Best Practices in Web Usability Testing & Prototyping

This 1-day course introduces Web usability standards together with testing and prototyping best practices that will help learners ensure that their sites meet user needs — whether a mature site undergoing a refresh or new one just in the planning stage. Participants will explore the differences between print and the Web, review research into how users interact with Web content, and identify barriers to effective communication. The course provides an overview of information architecture tools and processes, reviews navigation alternatives, and explores content generation techniques. It introduces low-cost ways to prototype with paper, and wraps up with an opportunity to participate in a real-world user testing session. Minimal HTML or web design knowledge is needed.

Relevant for anyone who must prepare or update web content or adapt existing print material for web delivery, as well as for those who must make content decisions.

A large body of research has shown that a thorough understanding of user behaviour and expectations is essential to the success of a web site. This unique one-day offering introduces simple techniques to ensure that participant sites meet current usability standards and foster positive user experiences.

Participants will discover new ways to identify and cluster content, learn how to use low-cost paper prototyping tools, and participate in Nielsen-style user test sessions. Most importantly, they will discover how usability testing helps to ensure that user needs are met and design flaws corrected before a site goes live. Such tests allow an organization to identify top user priorities, capture real-world user data, and set benchmarks for measuring usability.

The session culminates with a case study, using the learners' own web sites (current or upcoming) to allow people to obtain practical feedback from their peers, who act as proxy users. This process assists navigation decisions and highlights potential usability barriers. In the case of non-existent sites, it helps identify and cluster content appropriate to user needs. It also introduces practical strategies for making quick changes on the fly and for aligning management goals with the needs of clients.

 

Upon completing the course, participants will be able to:

• identify key differences between print and Web documents
• identify important user behaviours and summarize research into how users interact with web content
• identify fifteen common mistakes that impede online communication
• describe information architecture tools and processes as they pertain to web design
• employ three techniques for identifying proposed content
• employ two techniques for identifying appropriate linkages
• select the appropriate strategic approach to navigation
• describe how a web usability testing and prototyping session works
• explain the benefits of web usability testing and prototyping
• implement a simple paper-based test to ensure that site content, architecture and navigation aligns with and supports user needs
• implement an electronic test to ensure that site content, architecture and navigation aligns with and supports user needs
• identify appropriate participants for user test sessions
• collect and analyze test results and identify actions necessary to improve site performance

Instructor: Pam Blackstone

 

This course lasts one day. Fees include all course materials and an electronic reading list.

The course uses lectures and discovery learning to teach concepts and to reinforce learning. Working in groups and on their own, and using both paper and electronic tools, learners will complete a series of exercises which culminate in a final mastery practice.

Although the course does not have a formal Level 2 evaluation, participants self-evaluate as they complete the assignments. Upon completion, they should be able to perform to the standards established by Jakob Nielsen and other Web usability experts.

Participants must possess:

• Windows and Internet Explorer proficiency
• basic Microsoft Word skills
• strong file management skills
• keyboarding and mouse proficiency

A high level of technical expertise is not required, although some web design experience and/or basic knowledge of HTML is an asset.

E-mail us for more information...