Usability Testing Essentials: Ready, Set...Test!

by Carol Barnum

Usability Testing Essentials provides readers with the tools and techniques needed to begin usability testing or to advance their knowledge in this area. The book begins by presenting the essentials of usability testing, which include focusing on the user and not the product; knowing when to conduct small or large studies; and thinking of usability as hill climbing. It then reviews testing options and places usability testing into the context of a user-centered design (UCD). It goes on to discuss the planning, preparation, and implementation of a usability test. The remaining chapters cover the analysis and reporting of usability test findings, and the unique aspects of international usability testing. This book will be useful to anyone else involved in the development or support of any type of product, such as software or web developers, engineers, interaction designers, information architects, technical communicators, visual or graphic designers, trainers, user-assistance specialists, and instructional technologists.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Usability, Reference, Research, Psychology

408 pages, Paperback

First published October 22, 2010

Reviews

[Kristen Byers · Rating 3 out of 5]

In terms of being a useful accompaniment to the course I am currently taking, I give the book a 4/5. However, in terms of general usefulness, I think it's closer to a 3/5. Tech books always run the risk of having outdated examples right away and this book (at 9 years old!) is no exception. I did appreciate the various case studies and examples that were included, and the content was very readable overall.

[Rachel Aranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe how easy this book was to understand and learn from. The pages have the perfect size print for me to read so I never got headaches when I read for a long time. The information on the different topics was detailed to where I understood enough to explain to another person. If I wanted to research a topic more there were some mentions of writings or a person to check out. It's so nice to not have to look through so many options to learn more about a topic but rather focus on just one. Honestly I'll probably read this book again because I truly feel that I learned a lot about usability testing and all that goes into it.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for LIBR285

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to follow.

[Emily // Mixed Margins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for school. It's very easy to understand and follow.

[Lee Stoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A step-by-step reference book. Great resource.