In this tutorial I have been asked to select a device, choose a task for said device and look at how I would measure the success or failure of a user interacting with the device.
Ipod Nano 4th Generation
Task = Set the date and time on the Ipod.
1. Turn on Ipod
2. Find Date & Time
3. Alter Date & Time
Attribute: Altering Existing Settings
Measuring Concept: Number of steps taken to complete task
Measuring Method: Number of actions
Now Level: 6+
Worst Case: More than 6
Planned Level: 6
Best Case: 6
The metrics that I would make use of in a user study to measure the attribute in relation to the Ipod Nano are:
· Time to complete task – This will look at how much time each user needs to complete the task.
· Number of errors made – This records how many mistakes a user makes, which will show whether or not the path required to complete the task is crystal clear.
· Number of successes and failures – This will tel the tester how many people completed the task set and how many failed to do so.
· Likes and dislikes expressed by the user concerning the product – This will let the tester know if anything should be included or excluded from the final product/next gen product.
These metrics look at how easy or difficult a product is to use but more specifically how easy it is to navigate through the interface. This shows what the problems are, what causes those problems and what can be done to rectify them.
