Alumnapp Usability Test

Main Tasks

• As a first time user, create an account then login

All three users performed the task easily, two of them read all instructions carefully before signing up. One of the users couldn't figure out that it's not a real app in which one could type in all the fields, instead it autofilled when clicked on the keypad (limitation of the tool).

• After creating the account, send your information for the yearbook

All the users picked the right option to fill the form without spending a lot of time on the dashboard. After selecting a relevant category, all users filled the forms easily as they found the process pretty straight forward. One the users saved all the forms before moving to the next step. One of the users found the samples to write the short story very useful. All the users previewed their information before submission.

• Look for the events and select the one that you would like to attend 

Two of the users picked ‘Notifications’ immediately however, one of them went to ‘Help’ to go through any FAQs related to notifications then went to notifications to view new messages. One of the users got confused with the word ‘Read’ and considered it to be in present tense which he later suggested to rephrase it to ‘Inbox’.

Summary

To validate the design, I carried out a usability test with three users. It was exciting to see all three of them could easily use the app without any problem. The only confusion that was caused was due to using a prototype tool for the first time instead of an actual app which they could easily figured out as they progressed.

Overall the feedback was positive, the only change that was suggested was to rephrase the word ‘Read’ to something else as it was a little confusing. The suggested change was later implemented.    

Interview Script

Hi ___________, my name is Faiz and I’ll be running this session with you today.

Before we begin, there’s some information that I’d like to share with you, to make sure that I cover everything.

I have been working on a prototype of a mobile app for Isra University Alumni Association to streamline the process of gathering data for the annual yearbook. The goal of the project is to provide the user an easy and efficient way of sending his/her information without any hassle. The user will also receive latest updates about the events/activities to stay informed. For this purpose I need to test the app to see whether it works as intended. The session should take about 45 minutes.

As I said I will be testing the app not you, so you don’t have to worry about making mistakes. While performing the tasks, I will request you to please think out loud: to say what you are looking at, what you are trying to do and what you are thinking. This will help me improve the design, so I need to hear your honest reaction.

I will be recording an audio of this session, if it’s ok with you. The reason for the recording is to help me go through it later to make sure I haven’t missed anything.

I have a couple of tasks for you and I would like you to read each one out loud.          

• Imagine the Alumni Association has contacted you to send your information to be published in their upcoming yearbook through their mobile app. To do so, you’ll have to create an account, go ahead and create one then log in.

• Now that you are logged in, you want to send your information for the yearbook. Fill in your information and submit the form.

Tell me how you feel about the task you just completed?

• Suppose you want to know what’s happening on campus or get updates regarding any events/activities, you can get that from this app. Go ahead and select an event that you would like to attend.

• Share the event that you will be attending with your friends on your Facebook page.

Tell me how you feel about the task you just completed?

Do you have any questions for me?

Thank you for your time, it’s been a great help.