Evaluation and implementation of accessible methods to perform remote moderated usability testing on websites
Tiriticco, Roberta (2021)
2021
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021061716208
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021061716208
Tiivistelmä
When developing a website, it is very important to consider the users’ point of view in order to provide a pleasant experience to the users while they are using the platform. Therefore, testing the usability of a website becomes an essential tool to address all the potential problems before launching the product into the market.
Typically, usability tests are carried out in-person but there are many variables that could prevent the researchers from performing the evaluation in a laboratory. Hence, the purpose of this thesis was to present the moderated remote usability test as an alternative to in-person testing.
This thesis presents a literature review of research on the importance of performing a usability evaluation and the necessary steps to follow in order to plan the test. Different types of usability testing are compared and discussed along with some of the most common feedback collection methods.
A description of the initial case study illustrates the proposed methodologies, the cause of the inability to carry out the research and the consequent modification of the action plan towards a remote solution.
The moderated remote usability test was carried out on the Project Gate website owned by theFIRMA, a project learning environment at Turku University of Applied Sciences. The evaluation was performed using a screen-sharing software to allow real-time communication between the participants and the researcher. Users’ feedback was collected using the think-aloud protocol and through a follow-up questionnaire. Positive findings and problems were reported along with recommendations for further development.
In conclusion, the data obtained from running the remote usability test appears to be just as valuable and adequate as the results that could be obtained through a traditional in-person usability test. The successful outcome of the test carried out demonstrates that moderated remote usability tests are effective substitutes for traditional in-person usability tests.
Typically, usability tests are carried out in-person but there are many variables that could prevent the researchers from performing the evaluation in a laboratory. Hence, the purpose of this thesis was to present the moderated remote usability test as an alternative to in-person testing.
This thesis presents a literature review of research on the importance of performing a usability evaluation and the necessary steps to follow in order to plan the test. Different types of usability testing are compared and discussed along with some of the most common feedback collection methods.
A description of the initial case study illustrates the proposed methodologies, the cause of the inability to carry out the research and the consequent modification of the action plan towards a remote solution.
The moderated remote usability test was carried out on the Project Gate website owned by theFIRMA, a project learning environment at Turku University of Applied Sciences. The evaluation was performed using a screen-sharing software to allow real-time communication between the participants and the researcher. Users’ feedback was collected using the think-aloud protocol and through a follow-up questionnaire. Positive findings and problems were reported along with recommendations for further development.
In conclusion, the data obtained from running the remote usability test appears to be just as valuable and adequate as the results that could be obtained through a traditional in-person usability test. The successful outcome of the test carried out demonstrates that moderated remote usability tests are effective substitutes for traditional in-person usability tests.