Day 18: Usability Testing using Maze

Similar to days 3, 6, 10, and 15. Today we are taking another look at usability testing using Maze.

Maze is a rapid remote testing platform that empowers anyone to test, learn, and act as fast as possible. Access to users and data has been limited. There is a disconnect between how we create products and learn about our users. We don't want to know too little too late, and decisions are hard to make as insights are buried.

A great product delights users; it answers their needs and empowers them. Creating great products means empathizing and understanding.

Every decision should be informed by data, from idea to launch.

Now we have a brief overview of the importance of Maze in conducting remote usability tests to unlock actionable insights that drive great products. We will briefly discuss user testing facilitation techniques and demonstrate introducing a participant to a physical usability test.

Introducing a Participant to a Usability Test

N/B: Have an intro script to communicate the points stated below

1. The length of a session

2. Breaks, questions, and stops.

3. Urge participants to think out loud.

4. Encourage natural behavior.

5. Remind the participant that the session is being recorded.

6. The facilitator may need to interrupt or ask questions.

User Testing Facilitation Techniques

1. Echo: This helps the participant clarify an incoherent or unclear statement.

2. Boomerang: named after the tool indigenous Australians use for hunting. It is designed to deflect a user's questions. Make sure to use a proper tone to avoid invalidating the results.

3. Columbo: an advanced technique for asking non-partial questions.

Key takeaways

User research is an essential part of the design process. To create a great product, it has to meet the user's needs. How do we identify those needs and back them up with actionable insights and data? User Testing. I am beginning to understand why some products or organizations achieve longevity. Yes, some other factors may come into play, but I believe that with a solid foundation, which is data, everything else will align in due course.

References

• "You need to know Usability Testing (with Maze) on YouTube." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID0fwi2q028

• "Why Maze? Meet rapid testing. - YouTube."

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA7zYbfDC8c

• "Introducing a Participant to a Usability Test: A Demonstration." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcfqmx2hnUQ

• "User Testing Facilitation Techniques: YouTube." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-An4Jfplew