Biased testing and micro-coaching

[Devin Asay]

Jonathan,

Here’s a link to my lesson outline when I teach my students about conducting user evaluations of software. It’s still a bit sparse and needs to be fleshed out, but I include some links to a couple of really good articles on evaluation techniques, including one by our very own Jacque Gay.

http://livecode.byu.edu/userevals/UserEvals.php

Devin

On Jul 7, 2017, at 8:29 AM, prothero--- via use-livecode <use-livecode at lists.runrev.com<mailto:use-livecode at lists.runrev.com>> wrote:

Jonathon,
I feel your pain. In my case, I was initiated by my students and very quickly learned how to ask the questions a newbie would ask. I also paid small amounts to graduate students to get their feedback.

One of my very effective testers is my grandson, my wife, any of my colleagues who might be enticed to use the app. Looking over the shoulder while these folks use the app can be very illuminating.

In summary:
1. Ask friends and relatives first.
2. Perhaps there would be volunteers from the live ode users group.
3. Hire high school students who might have a tech interest. Look over their shoulders as they use the app and dialog to themselves. Actually watching users is invaluable.

Good luck,
Bill P


William Prothero
http://es.earthednet.org

On Jul 7, 2017, at 4:57 AM, Jonathan Lynch via use-livecode <use-livecode at lists.runrev.com> wrote:

I think my experience of the last two days has taught me something - I have been micro-coaching my friends when they try my app.

Just the littlest input, like saying "oh, just press the button again to submit" comes so easily and, apparently mucks up testing entirely.

While the harm will be minimal in this case, I can see where it could be disastrous for a large company.

What steps do you guys follow for accurate testing when you don't have a budget for proper official testing procedures?

Sent from my iPhone
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Devin Asay
Director
Office of Digital Humanities
Brigham Young University