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In-Depth Information
Preparing Users
So now you've got your room and equipment ready. This section describes how to prepare users for a
usability test of a paper prototype. The goal is to have users feel prepared, comfortable, and in control
of the session. I'm assuming that you are using co-discovery and in-room observers—if not, simply omit
those instructions that do not apply to your situation.
Note All the tables in this chapter are available as Word documents from
www.paperprototyping.com .
During Recruitment
My advice on explaining paper prototyping during user recruitment is "Don't." Paper prototyping is an
inherently visual and kinesthetic activity. Trying to explain it over the phone to a stranger (who probably
knows little or nothing about usability testing) is like using mime to explain life insurance to a 10-year-
old—you're using the wrong medium, and they lack the background. You'll get tongue-tied, the user will
be confused, and you'll get distracted from the primary purpose of the recruitment process, which is to
schedule participants who are suitable and willing.
Instead, gloss over paper prototyping by saying something like, "You'll be working with a prerelease
version of the system." You want the user to understand the goals of the session—to find out where
the interface works well and where it's confusing—but you don't need to describe your technology, or
lack thereof. Here is an example of a paragraph that I gave to a market research firm that was
recruiting participants to test a data security application:
We're looking for participants for a usability study. In this study, you'd be working with a pre-
release version of a web application intended for use by people who are responsible for data
security and web servers. Our goal is to figure out how to make the interface more useful and
user-friendly. We would ask you to perform some tasks with the application while members of the
development team sit in the room, quietly observing and taking notes. We are testing the web
application; we are not testing you! Depending on the session there may or may not be another
participant working with you, and there will be a facilitator sitting next to you to assist you. Does
this sound like something you'd be comfortable doing?
Upon Arrival
Once the users arrive, you want to prepare them for what they'll encounter when they enter the test
room. Your first few minutes with the users sets the tone for the session, so strive to be professional,
relaxed, and friendly. Table 9.1 shows the items you should cover in your introduction and examples of
wording you might use.
Table 9.1: Pretes t Briefing
Topic
Checklist
Example Wording (i.e., Script)
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