Usability testing: theory and practiceDF21700, 2009VT
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Course plan
No of Lectures
12
Recommended for
Doctoral students in computer science or cognitive science, with an
interest in usablity, human-computer interaction, or interaction
design.
The course was last given
Goals
The course aims at providing a solid foundation in collecting,
analyzing and presenting usability metrics, coupled with the issues of
usability test moderating. This can be learnt theoretically to some
extent, but to really master the subject one has to practice. Hence,
the two complementary theoretical and practical parts of the course.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge in human-computer interaction and usability.
Organization
The course consists of two parts, one theoretical and one practical
part. The theoretical part is organised as a set of seminars with
student presentations and discussions around the central issues.
The practical part is organised as a usability testing project, where
each student is carrying out a usability test of a system, under
supervision, and presenting the outcome in a presentation and a
written report. Each student is also supposed to be present as an
observer during another student's usability test, to evaluate
moderation issues and give constructive feedback to the other student.
Contents
Collecting, analyzing, and presenting usability metrics, including for
example:
- Planning a usability study
- Performance metrics
- Issues-based metrics
- Self-reported metrics
- Behavioural and psychological metrics
- Combined and comparative metrics
Usability test moderation, including for example:
- Initial contacts
- Interaction during the session
- Interaction during post-test activities
- Moderator-participant arrangements
- Interaction with diverse populations
...plus some additional advanced issues, e.g. comparing usability
evaluation methods.
Literature
Tom Tullis and Bill Albert, 'Measuring the User Experience:
Collecting, Analyzing and Presenting Usability Metrics', Morgan
Kaufmann, 2008.
Joseph S. Dumas and Beth A. Loring, 'Moderating Usability Tests:
Principles and Practices for Interacting', Morgan Kaufmann, 2008.
...plus a selection of research articles and papers.
Lecturers
Johan Åberg, plus possibly guest lecturers.
Examiner
Johan Åberg
Examination
Successful presentations and active participation in the seminars and
lectures.
Successful usability testing project, presentation and report, and
observation of another student's usability test.
Credit
7.5 ECTS (5p)
Comments
Page responsible: Director of Graduate Studies