This infographic by Above the Fold Designs brings up several important questions, which relate to the decision of which test to use – an A/B Split test, or a Usability test. The A/B Split test usually fits those who are interested in call-to-action causes, in which layout generates more sales, etc. The usability test asks…
Great Infographic: 6 Key Steps to Successful Remote User Testing
Identifying issues with your product as a designer can be a daunting task. Usability tests exist to gain valuable feedback from end-users. Understanding how to create a solid usability test can be challenging. This infographic by User Zoom outlines 6 key steps to designing great usability tests for remote users. One major point that is…
5 Steps to Effective Usability
* This article is part of a White Paper called “HOW TO MAKE YOUR ONLINE SOFTWARE INSTANTLY USABLE & EFFECTIVE.” Refine your site or software to improve its usability by simple tactics that can dramatically increase the effectiveness of your software. Consider the following simple methods of improving your software’s usability: 1. Concise…
Interesting Usability Tools You Must Know About
* This article is part of a White Paper called “HOW TO MAKE YOUR ONLINE SOFTWARE INSTANTLY USABLE & EFFECTIVE.” Testing your product’s usability can be done using a variety of easily accessible tools and programs specifically designed to assist experts in improving their software. The following examples detail a selection of resources currently…
Great Video: Making a Car for Blind Drivers
Most of us would consider it practically impossible for the blind to safely drive cars, but Dennis Hong doesn’t seem to think so. In this video, he discusses his work on creating a car for the non-sighted. One of the greatest challenges Hong faced in designing a car for the blind was adapting existing technology…
Great Video: Usability Testing 3PO
This video is an example of an un-moderated usability test of a physical device. Un-moderated usability tests are excellent for determining how users interact with your product in the absence of guidance. The following participants are given the task of using a perforating machine. By observing the participants’ actions, you can determine where the points…
The User Interface Design Basics You Need To Know
User interface design is much more than assembling your user interface in order. It focuses on anticipating what actions users might need to perform and ensuring that the interface has elements that are easy to access, understand, and use to facilitate those actions. It can add value, simplify, illuminate, clarify, dignify, modify, and dramatize your…
Formative Evaluation – Best Practices
Formative evaluation, which is also referred to as formative assessment is a type of usability evaluation which assists in forming the design of a product or service when developing. The main aim of formative evaluation is to eliminate usability problems. Formative assessment is essential for trying to understand the reasons why a program works…
Great Usability Video: Rocket Surgery Made Easy by Steve Krug
There are many different ways to approach usability testing for websites. The following video is a great example of a moderated, in-person test. The key to this method is that it allows you to create a local recording and provide guidance to the user when necessary. This video by Steve Krug shows a detailed…