It’s been a while
Posted by Peter Cavallo on August 11, 2006
All done! Ok, so I left a bit out! Sheesh.
Well, I ran the usability test on the mobile application using a very chunky device that I was told is being used by the customer. All I can say is poor old storeman having to cart around that huge unit all day!
I put the call out for people who wanted to be involved in the Usability test process and had a great response. Well, when you think about it why not when i’m surrounded by techies who love playing with toys and I gave them an opportunity to play with a toy that we created…..sort of.
I spent a day writing tasks for the application. The evaluation methods used were a User Task Analysis: This observation test was conducted from a general user group. The group were given tasks to suit the general user level of experience.
A Post Usability Test Questionnaire: The questionnaire was handed to the users after the usability test and submitted back for analysis. Ten questions in total were asked based on the users experience with the usability of the application thus far, followed by two questions relating to three things they liked and dislike about the application.
The test went quite well, although for anyone who has conducted a usability test really feels that people just go in totally blind when it comes to applications, especially developers. But, overall got some good shots of UI carnage.
The way I liie to show ressults is on a percentage basis. Here’s my severity rating.
0% - 25% - High impact issues which are likely to prevent users from completing tasks and give up.
26% - 50% - Major usability issue, which are likely to cause errors or make it difficult for users to complete tasks.
51% - 75% - Minor inconsistencies or cosmetic problems which are likely to cause user hesitation or confusion when completing tasks. Could be improved.
76% - 100% - Highly Usable; users are likely to be able to complete tasks efficently and effectively. (Don’t see many of these).
This particular mobile app rated at 63.5% overall usability level. Not too bad but still enough UI issues to casue user hesitation performing some tasks.
Some of my UI recommendations included looking at:
Keyboard popup
Labels
Tools Menu
Search Screen Redesign
Navigation
Tab Navigation and Look
Icon Usage
So, pretty ,much the whole application…….hahaha! (wiping his hands with glee).
So, I did a presentation to the team and all was received well…and now. I’m bored. 
