach better.
- MB: here it means also what way will get data on the questions you placed above, i.e., someone of you will take notes? So one of you observes abd taken notes? in notebook or in an another computer ......
- After these cvorrections it is go for you!